Detailed Information on Publication Record
2024
Temperature-induced germination pulses above the alpine tree line
PALOSSE, Audrey, Alma PIERMATTEI, Jan ESPER, Frederick REINIG, Anne VERSTEGE et. al.Basic information
Original name
Temperature-induced germination pulses above the alpine tree line
Authors
PALOSSE, Audrey, Alma PIERMATTEI, Jan ESPER, Frederick REINIG, Anne VERSTEGE, Max TORBENSON, Mirek TRNKA, Tito AROSIO and Ulf BÜNTGEN (276 Germany, guarantor, belonging to the institution)
Edition
Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research, Taylor and Francis Ltd. 2024, 1523-0430
Other information
Language
English
Type of outcome
Článek v odborném periodiku
Field of Study
10500 1.5. Earth and related environmental sciences
Country of publisher
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Confidentiality degree
není předmětem státního či obchodního tajemství
References:
Impact factor
Impact factor: 2.000 in 2022
Organization unit
Faculty of Science
UT WoS
001269868100001
Keywords in English
Alpine ecology; climate change; dendrochronology; plant communities; vegetation dynamics
Tags
Tags
International impact, Reviewed
Změněno: 7/8/2024 10:36, Mgr. Marie Šípková, DiS.
Abstract
V originále
Subject to a long research tradition, the tree line is considered an important biogeographic indicator of climate changes and associated range shifts. Realized tree line positions and the potential tree line isotherm are, however, rarely in equilibrium because trees are unable to track rapid temperature variations. Often ignored in tree line research, this dilemma constrains the suitability of tree line trees for understanding alpine vegetation responses to anthropogenic warming. Here, we present combined dendrochronological and wood anatomical assessments of 1,351 seedlings and saplings from three subalpine forest species—larch (Larix decidua Mill.), pine (Pinus cembra L.), and spruce (Picea abies)—collected between ~2,200 and 2,600 m.a.s.l. in the Swiss Alps. We found evidence for temperature-induced, pulse-like seedling germination, rather than a continuous, long-term upward movement. Though the species spread across overlapping elevational ranges, larch was found at the highest elevations, followed by spruce and pine. Surprisingly, we found a varying age structure, with no sign of decreasing age toward higher elevations. Spring and summer temperatures promoted germination pulses, but postgermination survival was likely facilitated by species-specific plant traits. Our study demonstrates the importance of seedling and sapling data from above the tree line to understand prevailing vegetation dynamics at cold temperature extremes and also suggests future tree line advancement in the Swiss Alps.