No abstract

We propose the use of phylogenetic patterns as a tool for monitoring long-term change in plant community structure in small temporary pools, as an alternative to the compilation of species lists across years. This was tested using forty temporary pools from four pool landscapes in Malta. These were followed between November 2014 and April 2015. Each pool was sectored into 'Aquatic', 'Ecotone' and 'Terrestrial zones' and the species present in each zone were recorded. All species data from a landscape were collated by zone, and the net relatedness index (NRI) for the species assemblages in each zone calculated using PHYLOCOM software. The NRI was positive in the 'Terrestrial' zones, and negative in the 'Aquatic' zones. The 'Ecotone' zones followed no discernible pattern. The results suggest that calculating the NRI of plant assemblages in different hydrological zones, and using these phylogenetic 'signatures' as a comparative baseline, would be a feasible addition to long-term monitoring programmes for the early detection of long-term environmental changes such as those arising from climatic changes.