Changes in Species Diversity and Spatiotemporally Fluctuation across Human-modified Ecosystems

Abstract

The changes of plant communities at Angol valley and Baetgol valley in Geoje-do were studied. Both α-diversity and γ-diversity decreased with the sizes and degrees of habitat fragmentations. The mean number of winner species decreased with habitat fragmentation. All Quercus species, including Quercus acutissima, significantly declined in importance, while the many introduced species, including Trifolium pretense, all increased in importance. As the proportional change in adult survival rate increased, the absolute value of the bias in the elasticity prediction also increased from 2003 to 2011 at undisturbed forests. However, the bias was low for decreases in disturbed populations. Moran's I values showed overall decreases for habitat fragmentation and for the periods of habitat conversion.Eventually, plant communities, due to urbanization in Goeje-do, might have led to decreased chances of common species when the environment was disturbed.