Dominated taxonomic and phylogenetic turnover but functional nestedness
of wetland bird beta diversity in North China
Abstract
Decomposition of taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional beta diversity
into their turnover and nestedness component could provide novel insight
for biodiversity conservation, e.g., provide implications for the Single
Large Or Several Small reserves debate (SLOSS debate). This study
applied this beta diversity decomposition in wetland bird communities in
North China, aiming to propose scientific and comprehensive suggestions
for bird diversity conservation in this region. Paired t test was used
to compare the differences between taxonomic, phylogenetic, functional
turnover and their nestedness component. In addition, spearman
correlation analysis was used to assess the associations between each
explanatory variable and each beta diversity index. The results showed
that taxonomic and phylogenetic beta diversity among wetland bird
communities in North China was dominated by turnover, while functional
beta diversity was dominated by nestedness. Importantly, the
phylogenetic and functional results showed similar patterns even after
control the effects of taxonomic beta diversity. In addition, the
taxonomic and phylogenetic turnover was more associated with both
climate variables and spatial distances than other component. The
contrasting patterns between taxonomic, phylogenetic decomposition and
functional decomposition of wetland bird communities in North China
indicate that distinctive conservation strategies should be considered
for different biodiversity dimensions. Specifically, the conservation of
taxonomic and phylogenetic bird diversity in this region should focus on
multiple wetlands, while the conservation of bird functional diversity
should focus on single wetland with high functional diversity.