Forest structure matters more than topography in shaping plant diversity in Southern Apennine old-growth forests
A study in Pollino National Park shows that large trees, complex canopies and deadwood diversity play a major role in shaping vascular plant communities, highlighting the ecological value of one of Italy's most remarkable old-growth forest landscapes.
A study in Pollino National Park reveals that forest structure, including large trees, complex canopies and deadwood diversity, plays a more significant role in shaping plant diversity than topography in old-growth forests of the Southern Apennines. This research, published in Ecology and Evolution, highlights the ecological value of these rare and valuable Mediterranean mountain ecosystems, which store carbon and maintain complex ecological processes.
Over 142 subplots were surveyed across eight sites representing different forest types, with measurements of forest structure, topography, and vascular plant composition integrated. Forest structure, quantified through a Structural Heterogeneity Index, accounted for 23.5% of vascular plant composition variation, while topography explained 12.8%.
The study emphasizes that protecting old-growth forests requires considering the identity of the plants they support and the ecological continuity they provide, not just the number of species.
Written by urgent.news from Phys.org's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
