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Muminov D, Khaydarov K, Zhalov K, Hasanov M, Abdumuminova R, Ochilov U. 2024. Different habitats of ferns growing in the Amonkoton Stream (Zerafshan Valley), Uzbekistan. Biodiversitas 25: 2696-2704. The Zerafshan Valley, Uzbekistan, characterized by a warm and arid climate, has declined vegetation and soil quality over recent decades, marking a stark departure from its once lush past. Understanding the nuanced relationship between species and their habitat is imperative to unraveling this ecological transformation. This research delves into ferns, which are highly responsive to environmental factors, seeking to elucidate their circumstances within the changing ecosystem. Through strategically planned intensive transects and plots as proxies for fern growth and habitat analysis, statistical methods like the Shannon-Wiener Index (H) and Bray-Curtis index were deployed. The climate-related information analysis was conducted using the CRU TS 4.07 tool. We made use of average temperatures and precipitation over 120 years. The results of analyses have been acquired from 490 fern individuals belonging to 13 species, 7 genera, and 6 families. There are four species: Equisetum arvense L., Equisetum ramosissimum Desf., Cystopteris fragilis (L.) Bernh. and Adiantum capillus-veneris L. were employed as indicators of habitat. The findings underscore a substantial decline in fern-populated areas, resulting in diminished diversity and abundance and a relatively high rarity level. Furthermore, a latitudinal correlation with ferns along the stream direction is exhibited by four indicator species, offering valuable insights into the intricate dynamics of the Zerafshan Valley's ecosystem.
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B I O D I V E R S IT A S
ISSN: 1412-033X
Volume 25, Number 6, June 2024 E-ISSN: 2085-4722
Pages: 2696-2704 DOI: 10.13057/biodiv/d250640
Different habitats of ferns growing in the Amonkoton Stream,
Zerafshan Valley, Uzbekistan
DILSHODJON MUMINOV1,♥, KHISLAT KHAYDAROV1, KHOLMUROD ZHALOV1, MURTOZA HASANOV1,
RANO ABDUMUMINOVA2, ULUGBEK OCHILOV1
1Department of Botany, Faculty of Biology and Chemistry, Samarkand State University named after Sharov Rashidov. University Boulevard 15, 140104
Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Tel.: +998-66-2403840, email: muminovdilshod@samdu.uz
2Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Samarkand State Medical University. Amir Temur St. 18A, 140100, Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Manuscript received: 15 January 2024. Revision accepted: 25 June 2024.
Abstract. Muminov D, Khaydarov K, Zhalov K, Hasanov M, Abdumuminova R, Ochilov U. 2024. Different habitats of ferns growing in the
Amonkoton Stream (Zerafshan Valley), Uzbekistan. Biodiversitas 25: 2696-2704. The Zerafshan Valley, Uzbekistan, characterized by a
warm and arid climate, has declined vegetation and soil quality over recent decades, marking a stark departure from its once lush past.
Understanding the nuanced relationship between species and their habitat is imperative to unraveling this ecological transformation.
This research delves into ferns, which are highly responsive to environmental factors, seeking to elucidate their circumstances within the
changing ecosystem. Through strategically planned intensive transects and plots as proxies for fern growth and habitat analysis,
statistical methods like the Shannon-Wiener Index (H) and Bray-Curtis index were deployed. The climate-related information analysis
was conducted using the CRU TS 4.07 tool. We made use of average temperatures and precipitation over 120 years. The results of
analyses have been acquired from 490 fern individuals belonging to 13 species, 7 genera, and 6 families. There are four species:
Equisetum arvense L., Equisetum ramosissimum Desf., Cystopteris fragilis (L.) Bernh. and Adiantum capillus-veneris L. were employed
as indicators of habitat. The findings underscore a substantial decline in fern-populated areas, resulting in diminished diversity and
abundance and a relatively high rarity level. Furthermore, a latitudinal correlation with ferns along the stream direction is exhibited by
four indicator species, offering valuable insights into the intricate dynamics of the Zerafshan Valley's ecosystem.
