An age-altitude matrix analysis of Hawaiian rain-forest succession
1994
Aplet, G.H. | Vitousek, P.M.
1. Species composition and biomass of vascular plants were determined in a matrix of 29 sites on the wet eastern slope of Mauna Loa volcano, Hawaii. 2. Sites were sampled at five or six altitudes (914-2438 m a.s.l.) on each of five known-age lava flows (5, 47, 137, 300 and 3400 years BP). 3. The resultant age-climate matrix was used to examine patterns of biomass accumulation, species distribution, and diversity during primary succession. 4. Biomass increased with substrate age and ranged from 0 to over 36 000 g m across the matrix. Generally, biomass increased as altitude decreased, although the maximum value was observed at intermediate altitude on the oldest flow. 5. Community composition varied dramatically with substrate age and climate; species richness ranged from 0 to 30 species plot-1, with the maximum at low altitude on the oldest flow. 6. Succession was more rapid at low than at high altitude, but followed distinct compositional trajectories at each altitude. A number of species were found solely or primarily as specialists at a particular altitude and/or successional position, while others exhibited broad niches.
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