Study on the spatial diversity patterns of Fagaceae in China

The spatial distribution patterns of species and genera of Fagaceae in China were studied by geographic information system (GIS) technology, with the spatial distribution maps and indices of diversity patterns calcaulated. Results showed that south of Yunnan, north of Guangxi, and north of Guangdong were important ranges of Fagaceae diversity in China based on the greater number of genera and species. South of Gansu, south of Shaanxi, and west and south of Henan, which connected southern and northern China, were important areas of Fagaceae dispersal. Diversity indices of species were higher than those of genera, but the opposite was found for the evenness indices. When the number of genera or species was 1, the total area, percentage of landscape, number of patches, largest patch index, and landscape shape index were maximum. When the number of genera or species increased, those indices gradually decreased with number. Based on quantitative study, the spatial distribution and diversity patterns of Fagaceae in China were obtained. The use of geographic information system technology clarified the distinctiveness of the spatial and quantitative distribution.