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Chinese Agricultural Science Bulletin ›› 2014, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (29): 149-154.doi: 10.11924/j.issn.1000-6850.2014-1672

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The Classification of Plant Functional Types Based on Shrub Species in the Habitat of Rocky Desertification in Karst Mountain Region

  

  • Received:2014-06-13 Revised:2014-06-13 Accepted:2014-09-05 Online:2014-10-31 Published:2014-10-31

Abstract: The composition change of plant functional groups is widely considered as an effective approach to study the structure and functions of complicated ecosystems. It is also one of the main indicators with which ecosystems respond to environmental changes. Therefore, studying changes of plant functional groups in karst mountainous ecosystems can help scientists to understand vegetation recovery process and laws. By studying the functional groups in different degree of rocky desertification ecosystems, the authors classified the shrub layer in karst ecosystems into seven functional groups based on geographical environment characteristics and the functional relations of different plants. The study helps understanding the structure and function of plant functional groups in karst ecosystems, and provides empirical data for the restoration of the ecosystem.