Different Taxonomic and Functional Indices Complement the Understanding of Herb-Layer Community Assembly Patterns in a Southern-Limit Temperate Forest

The efficient conservation of vulnerable ecosystems in the face global change requires a complete understanding how plant communities respond to various environmental factors. We aim demonstrate that combined use different approaches, traits, and indices representing each taxonomic functional characteristics will give complementary information on factors driving vegetation assembly patterns. analyzed variation across an gradient composition, richness, diversity herb-layer temperate beech-oak forest was located northern Spain. measured species cover four traits: leaf dry matter content (LDMC), specific area (SLA), size, height. found light is most limiting resource influencing vegetation. Taxonomic changes richness are followed by equivalent size but opposite responses SLA. Each index related even within single trait (particularly for LDMC size). To conclude, characteristic community influenced contrasting or processes. Combining simultaneously help us understand work.