Two paths to ecosystem stability: opposing roles of plant functional traits in temperate and alpine grasslands

This research examines the role of plant functional traits in driving ecosystem stability across distinct environmental contexts, specifically temperate and alpine grasslands in China. The study leverages a comprehensive dataset that includes in situ measurements of 16 morphological and chemical traits from 343 plant species, alongside 23 years of satellite-derived ecosystem productivity indices. By combining field data with advanced analytical approaches, including principal component analysis (PCA), Bayesian univariate and multivariate models, and Bayesian structural equation modeling (BSEM), this work provides a nuanced understanding of how trait-stability relationships are mediated by environmental conditions.
To facilitate transparency and reproducibility, we have uploaded the complete set of R code used in the analysis. This includes scripts for performing PCA, Bayesian univariate and multivariate analyses, and BSEM, as well as generating the primary figures and key results presented in the manuscript. As the manuscript undergoes revisions, the code may be updated accordingly to reflect methodological refinements or new insights.
If you have any questions regarding the analysis or the uploaded materials, please feel free to contact Dr. Pu Yan at [e-mail].