The effect of photosynthetic parameters on species acclimation in an arid mountainous region of China

Authors : Tianyu GUAN, Jihua ZHOU, Xiaolong ZHANG, Nannan GAO, Hui DU, Wentao CAI, Lianhe JIANG, Liming LAI, Yuanrun ZHENG

Pages : 423-439

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Publication Date : 0000-00-00

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Understanding the mechanisms of how environmental factors limit species distribution along environmental gradients is a central question in ecology. This study aimed to understand species acclimation in view of photosynthetic parameters in an arid mountainous region. We measured some photosynthetic parameters and light and CO 2 photosynthesis response curves for all plant communities with seven dominant species in 13 sites along an elevation gradient in the Qilian Mountains in arid northwestern China. The results showed that species in xerothermic environments had low maximum rate of carboxylation insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Vcmax); insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(14.5 μmol m -2 s -1 ); and maximum rate of electron transport insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Jmax); insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(22.7 μmol m -2 s -1 );, high light compensation points insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(60.0 μmol m -2 s -1 ); and light saturation points insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(1150.7 μmol m -2 s -1 );, high dark respiration rates insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(5.3 μmol m -2 s -1 );, and high maximum photosynthetic rates insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Amax); insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(18.1 μmol m -2 s -1 ); compared with species in mesic environments. Photosynthesis parameters did not vary with temperature, precipitation, and altitude in different communities dominated by the same species, Picea crassifolia. However, some photosynthesis parameters varied with temperature, precipitation, and altitude in communities dominated by species other than spruce at different elevations. Selected photosynthesis parameters could be used to measure species adaptation to environmental gradients in arid mountain regions.
Keywords : Ecological adaptability, leaf photosynthesis, multivariate environmental index, mountain environment, arid area