Researchers reveal spatial distribution and factors of angiosperm extinction risks

Chinese researchers have recently made progress in understanding the spatial distribution and driving factors of extinction risks in angiosperms, a diverse group of plants on Earth, according to the Institute of Botany under the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Angiosperms encompass a wide range of plants, from grasses and shrubs to large trees. This group is characterized by the enclosed seeds within fruits, the unique double fertilization process and a wide array of floral structures.

Researchers have recently discovered that the extinction risks of angiosperms in China are significantly clustered spatially. Southern China has a more severe endangered status than the northern region.

They also discovered that the vegetation structure is the main factor affecting their extinction, followed by climate and evolution.

Biodiversity is a crucial foundation for human survival and development, and its loss poses a serious threat to the sustainable development of human society. Understanding the mechanisms of biodiversity loss and preservation requires an investigation into the distribution patterns and driving factors of species extinction risks.

"China's complex terrain and diverse climate make it one of the most biodiverse countries in the world," said Zhao Lina, an engineer at the institute.

"Conducting large-scale comprehensive studies on the extinction risks of species in China is of great significance for accurately predicting trends in biodiversity changes and scientifically formulating targeted conservation strategies," she said.

Researchers have constructed a tree of life for 27,185 angiosperm species in China by utilizing 2.02 million county-level distribution data with the aim of studying the spatial distribution characteristics and regional differences in extinction risks.

They also integrated five aspects, including evolution, climate, vegetation structure, topography and human impact, to construct three sets of 12 models adapted to different spatial scales, allowing them to comprehensively analyze the drivers of extinction risks.

Researchers discovered that on a regional scale, climatic factors primarily drive angiosperms extinction risks in southern China, whereas vegetation structural factors dominate in the west, and evolutionary factors lead in the north.

The study underscores the complexity and urgency of biodiversity conservation, holding significant scientific value for predicting trends in biodiversity loss and formulating targeted conservation measures, Zhao said.

The study was published in the journal Nature Communications.