Researchers identify elements influencing extinction threats in angiosperms
Researchers have identified key factors that contribute to the extinction risks faced by angiosperms, or flowering plants. This study sheds light on the environmental and biological aspects that threaten these essential components of our ecosystem. By examining various influences on angiosperm survival, the team aims to better understand how to protect these vital species and their habitats.
TroibNews 
Chinese researchers have made strides in understanding the spatial distribution and the driving factors behind extinction risks in angiosperms, a diverse group of plants, as reported by the Institute of Botany under the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Angiosperms comprise a vast array of plants, including grasses, shrubs, and large trees. They are distinguished by their enclosed seeds within fruits, the unique process of double fertilization, and a variety of floral structures.
Recent findings indicate a significant spatial clustering of extinction risks among angiosperms in China. The southern region faces a more critical status in terms of endangerment compared to the north.
The research revealed that the primary factor impacting angiosperm extinction is the vegetation structure, followed by climate and evolutionary influences.
Biodiversity serves as a vital foundation for human survival and development, and its decline poses a serious threat to sustainable progress in human society. Investigating the mechanisms behind biodiversity loss and preservation necessitates an examination of the distribution patterns and factors driving species extinction.
"China's complex terrain and diverse climate make it one of the most biodiverse countries in the world," noted Zhao Lina, an engineer at the institute.
Moreover, she emphasized that "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."
In their research, scientists constructed a tree of life for 27,185 angiosperm species across China using 2.02 million county-level distribution data. This allowed them to explore the spatial distribution characteristics and regional differences in extinction risks.
The team integrated five components—evolution, climate, vegetation structure, topography, and human impact—into three sets of 12 models tailored to various spatial scales, enabling a thorough analysis of the drivers behind extinction risks.
The findings revealed that, on a regional scale, climatic factors primarily influence extinction risks in southern China, while vegetation structure is more significant in the west, and evolutionary factors prevail in the north.
The study highlights the complexity and urgency of biodiversity conservation, providing valuable insights for predicting biodiversity loss trends and devising targeted conservation strategies, according to Zhao.
This research was published in the journal Nature Communications.
Rohan Mehta contributed to this report for TROIB News
Angiosperms comprise a vast array of plants, including grasses, shrubs, and large trees. They are distinguished by their enclosed seeds within fruits, the unique process of double fertilization, and a variety of floral structures.
Recent findings indicate a significant spatial clustering of extinction risks among angiosperms in China. The southern region faces a more critical status in terms of endangerment compared to the north.
The research revealed that the primary factor impacting angiosperm extinction is the vegetation structure, followed by climate and evolutionary influences.
Biodiversity serves as a vital foundation for human survival and development, and its decline poses a serious threat to sustainable progress in human society. Investigating the mechanisms behind biodiversity loss and preservation necessitates an examination of the distribution patterns and factors driving species extinction.
"China's complex terrain and diverse climate make it one of the most biodiverse countries in the world," noted Zhao Lina, an engineer at the institute.
Moreover, she emphasized that "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."
In their research, scientists constructed a tree of life for 27,185 angiosperm species across China using 2.02 million county-level distribution data. This allowed them to explore the spatial distribution characteristics and regional differences in extinction risks.
The team integrated five components—evolution, climate, vegetation structure, topography, and human impact—into three sets of 12 models tailored to various spatial scales, enabling a thorough analysis of the drivers behind extinction risks.
The findings revealed that, on a regional scale, climatic factors primarily influence extinction risks in southern China, while vegetation structure is more significant in the west, and evolutionary factors prevail in the north.
The study highlights the complexity and urgency of biodiversity conservation, providing valuable insights for predicting biodiversity loss trends and devising targeted conservation strategies, according to Zhao.
This research was published in the journal Nature Communications.
Rohan Mehta contributed to this report for TROIB News
