Drivers of tropical rainforest composition and alpha diversity patterns over a 2,520 m altitudinal gradient

Abstract

There are two well-defined forest compositional zones on this gradient-lowlands 430-1,120 m asl and montane forests >2,150 m asl-with a transitional zone at 1,400-1,600 m asl, where lowland tropical and montane holarctic species are found together. Montane forests are very distinct in their composition and low alpha diversity. Vegetation and soil respond to altitude, and therefore temperature, as an integrated system, a model that goes beyond niche assembly as shown by the significant effect of space in the VARPART.