Intraspecific variation of functional traits in Cedrela odorata L. in the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica

Abstract

Climate change will modify the global hydrological regime due to changes in the magnitude of precipitation and temperature and their interaction with the physical and vegetation conditions of each place. This entails a great risk for the conservation of species because it involves variations in the conditions that are crucial to their performance in the ecosystem. In response to abiotic and biotic habitat factors, plants can show great intraspecific trait variability; this ability allows them to survive, grow and reproduce in different scenarios. The study of the intraspecific variability of morphological characters allows us to understand the potential response of species to engines of change, such as climate change. The aim of this study was to evaluate the intraspecific variability of leaf area (mm²), specific leaf area (mm-² mg), leaf dry matter content (mg^-1 g), wood density (g cm^-3) and bark thickness (cm) of 90 individuals of Cedrela odorata in three natural forests with different annual rainfall regimes. It was hypothesized that C. odorata can modulate the magnitude of expression of the five morphological characters according to different precipitation conditions. Results showed that functional attribute values varied significantly between populations with different rainfall regimes; furthermore, the species was observed to express its traits within an axis of acquisitive-conservative specialization in the use of resources. The intraspecific variability of traits of C. odorata may be a mechanism of resilience to climate change.