4. DISCUSSION
In this study, we investigated the elevational distribution of
multi-plant groups in the Yatsugatake Mountains to determine whether
pertinent elevation hypotheses could substantiate the existing
elevational patterns of the plant groups occurring there. The plant
groups showed different responses to the elevational gradients and
climatic factors in the study site. Regarding the elevational changes in
alpha diversity, none of the plant groups exhibited elevational patterns
corresponding to those expected based on mass and mid-domain effects.
The elevational range of all the plant groups did not increase with
elevation, disproving the application of Rapoport’s elevational rule to
the distribution of plant groups in the study site. In contrast, the
alpha diversity of all the plant groups was significantly affected by
the climatic factors.