Chinese researchers have recently advanced our understanding of the spatial distribution and driving factors behind extinction risks in angiosperms, a diverse group of plants that play a crucial role in ecosystems worldwide.
Angiosperms, which include everything from grasses and shrubs to towering trees, are characterized by their enclosed seeds within fruits, a unique double fertilization process, and a wide array of floral structures. This diversity makes them a vital component of global biodiversity.
The study, conducted by the Institute of Botany under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, revealed that extinction risks for angiosperms in China are not uniformly distributed. Instead, these risks are significantly clustered, with southern China facing a more severe endangered status compared to the northern regions.
Through comprehensive analysis, researchers discovered that the primary factor affecting extinction risks is vegetation structure, followed by climate and evolutionary factors. This insight is pivotal for developing targeted conservation strategies.
\"China's complex terrain and diverse climate make it one of the most biodiverse countries in the world,\" said Zhao Lina, an engineer at the institute. \"Conducting large-scale comprehensive studies on the extinction risks of species in China is of great significance for accurately predicting trends in biodiversity changes and scientifically formulating targeted conservation strategies,\" she added.
The team constructed a tree of life for 27,185 angiosperm species in China by utilizing 2.02 million county-level distribution data. This extensive dataset allowed them to study the spatial distribution characteristics and regional differences in extinction risks effectively.
By integrating aspects such as evolution, climate, vegetation structure, topography, and human impact, the researchers developed three sets of 12 models tailored to different spatial scales. This approach enabled a thorough analysis of the drivers behind extinction risks.
Findings highlighted that on a regional scale, climatic factors are the primary drivers of extinction risks in southern China, vegetation structural factors dominate in the west, and evolutionary factors take the lead in the north.
The study underscores the complexity and urgency of biodiversity conservation, offering significant scientific value for predicting trends in biodiversity loss and formulating targeted conservation measures. These findings were published in the journal Nature Communications.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
