Spatial patterns and determinants of Moraceae richness in China

Abstract Understanding large-scale patterns of biodiversity and their drivers remains central in ecology. Many hypotheses have been proposed, including hydrothermal dynamic hypothesis, tropical niche conservatism Janzen’s hypothesis a combination model containing energy, water, seasonality habitat heterogeneity. Yet, relative contributions to groups with different lifeforms range sizes remain controversial, which limited our ability understand the general mechanisms underlying species richness patterns. Here we evaluated how influenced these three family Moraceae. The distribution data Moraceae at spatial resolution 50 km × (i.e. shrubs, small trees large trees) were compiled. estimated for entire family, life forms separately. effects environmental variables on analyzed, across size groups. consistent was highest Sichuan, Guangzhou Hainan provinces, making provinces hotspots this family. Climate is primary factor determining variation best gave largest explanatory power each group followed by hypothesis. All models has shared but low independent effect (< 5%), except rare species. These findings suggest unique provide theoretical basis protection China.