Keywords: Diversity, fern, plot, transect, valley
INTRODUCTION
The Zerafshan Valley in Uzbekistan is a region of
significant botanical importance, particularly in terms of its
vegetation cover and diversity of flora (Sennikov et al.
2016; Kholbutayeva et al. 2020) highlights the unique
riparian forest ecosystems in the area, which are home to
over 300 higher plant species. Zakirov (1962) compiled a
list of vascular plants growing in this area several years
ago. However, there is a great deal of anthropogenic strain
on these ecosystems, which has resulted in habitat
degradation (Akhmedov et al. 2022). In addition, Tojibaev
et al. (2017) and Zhalov and Farrux (2022) add to this by
identifying ten new plant species in the region, further
underscoring its rich flora. The wild relatives of cultivated
plants are important economically in Uzbekistan, as noted
by Abduraimov et al. (2023). These species are probably
found in the Zerafshan Valley and may be important for
food security (Nurullayeva et al. 2021).
One of the oldest and most species-rich groups of
vascular plants are ferns (Qian et al. 2021), with over
12,000 species known to exist globally
(www.worldplants.de/ferns/). Compared to most other
groups of vascular plants, ferns are typically regarded to
have a distribution that is more in balance with the
environment (Qian 2009). Weigand et al. (2019) reported
significant differences in fern species richness around the
globe, which is thought to be impacted by environmental
factors (Khine et al. 2019). Ferns are indicator plants for
habitat loss and fragmentation, carrying out several vital
ecological tasks (Silva et al. 2018; Dai et al. 2020).
Tuomisto et al. (2014) identified several environmental
factors that correlate with species diversity. These include
soil cation concentration, soil aluminum concentration,
heterogeneity in soil chemistry, annual rainfall, dry season
rainfall, and geographical location in central Amazonia.
Ferns and fern allies are sensitive to environmental
changes, to explore their relationship with the habitat
(Yang et al. 2021).
Molecular systematics and research efforts have
transformed the evolutionary history of ferns and
lycophytes, leading to an improved understanding of their
evolution, relationships, and classification (Sessa 2018).
Assess the taxonomic significance of these characters and
provide insights into the classification and identification of
fern species within this family (Mondal and Moktan 2023).
Monteiro (2020) provided a taxonomic overview of the
Brazilian endemic and endangered genus Fernseea,
including detailed descriptions and a key for species
identification.
According to common sense, ferns and their allies are
extremely sensitive to changes in their natural environment,
and their presence or absence is directly tied to where they
live (Abotsi et al. 2020). Understanding how plants interact
with their surroundings in arid ecosystems is a necessary
MUMINOV et al. Different habitats of ferns growing
2697
first step towards deciphering the adaptation mechanism
and providing workable solutions to preserve terrestrial
environments (Jin et al. 2019). Ferns' rich physiological
ecology is highly adaptable to various environments,
making them important in horticulture and ecological
services (Anderson 2021). They often colonize disturbed
habitats, compete with other plants, and influence
succession. They can also play a key role in ecosystem
restoration (Walker and Sharpe 2010). Species richness of
ferns follows a latitudinal gradient that peaks in the tropics,
where ferns are especially diverse and abundant in wet
habitats with moderate temperatures at elevations of about
1,000-2,500 masl. (Kessler 2010), potential as effective
indicators for characterizing and monitoring forest types
and their conservation status (Sosanika et al. 2022).
In this study, the relationship between ferns and
environments in the Zerafshan Valley, as well as species
populations and environmental factors, is investigated. A
brief and clear description of the purpose of the
investigation relating to previous research and essential
arguments should be mentioned.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Geographical location
Zerafshan Valley is located in the central part of Central
Asia, Uzbekistan, between Turkestan-Oqtov and Zarafshan
ridges. This region has different natural resources and
economic activities. However, the valley faces water
quality and management challenges, with the unsustainable
use of water resources leading to a water deficit and
pollution. Efforts to address these challenges include the
creation of a soil-reclamation map based on the analysis of
lithodynamic flow structures (Olsson et al. 2013; Sabitova
et al. 2021; Sultonova and Baratov 2021; Akhmedov et al.
