Redefining floristic zones on the Korean Peninsula using high-resolution
georeferenced specimen data and self-organizing maps (SOMs)
Abstract
The use of biota to analyze the spatial range and distribution of
biogeographic regions is essential to gain a better understanding of the
ecological processes that cause biotic differentiation and biodiversity
at multiple spatiotemporal scales. Recently, the collection of
high-resolution biological distribution data (e.g., specimens) and
advances in analytical theory have led to their quantitative analysis
and more refined spatial delineation. This study was conducted to
redefine floristic zones in the southern part of the Korean Peninsula
and to better understand the eco-evolutionary significance of the
spatial distribution patterns. Based on the distribution data of 309,333
vascular plant species in the Korean Peninsula, we derived floristic
zones using self-organizing maps. We compared the characteristics of the
derived regions with those of historical floristic zones and
ecologically important environmental factors (climate, geology, and
geography). In a clustering analysis of the floristic assemblages, four
distinct regions were identified, namely, the cold floristic zone (Zone
I) in high-altitude regions at the center of the Korean Peninsula, cool
floristic zone (Zone II) in high-altitude regions in the south of the
Korean Peninsula, warm floristic zone (Zone III) in low-altitude regions
in the central and southern parts of the Korean Peninsula, and maritime
warm floristic zone (Zone IV) including the volcanic islands of Jejudo
and Ulleungdo. A total of 1,099 taxa were common to the four floristic
zones. Zone IV had the highest abundance of specific plants (those found
in only one zone), with 404 taxa. This study improves floristic zone
definitions using high-resolution regional biological distribution data.
It will help better understand and re-establish regional species
diversity. In addition, our study provides key data for hotspot analysis
techniques required for the conservation of plant diversity.