Forest structure matters more than topography in shaping plant diversity in Southern Apennine old-growth forests
A study conducted in Italy's Pollino National Park reveals that forest structure, such as canopy complexity and deadwood, is a more significant driver of plant diversity than topography. The research emphasizes the ecological importance of old-growth forests in the Mediterranean.
Why it matters
Understanding these ecological drivers is crucial for conservation efforts and managing biodiversity in the face of global climate change.
by Danilo Travascia, Nicodemo Passalacqua, Gianluca Piovesan, Francesco Ripullone, University of Tuscia
edited by Sadie Harley , reviewed by Robert Egan
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:
Add as preferred source Pollinello old-growth beech forest, Unesco World Heritage site. Credit: Gianluca Piovesan A study in Pollino National Park shows that large trees, complex canopies and deadwood diversity play a major role in shaping vascular plant communities, highlighting the ecological value of one of Italy's most remarkable old-growth forest landscapes.
Old-growth forests are among Europe's rarest and most valuable ecosystems, providing refuges for biodiversity while storing carbon and maintaining complex ecological processes capable of buffering pressures from global change. Yet scientists are still working to understand what determines their extraordinary biological diversity, particularly in Mediterranean mountain environments.
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