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<p>Aquatic plants play a crucial role in wetlands, and understanding distribution patterns and species composition can be valuable for several purposes. Here, we assessed aquatic plants distribution along a flooding gradient in the transition region between terrestrial and aquatic environments within a wetland complex. We investigated the presence of distinct zones in terms of species richness, composition (beta diversity) and life forms. We established transects along the shoreline and defined three zones along each transect: the occasionally flooded zone (zone&#xa0;1), the water–land interface zone (zone&#xa0;2), and the water body zone (zone&#xa0;3). Clear zonation patterns were identified due to occurrences restricted to portions of the gradient and variations in the cover of species and life forms. The gradient displayed high beta diversity, with zones&#xa0;1 and&#xa0;3 differing significantly in species composition. Turnover explained the observed variation, associated with environmental filtering and interspecific interactions. There was no significant decrease in richness with increasing water depth. Amphibious plants dominated along the gradient. Our study highlights that the life forms inhabiting wetlands, particularly in the transitional aquatic-terrestrial region, represent an adaptive continuum ranging from plants that tolerate temporary submergence to those strictly limited to the aquatic environment. We propose a framework for classifying these plants. Understanding species distribution patterns is crucial for delineating wetland boundaries and gaining valuable insights into wetland conservation and restoration, particularly in light of escalating threats and the impacts of climate change.</p>

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Zonation of aquatic plant communities along a flooding gradient in subtropical wetlands

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年3月12日

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  • Francieli Peter da Silveira,
  • Filipe Ferreira da Silveira,
  • Ana Boeira Porto,
  • Daniel Dutra Saraiva,
  • Gerhard Ernst Overbeck,
  • Maria Cecília de Chiara Moço

摘要

Aquatic plants play a crucial role in wetlands, and understanding distribution patterns and species composition can be valuable for several purposes. Here, we assessed aquatic plants distribution along a flooding gradient in the transition region between terrestrial and aquatic environments within a wetland complex. We investigated the presence of distinct zones in terms of species richness, composition (beta diversity) and life forms. We established transects along the shoreline and defined three zones along each transect: the occasionally flooded zone (zone 1), the water–land interface zone (zone 2), and the water body zone (zone 3). Clear zonation patterns were identified due to occurrences restricted to portions of the gradient and variations in the cover of species and life forms. The gradient displayed high beta diversity, with zones 1 and 3 differing significantly in species composition. Turnover explained the observed variation, associated with environmental filtering and interspecific interactions. There was no significant decrease in richness with increasing water depth. Amphibious plants dominated along the gradient. Our study highlights that the life forms inhabiting wetlands, particularly in the transitional aquatic-terrestrial region, represent an adaptive continuum ranging from plants that tolerate temporary submergence to those strictly limited to the aquatic environment. We propose a framework for classifying these plants. Understanding species distribution patterns is crucial for delineating wetland boundaries and gaining valuable insights into wetland conservation and restoration, particularly in light of escalating threats and the impacts of climate change.