Unraveling Wetland Ecology: The Effect of Abiotic Heterogeneity and Habitat Size on Wetland Plant Diversity in the Piedmont

Author

Gregory T. Gilmore, Clemson UniversityFollow

Date of Award

8-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biological Sciences

Committee Chair/Advisor

Dr. Peter Van den Hurk

Committee Member

Dr. Brain Powell

Committee Member

Dr. Mathew Koski

Abstract

Ecosystems around the world are seeing an unprecedented decline in biodiversity. However, to better prevent this decline we cannot only understand the drivers of biodiversity loss, but also the factors that support diversity. Traditional ecological hypotheses such as the Habitat Heterogeneity Hypothesis (HHH) and the Theory of Island Biogeography (TIB) have provided frameworks for understanding biodiversity drivers. However, recent research suggests a more nuanced relationship between heterogeneity, habitat size, and diversity than previously thought. This study looks to bridge existing research gaps by examining the ecologically and conservational important habitat of wetlands. Specifically, the study focuses on the plant diversity of freshwater forested wetlands in the Piedmont region of South Carolina. I hypothesize that in Piedmont wetlands, abiotic heterogeneity primarily drives plant biodiversity, regardless of habitat size. To test this hypothesis, three main objectives were outlined. First, is to characterize plant diversity patterns across wetlands. Secondly, to assess the relationship between abiotic heterogeneity and wetland size. Lastly, to determine the effects of both heterogeneity and size on various aspects of wetland plant diversity. Overall, the initial hypothesis was rejected, but clear trends still emerge. Chemical heterogeneity showed a positive relationship with species richness and phylogenetic diversity after correcting for the effect wetland size. Additionally, habitat size was positively correlated with beta diversity, but only with species richness after correcting for the effect of chemical heterogeneity. These results provide evidence that the best way to preserve plant diversity in Piedmont wetlands is to effectively manage habitat size reduction and preserve a heterogeneous chemical landscape.

Recommended Citation

Gilmore, Gregory T., "Unraveling Wetland Ecology: The Effect of Abiotic Heterogeneity and Habitat Size on Wetland Plant Diversity in the Piedmont" (2024). All Theses. 4333.
https://open.clemson.edu/all_theses/4333