| Literature DB >> 34950156 |
Ying Li1, Congcong Liu1, Li Xu1, Mingxu Li1, Jiahui Zhang1, Nianpeng He1,2,3.
Abstract
The interdependence of multiple traits allows plants to perform multiple functions. Acquiring an accurate representation of the interdependence of plant traits could advance our understanding of the adaptative strategies of plants. However, few studies focus on complex relationships among multiple traits. Here, we proposed use of leaf trait networks (LTNs) to capture the complex relationships among traits, allowing us to visualize all relationships and quantify how they differ through network parameters. We established LTNs using six leaf economic traits. It showed that significant differences in LTNs of different life forms and growth forms. The trait relationships of broad-leaved trees were tighter than conifers; thus, broad-leaved trees could be more efficient than conifers. The trait relationships of shrubs were tighter than trees because shrubs require multiple traits to co-operate efficiently to perform multiple functions for thriving in limited resources. Furthermore, leaf nitrogen concentration and life span had the highest centrality in LTNs; consequently, the environmental selection of these two traits might impact the whole phenotype. In conclusion, LTNs are useful tools for identifying key traits and quantifying the interdependence of multiple traits.Entities:
Keywords: adaptation; functional trait; leaf ecnomic traits; leaf trait network; network analysis
Year: 2021 PMID: 34950156 PMCID: PMC8688851 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.710530
Source DB: PubMed Journal: Front Plant Sci ISSN: 1664-462X Impact factor: 5.753
FIGURE 1Theoretical basi s and method used to calculate leaf trait networks (LTNs). Multiple leaf traits jointly interact with each other to adapt to the environment or to optimize leaf functions. Integrative LTNs could help capture highly complex relationships among different traits and explore the underlying strategies of plants (A,B). Considering that plants can adjust their relationships through strength and distance, actual LTNs are shown in panel (C). LTNs can be represented as a set of nodes (circles) connected by edges (lines) (D).
Key parameters of leaf trait networks (LTNs).
| Parameters | Definition | Ecological significance | |
| Overall parameters | Edge density ( | A network with higher | |
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| Diameter ( | Higher | ||
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| Average path length ( | Higher | ||
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| Individual parameters | Degree ( | Traits with higher | |
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| Closeness ( | Traits with higher | ||
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| Betweenness ( | Traits with higher B values could serve as a broker in the network | ||
FIGURE 2Leaf traits networks (LTNs) for six leaf traits based on global data. Red and blue edges show negative and positive correlations, respectively. The correlation strength among traits is shown by line thickness. The node size is shown as degree. Data on leaf traits were derived from the report by Wright et al. (2004).
FIGURE 3Variation in degree (A), closeness (B), betweenness (C) for different leaf trait networks (LTNs) on mass-based and area-based leaf traits. Different letters indicated the significant difference (P < 0.05). Error bars were represented standard error (SE).
FIGURE 4Differences of leaf traits networks (LTNs) in different plant growth forms (A) and plant life forms (B) based on global data. Red and blue edges show negative and positive correlations, respectively. The correlation strength among traits is shown by line thickness. The node size is shown as degree.
FIGURE 5Variation in the overall parameters of leaf trait networks (LTNs) among different plant growth forms (A–C) and plant life forms (D–F). Different letters show a significant difference between two networks (P < 0.05). Error bars represent standard error (SE).