Pattern of Plant Species Diversity of Quercus aquifolioides Community in Southeast Tibet, China
The special topographic and climate conditions of Himalaya-Hengduan Mountains gestate a rich forest resource, and plant and animal diversity in southeast Tibet. Through plot investigation, the species diversity and spatial distribution of Quercus aquifolioides community in southeast Tibet were studied using diversity index and detrended canonical correspondence analysis ( DCCA) combining with specific association, interspecific covariation and systematic cluster analysis. The results indicated that: ( 1 ) The species richness decreased with the raise of altitude, but a certain degree of human disturbance (i. e. moderate disturbance) , higher canopy density and lower canopy layer usually increased the species diversity. In addition, the pattern of species diversity was influenced by the microclimate of dry valley. (2)The species diversities of different layers in the community appeared as herb layer > shrub layer > tree layer. (3 ) Theoretically, the higher ratios of positive and negative association implied the more stable community structure, and the ecological habits and distributional differences among species of Q. aquifolioides community formed different interspecific relationship. Moreover, the distribution of species was mainly affected by altitudinal gradient and annual precipitation. (4) According to the outcomes of DCCA, specific association, interspecific cova-riatieo and systematic cluster analysis, the main populations of Q. aquifolioides community could be divided into four ecological species groups, it helps to understanding the local community structure and plant ecological habits, and further studying on the community succession, conservation and utilization.