It is evident that ecotypes (provenances or populations) of grassland species react differently under climatic extremes. Genetic differences, local adaptation or past climatic experiences are often put forward to explain within-species variation. However, there is a substantial lack of experimental evidence regarding how long genetic variation (if it is the product of strong climatic adaptation) or local adaptation effects exist if ecotypes are planted in the same environment. This information is necessary to determine whether within-species diversity can effectively buffer against declining species richness or provide insurance against changing grasslands ecosystem functions in a changing climate.
According to the insurance hypothesis, more diverse plant communities are more likely to be resistant to drought. Whilst many experiments have been carried out to determine the effects of plant diversity on plant community insurance, the results are still contradictory . Mariote etal 2013 demonstrated that, independent of plant diversity, the presence of drought-resistant subordinate species increases plant community insurance against drought and, hence, is important for the functioning of grassland ecosystems.
Source: Article Subordinate plant species enhance community resistance again...
According to the insurance hypothesis, more diverse plant communities are more likely to be resistant to drought. Whilst many experiments have been carried out to determine the effects of plant diversity on plant community insurance, the results are still contradictory . Mariote etal 2013 demonstrated that, independent of plant diversity, the presence of drought-resistant subordinate species increases plant community insurance against drought and, hence, is important for the functioning of grassland ecosystems.
Source: Article Subordinate plant species enhance community resistance again...
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