Altitudinal Gradients of Lichen Species Richness in Tibet, China

doi:10.3724/SP.J.1143.2012.11159

Abstract

Abstract:

Altitudinal gradients of lichen species richness in Tibet, China were investigated based on taxonomic and floral literatures. Two hundred and sixtyseven lichen taxa were classified into six groups based on their growthforms or substrates. The species richness of all groups varied according to altitudinal gradient in a unimodal way. The ma
ximum species richness of most lichen groups were detected between 3400-3900m, corresponding to the upper part of montane boreal coniferous forest, and the extreme height of the occurrence of theses lichen groups in Tibet is hig
her than that in Nepal. This was probably due to the complex ecosystems in this vegetation zone. The species richness of crustose lichens reached its peak at 5100-5400m, which may be attributed to the disappearance of trees and ample sunlight. However, comparisons showed that the species diversity in Tibet was much lower than that in Nepal. This suggests poor understandings of lichen diversity in the area, and further investigations are need.

Key words: Species richness, Altitudinal, Tibet, Unimodal

CLC Number:

Q 948

HUANG Man-Rong-, GUO Wei. Altitudinal Gradients of Lichen Species Richness in Tibet, China[J]. Plant Diversity, 2012, 34(2): 192-198.

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