5 Conclusions
The phylogenetic and trait-based analyses conducted in this study showed
that functional traits and phylogeny provide a meaningful way to detect
community assembly processes. The results show that there were
significant interspecific variations in leaf traits at L.
glaber–C. glauca evergreen broad-leaved forest community. Leaf
functional traits composition of coexisting species showed dispersion
pattern and tended to adopt “realism” to adapt to their habitats.
Strong phylogenetic signals were detected only in LA and LT. In
addition, TK, TP, altitude, aspect, and convexity were the primary
influencing environmental factors. Neutral theory-based stochastic
processes were the main drivers in the development of community leaf
functional traits, but niche-based habitat filtration was more important
influencing mechanism of community phylogenetic structure. In future
research, more functional traits as well as a larger scale should be
taken into account.