Stochasticity overrides deterministic processes in structuring macroinvertebrate communities in a plateau aquatic system

Abstract

Deterministic and stochastic processes are two major factors shaping community dynamics, but their relative importance remains unknown for many aquatic systems, including those in the high-elevation Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. Here, we explored the causes of multidimensional beta diversity patterns (i.e., taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic) of a macroinvertebrate metacommunity in this large aquatic system by using multiple approaches (i.e., null models, phylogenetic signal testing, and ordination-based approaches). To obtain insights into community assembly mechanisms, we also analyzed beta diversity in two deconstructed sub-metacommunities (e.g., different tributaries and the main lake body). We found that most functional traits showed significant phylogenetic signals, indicating that the functional traits were profoundly influenced by evolutionary history. The null models showed randomness of functional and phylogenetic beta diversities for the whole basin and its tributaries, confirming the importance of stochasticity over deterministic processes in controlling community structure. However, both phylogenetic and functional community structures were clustered in the Qinghai Lake, probably reflecting the importance of environmental filtering. Ordination-based approaches also revealed that both environmental factors and spatial processes accounted for variation in taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic beta diversity. More specifically, environmental filtering was more important than spatial processes for the functional dimension, but the opposite was true for the taxonomic and phylogenetic dimensions. The paleogeographic history of the Qinghai Lake basin may have contributed substantially to the prevalence of stochastic processes. Overall, this study provides a better understanding of ecological patterns and assembly mechanisms of macroinvertebrate communities across this poorly known high-elevation aquatic system that is highly sensitive to climate warming.