Changes in the Diversity of Herbaceous Layer Under Typical Artificial Forests Along an Altitude Gradient in Mount Taishan

Research on Mount Taishan reveals distinct patterns of herb layer diversity along elevation gradients, differing significantly between Robinia pseudoacacia and Quercus acutissima forests. In R. pseudoacacia forests, higher richness and diversity indices are observed at low elevations, reflecting a 'low-elevation advantage' pattern, while Q. acutissima forests show increased diversity at high elevations. The study also identifies contrasting relationships between herb layer richness and biomass: negative in R. pseudoacacia forests, where competitive interactions dominate, and positive in Q. acutissima forests, characterized by complementary interactions. These findings underscore the pivotal role of tree species composition in regulating biodiversity-ecosystem function dynamics.

Yuan, Y., Liu, Y., Fan, Y., Zhao, H., Dong, J., & Luo, Y. (2026). Changes in the Diversity of Herbaceous Layer Under Typical Artificial Forests Along an Altitude Gradient in Mount Taishan. Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, 11(1), 12–18. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.eeb.20261101.12