Effects of different growth substrates on phylogenetic diversity of bryophytes in Baiyunshan National Forest Park

Phylogenetic diversity contains pedigree relationships and evolutionary information among species and can reveal evolutionary differences among species, which is of great significance for studies on bryophyte community diversity at the micro level. In this study, we explored phylogenetic diversity of bryophytes on four different growth substrates (rotten wood, rocks, tree trunks, and soil) in a 1 hm² plot of Baiyun Mountain National Forest Park in Luoyang,Henan, China. We analyzed the effects of topography and light on bryophyte pedigree diversity in different substrates and explored the causes of bryophyte phylogenetic diversity variation in different habitats. Results showed that the phylogenetic diversity of soil bryophytes was the highest, while that of tree epiphytes was the lowest. The phylogenetic diversity of rotten wood bryophytes was significantly correlated with slope, canopy coverage, and average leaf inclination. The phylogenetic diversity of soil bryophytes was significantly correlated with total light transmittance, scattered radiation under the canopy, and total direct radiation under the canopy. The phylogenetic diversity of rock bryophytes was only correlated with unevenness. The phylogenetic diversity of epiphytic bryophytes showed no significant correlation with topography or light. At the same time, light and topography showed significant correlations, with both playing a role in bryophyte pedigree diversity through complex interactions. Studying the effects of different growth substrates on phylogenetic diversity can deepen our understanding of the relationship between bryophyte diversity and habitat from the perspective of phylogenetic relationships and provide a reference for future conservation of bryophyte diversity.