2023).
The Zerafshan Valley starts from the Zarafshan glacier
(elevation 2,775 masl) and extends 781 kilometers to the
Sandiqli desert (elevation 185 masl) in the west. We carried
out our research in the Amonkoton stream. The stream is
located in the middle of Zarafshon valley. Its starting point
is 1860 masl (39°18'12" N and 66° 53'57" N). The
discharge point to the Karatepa reservoir is the lowest part
of the stream and is located at 930 masl (39°24'34"N and
67°01'44"N). The total length of the stream is 24 km. Six
transects were arranged randomly (Yang and Grote 2017)
with a concept of no interference by human activities,
where three transects were set up altitudinally along a
mountain slope and the other three latitudinally along the
stream (Table 1).
Altitudinal transects were 50 m in height vertically,
with 10 plots arranged equidistantly 10 m apart from the
lower plot to the higher. The latitudinal transects were 100
m long along the stream channel, and ten plots were spaced
at a distance of 100 m evenly. Plots were 1×1 m squared.
All fern species in the sampling sites were investigated in
spring and summer from March to August 2021 and 2022,
when average monthly temperature and precipitation are
mostly stable (https://www.meteoblue.com). The study
direction and maps (Figures 1 and 2) were created using
QGIS 3.30.0 (2024), Google Earth Pro programs
(https://earth.google.com/web) and data from the Diva-GIS
and Map Cruzin (https://www.diva-gis.org/gdata).
Table 1. Location, elevation, and orientation of each transect
Tr.
Location
Height meter above sea level (m a.s.l.)
Orientation
I
39°24'20.02"N 67° 1'8.51"E
890-910
Latitudinal
II
39°24'12.68" N 67° 0'33.43" E
910-960
Altitudinal
III
39°22'40.87" N 66°59'41.26" E
970-1,020
Altitudinal
IV
39°21'10.20" N 66°59'8.43" E
1,060
Latitudinal
V
39°19'2.25" N 66°58'58.71" E
1,200-1,250
Altitudinal
VI
39°18'29.59" N 66°56'20.38" E
1,385-1,390
Latitudinal
Figure 1. Study area in Urgut District, Samarkand, Uzbekistan
B I O D I V E R S I T A S
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Figure 2. Orientation of transects A to J in the Amonkoton stream (Zerafshan Valley, Uzbekistan)
Correct nomenclature was maintained following POWA
(https://powo.science.kew.org/). Every fern species we
found in the plots was identified using images depicting its
vegetative behavior. Because the rhizome and sori types
are essential for the identification of Pteridophytes (Callado
et al. 2015). The identification of the fern species was
carried out using the available dichotomous key from
selected published sources, as well as morphological
comparisons from the scanned photos of specimens
available at Global Plants on JSTOR, Plants of the World
Online, Global Biodiversity Information Facility and The
World Checklist of Vascular Plants.
Statistical analysis
In statistical analysis, we used the Shannon-Wiener
Index (H), which measures species diversity influenced by
both richness and evenness. The Bray-Curtis index is also
widely used in statistical analysis, particularly in the
context of diversity, data aggregation and ecological
studies. (Magurran 2004; Chao and Chiu 2016; Ricotta and
Podani 2017).
Shannon-Wiener Index (H): Shannon-Wiener Index
was calculated by using the formula:
H’ = -i (ni /N. ln (ni/N)
Where:
ln : natural logarithm
ni : the number of individuals of the ith species
N : the total number of individuals of all the species
Bray-Curtis Index: Bray-Curtis index was calculated by
using the formula:
BCij=1-(2Cij)/(Si+Sj)
Where:
Cij : the sum of only the lesser counts for each species
Si and Sj : the total number of specimens counted at
sites i and j
Meteorological data
No long-term weather data is available in Uzbekistan.
