Global Patterns of Tree Species Richness in Moist Forests: Energy-Diversity Theory Does Not Account for Variation in Species Richness
Latham RE and Ricklefs RE. 1993. Global Patterns of Tree Species Richness in Moist Forests: Energy-Diversity Theory Does Not Account for Variation in Species Richness. Oikos. 67(2):325-333
ABSTRACT: Energy-diversity theory has gained currency as an explanation for global patterns of species richness. We examine the suggestion of Currie and Paquin (1987; Nature 329: 326-327) that variation in evapotranspiration - a function of moisture availability and temperature that is directly related to plant production - predicts tree species richness in global comparisons. We present contrary evidence: the number of tree species on 26 large (17-7 401 kM2) areas of moist temperate forest show continental differences unrelated to geographical patterns in evapotranspiration. Tree species richness of 128 samples of ca 1 ha within moist-forest biomes of the world reveal patterns of variation among continents, and with latitude, that likewise cannot be attributed to geographical patterns in evapotranspiration. We suggest an alternative, scale-dependent interpretation of the relationship between evapotranspiration and tree species richness inferred by Currie and Paquin and others from regional samples. We propose historical explanations for the dissimilarity of tree species richness among similar biomes on different continents, and for the pervasive decrease in species richness with distance from the equator.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Latham, Roger; Ricklefs, Robert
- Units
- BITH , CONG , GRSM , MORA , REDW
- Keywords
- APHN, Appalachian Highlands Network, ecology, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, GRSM, moist forests, SER, Southeast Region, species richness, trees