Changes in plant diversity, plant traits and environmental variables along an urbanization gradient in Ipoh Perak
<p>The aims of this research were (i) to examine changes in plant diversity along an</p><p>urbanization gradient in Ipoh, Perak, (ii) to relate plant traits (tree height, specific leaf</p><p>area (SLA), and dispersal) with the urb...
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| Format: | thesis |
| Language: | eng |
| Published: |
2022
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://ir.upsi.edu.my/detailsg.php?det=9809 |
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| Summary: | <p>The aims of this research were (i) to examine changes in plant diversity along an</p><p>urbanization gradient in Ipoh, Perak, (ii) to relate plant traits (tree height, specific leaf</p><p>area (SLA), and dispersal) with the urbanization intensity, and (iii) to relate</p><p>environmental conditions (ambient temperature, air humidity, and light intensity) with</p><p>urbanization intensity. The urbanization intensity was determined based on the</p><p>percentage of built-up area within a 1km2 area using Geographical Information Systems</p><p>(GIS). A total of 12 sampling plots sized 1km2 were constructed to represent different</p><p>urbanization intensities. In each plot, 40 subplots were randomly selected to form a total</p><p>sampling area of 0.1 hectares, and any plants with 5cm diameter at breast height were</p><p>identified at the species level. The plant height and SLA were measured while the</p><p>dispersal mode was identified based on literature. The environmental data were</p><p>collected during midday for three times at each plot. The findings revealed that there</p><p>were 96 plant species belonging to 71 genera and 42 families in the 12 plots. Species</p><p>diversity (r= -0.781; p= 0.003), richness (r= -0.842; p= 0.001), and evenness (r= -0.901;</p><p>p< 0.001), declined significantly as urbanization intensity increased. The number of</p><p>native species and plant height decreased with increasing urbanization intensity.</p><p>Meanwhile, for SLA, the outcome demonstrated that there was no significant</p><p>relationship between SLA and urbanization intensity. Endo-zoochory, hemerochory,</p><p>and myrmechory were the most important dispersal modes in urban areas. The three</p><p>environmental factors were also significantly associated with increasing urbanization</p><p>intensity. In conclusion, environmental conditions vary with urbanization and</p><p>urbanization reduces plant diversity. However, plant trait is only partially associated</p><p>with urbanization. The findings from this research could help town planners in</p><p>designing urban environments to achieve more sustainable development.</p> |
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