Therefore, the Climatic Research Unit CRU TS 4.07 (grid-
box data for 39.25 N, 66.75 E) datasets (Harris et al. 2020)
provided each site's mean monthly temperature and
precipitation data. The program was used to analyze
climatic data. We used precipitation and temperature averages
covering 120 years. Temperature and precipitation are
considered to be the most important factors connected to
fern development and distribution in the valley.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The analytical results are from 490 fern individuals
belonging to 13 species, 7 genera, and 4 families (Table 2).
Transect III was placed along the stream, and the
largest number of individuals (164) were found. It also
showed the most diversity of species (7): Equisetum
arvense L., Equisetum ramosissimum Desf., Adiantum
capillus-veneris L., Cystopteris fragilis (L.) Bernh.,
Hemionitis persica (Bory) Christenh., Asplenium
trichomanes L., and Asplenium ceterach L. species were
found only in Transect III. Transect V was characterized by
fewer individuals (23) and low species diversity (3). Two
species of Asplenium fontanum subsp. pseudofontanum
(Kossinsky) Reichst. & Schneller and Dryopteris
komarovii Kossinsky were determined in Transect V. In
addition, 2 species of Asplenium lepidum subsp.
haussknechtii (Godet & Reut. ex Milde) Brownsey and
MUMINOV et al. Different habitats of ferns growing
2699
Asplenium ruta-muraria L. were encountered only in
Transect IV. The number of individuals of C. fragilis is the
highest (40) in Transect VI. Thelypteris palustris Schott
and Dryopteris filix-mas (L.) Schott were found only in
Transect VI.
Moreover, Figure 3. A shows yearly average
temperatures from 1901 to 2022; over this period, there is a
noticeable trend of increasing temperatures, with some
fluctuations from year to year. The average temperature
increased from around 9 in the early 1900s to
approximately 12.67℃ in 2022. While there are some
temperature variations yearly, the overall trend indicates a
warming climate over the past century.
The data presents yearly precipitation levels from 1901
to 2022 (Figure 3. B). There is variation in precipitation
levels across the years, with some years experiencing
higher levels than others. Overall, there seem to be some
fluctuations in precipitation levels over time, but there isn't
a clear trend visible at first glance. However, further
analysis is crucial to identify any long-term patterns or
trends in precipitation.
Shannon-Wiener Index (H)
Figure 4 shows the dispersed values of the Shannon-
Wiener Index among the plots in each transect separately
using a general linear regression, allowing the
identification of habitat heterogeneity and changes along
the plots.
Altitudinal transects (II, III, V)
Transect plots are numbered 1 through 10 from the
mountain's base to its summit. While Transect V was open,
Transect III was closed. The ridge of a mountain was
Transect II. The relationship between the elevation and the
H index was generally positive (Figure 4). It demonstrates
unequivocally a tendency for ferns and their companions to
diversify with increasing elevation. A substantial
correlation (P<0.05) was observed in Transect III, an
opening with vegetative vegetation and a closed habitat.
The humidity inside was rather high because the ravine was
irrigated from an upper location. In these conditions, the
majority of ferns and fern allies flourished well.
While Transect V also had a ravine, it was more
dispersed due to weak flora and rocks. It could not
maintain groundwater or a nearby, humid environment;
ferns are seldom found at this location. Transect II was a
mountain slope that could not reliably sustain water levels
or create a humid environment. On the ridge, shrubs were
more developed than ferns.
Table 2. Species in transects
Family
Tr.
Tr.
Tr.
Tr.
Tr.
Tr.
