Abstract

Aim: Disentangling how stochastic and deterministic processes contribute to variation in beta diversity is a common goal for ecologists and biogeographers. However, such studies are scarce in alpine streams, especially when different diversity facets are considered. Here, we combined different approaches to examine the drivers of taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional beta diversities, and discussed how our results can inform community assembly and biodiversity conservation in Tibetan streams.

Location: Tibet plateau.

Taxon: Macroinvertebrates.

Methods: We first partitioned multiple facets of beta diversity (Btotal) into species replacement (Brepl) and richness difference (Brich) as well as local (LCBD) or species (SCBD) contributions. Then, we applied ordination methods to examine the relative importance of local, climatic and spatial factors on Btotal, Brepl and Brich, respectively. We explored community assembly rules using null models based on trait and phylogeny structure.

Results: Btotal displayed high values and was primarily driven by Brepl. Local, climatic and spatial factors were poor predictors of the different facets of beta diversity. Null models showed that the diversity metrics did not differ from those of null expectations, suggesting that most individual streams might be occupied by species that were merely random draws from the functional or phylogenetic pools available in this region. Partitioning beta diversity into LCBD and SCBD implied that the upper canyon streams were more unique than those at lower elevations and can be valuable for biodiversity conservation.

Conclusions: Analysing multiple facets of beta diversity provide important insights into community assembly that cannot be acquired by focusing on taxonomic diversity only. Using a multi-faceted approach involving species, phylogenetic and trait data, our study not only sheds light on the assembly mechanisms of macroinvertebrate communities in alpine streams, but also bring inspirations for biodiversity conservation in the ’World’s Third Pole‘ that is highly sensitive to global change.