Research
| Title： | Depth-mediated interspecific interaction drives contrasting patterns of community biomass and diversity of aquatic macrophytes in a large plateau lake |
|---|---|
| First author： | Shi, Lei; Zhu, Qingshuai; Yin, Jinfeng; Wen, Zihao; Chou, Qingchuan; Zhang, Xiaolin; Yuan, Guixiang; Fu, Hui; Cao, Te |
| Journal： | ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS |
| Years： | 2025 |
| DOI： | 10.1016/j.ecolind.2025.114075 |
| Abstract： | Aquatic macrophytes are fundamental structural components in freshwater ecosystems. Understanding the distribution pattern of macrophyte communities is crucial for the management and restoration of freshwater ecosystems. In this study, the community composition, biomass, as well as interspecific interactions of macrophytes were investigated across a finely-divided depth gradient from 0.5 m to 5.5 m with 0.5 m intervals in a large plateau lake. Results revealed that biomass and alpha-diversity of macrophyte community followed hump-shaped patterns peaking at intermediate depths, while beta-diversity exhibited a U-shaped pattern with minimal turnover at 2.95 m. Niche overlap increased with increasing depth, indicating heightened spatial co-occurrence under low-light conditions. Interspecific associations shifted from facilitation under high filtering pressure (shallow disturbed and deep light-limited zones) to competition at optimal depths (2.0-3.0 m), where resource competition intensified despite high productivity and diversity. Neutral overall species associations at 1.0-2.5 m and 5.5 m indicated either balanced positive/negative species interactions or stochastic coexistence. The instability of species coexistence at these depths highlights the vulnerability of macrophyte communities to environmental shifts (e.g., water level, light availability). By demonstrating water depth's role as a habitat filter, our findings underscore the necessity to involve depth-mediated interspecific interaction into freshwater restoration strategies. |