I
II
III
IV
V
VI
Equisetaceae
20
56
40
34
0
10
9
31
78
46
17
0
Pteridaceae
5
14
20
0
0
0
0
0
4
0
0
0
Aspleniaceae
0
0
0
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
4
0
0
0
0
3
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
5
0
0
0
20
7
15
0
0
40
0
0
0
0
0
1
Polypodiaceae
0
0
0
0
0
4
0
0
0
0
2
0
Figure 3. A. Average temperature (℃) and B. Amount of precipitation (mm) of the Zerafshan Valley, Uzbekistan
A
B
B I O D I V E R S I T A S
25 (6): 2696-2704, June 2024
2700
Latitudinal transects (I, IV, VI)
Transect plots were numbered 1 through 10 and
spanned 100 meters from higher to lower. Whereas
Transects VI and I were closed, Transect IV was an open
stream terrace. Along the stream, there was a substantial
positive correlation (P<0.05) between the H index (Figure
4). Transects I, IV, and VI appeared to have a sufficient
water supply compared to altitudinal transects because of
their proximity to the stream channel. Due to the
development of trees and bushes, closed habitats were
created simultaneously in certain transects VI and I
sections. Transect IV did not see the development of lush
stream vegetation. One would attribute the primary cause
to erratic stream tides.
Bray-Curtis Index
Moreover, all six transects existed in a cramped valley
of 24 km in length. Bray-Curtis index demonstrated a
deviation altitudinally and latitudinally (Table 3). The
maximum was 0,858 in transects IV and VI, which defined
similar living circumstances for ferns. The minimum was 0
in transects V and VI, which determined various
circumstances.
Table 3. Similarity in transects
I
II
III
IV
V
VI
I
0.490
0.546
0.532
0.766
0.516
II
0.308
0.310
0.740
0.791
III
0.360
0.818
0.771
IV
0.689
0.858
V
0
VI
Plots
Plots
Plots
Plots
Plots
Plots
Figure 4. The Shannon-Wiener Index (H) variance in transects (I-VI)
MUMINOV et al. Different habitats of ferns growing
2701
In plots
The calculated Bray-Curtis indices determined the
small-scale habitat in each transect's plot. Table 5 shows a
distinct listing of the values. The life conditions of ferns
were continuous and transects I, II, III, IV, and VI in the
Bray-Curtis plots were comparable. Conversely, Bray-
Curtis was nearly zero in transect plots V. Both locations
have low humidity levels and inadequate target species
records. The findings are in good alignment with the field
research.
Indicator species
This study identified 4 types of ferns as indicators due
to their large number and growth in almost all transects
Table 4.
Discussion
Embarking on a thorough exploration of the intricate
relationship between elevation and the biodiversity of
vascular plants, particularly focusing on the fascinating
realm of ferns, unfurls a captivating tapestry of ecological
nuances. The consistent revelation of a hump-shaped
pattern in tropical regions, signifying a zenith of
biodiversity at mid-elevations and a gradual decline
towards higher and lower elevations, is a compelling
starting point (Hernández-Rojas et al. 2018). This
altitudinal influence becomes even more intriguing when
delving into the specifics, as the elevation at which
maximum fern diversity occurs manifests distinct
variations across diverse mountain ranges. For instance,
Costa Rica and Mount Kinabalu in Borneo showcase
optimal diversity around 1,800 masl, while Bolivia's peak
is at 2,000 m a.s.l., and Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania
experiences it at 2,400 masl (Kessler et al. 2001). These
altitudinal gradients align with the upper echelons of
tropical gradients, where biodiversity tends to exhibit
relative diminution. The cross-examination of species
within these datasets, while maintaining mean annual
temperatures as a constant, not only corroborates but also
accentuates the reliability and consistency of these
altitudinal patterns. The narrative is nuanced in temperate
realms like New Zealand or North America, with
biodiversity gradually diminishing with elevation or
maintaining a relatively stable profile (Brock et al. 2016).
The altitudinal transects along the mountain slope were
located from 890-1,390 masl (Table 1), providing a
panoramic vista of ecological intricacies, notably shedding
light on species regeneration and the prevalence of ferns.
Within this altitudinal mosaic, certain transects stand out as
ecological vignettes. Transects IV and V emerge as
distinctive chapters, revealing fern scarcities with only two
species identified. Transect IV, uniquely differentiating
itself from Transects I and VI, underscores the dynamic
heterogeneity that characterizes these elevation gradients.
