Environment, not phylogeny, drives herbivory and leaf attributes in trees from two contrasting forest formations of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

The degree of herbivory in plants can be related to leaf traits, which are, in turn, determined by phylogeny and environment.

The objective of our study was to determine the level of trait conservation (determined by phylogeny) vs. trait convergence (owing to overbearing effect of environmental factors) in leaf attributes and its relationship with rates of herbivory in two contrasting neotropical habitats.

We quantified herbivory and 12 leaf traits in 10 congeneric, co-occurring pairs of tree species of an Atlantic Rain Forest (ARF) and a coastal forest (Restinga - REST).

Higher values of N, N:P, leaf area and water content were found for the ARF species, while REST species were characterised by higher total phenol, Ca, C:N and leaf mass per area. There was a great degree of trait convergence in leaf attributes by habitat, and a near lack of trait conservation. Rates of herbivory were related to leaf attributes and were significantly larger in ARF species compared to those in REST.

These findings indicate that leaf attributes are relatively convergent and closely related to habitat. The results also support theory in confirming greater investment in leaf defence in REST species in a more resource-poor environment than in ARF.