In stark contrast, transect III unfurls as a lush tapestry, rich
in ferns, hosting 7 distinct species and a substantial
population of 490 individuals (Table 3). The ecological
drama in Transect III unfolds against the backdrop of
abundant rainfall draining into the ravine, nurturing an
environment supported by a significant water supply
originating from higher elevations. On the flip side,
Transects II and V grapple with drought conditions,
resulting in a diminished presence of ferns but a
proliferation of shrubs and trees, encompassing Rosa
canina L., Rosa persica Michx. ex J.F.Gmel., Prunus
spinosissima (Bunge) Franch., Rubus caesius L., Crataegus
turkestanica Pojark, Prunus bucharica (Korsh.) B.Fedtsch.,
Salix alba L., and Juniperus seravschanica Kom. Transect
III's closed canopy is a vital key player, contributing
significantly to higher biodiversity than an open ravine or
ridge.
Primarily focus on a few specific fern species
flourishing in these altitudinal gradients; some distinguish
themselves as indicator species by demonstrating an
extraordinary degree of environmental adaptation. E.
ramosissimum and E. arvense, thriving in open, humid
environments, partner with the fern C. fragilis, which
flourishes beneath large stones or in the shade, and A.
capillus-veneris, commonly found near water and beneath
large rocks. These ferns are not just biological entities but
rather environmental barometers, their population sizes
shifting dynamically in response to changing variables,
thereby signifying a sensitivity to the nuanced evolution of
their surroundings. In the broader ecological narrative,
ferns and their botanical counterparts emerge as pivotal
players, serving as indicators of the overall health and
equilibrium of the environmental tapestry (Silva et al.
2018). The narrative broadens its scope, shifting towards
the overarching theme of climate change, which has
become a central focus over the past few decades. This
temporal correlation coincides with a surge in
environmental disasters, creating a complex ecological
backdrop. Anthropogenic warming, with its genesis in the
1960s in Uzbekistan, has catalyzed substantial land
degradation and a cascade of climate events in recent years
(Kholmatjanov et al. 2020). Within this maelstrom, plants
find themselves at the frontline, grappling with various
stresses emanating from both abiotic and biotic factors.
Table 4. Indicator species
Species
Elevation (m a.s.l.)
Transect
Equisetum arvense L.
890 ~ 1,390
I, II, III, IV, VI
Equisetum ramosissimum Desf.
890 ~ 1,250
I, II, III, IV, V
Cystopteris fragilis (L.) Bernh.
900 ~ 1,390
I, II, III, VI
Adiantum capillus-veneris L.
900 ~ 1,020
I, II, III
Table 5. Similarity in plot
Transect I
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
1
0.571
0.75
0.8
0.176
0.333
0.889
0.538
0.529
0
2
0.27
0.667
0.846
0.818
0
0
0
0
3
0.714
0.571
0.5
0.714
0.6
0.714
0
4
0.778
0.714
0
0
0
0
5
0.142
0.778
0.454
0.5
0
6
0.714
0.6
0.714
0
7
0.6
0.778
0
8
0.333
0.818
9
0.467
10
Transect II
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
1
0.6
0.69
0.6
0.467
0.6
0.294
0.771
0.667
0.379
2
0
0.22
0
0.375
0
0.454
0.454
0.481
3
0
0.33
0
0.5
0
0.73
0.8
4
0
0.11
0
0.454
0.363
0.629
5
0
0.2
0
0.529
0.636
6
0
0.515
0.363
0.629
7
0
0.579
0.583
8
0.675
0.523
9
0.161
10
Transect III
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
1
0
0.15
0.304
0.677
0
0
0.567
0.515
0.459
2
0.64
0
0.6
0.752
0.636
0.692
0
0.69
3
0.47
0.47
0.909
0.78
0.4
0.56
0.3
4
0.357
0
0.73
0.29
0.47
0.529
5
0.9
0.35
0.21
0.705
0.368
6
0.9
0.92
0.72
0.69
7
0.4
0.89
0.65
8
0.6
0.363
9
0.35
10
Transect VI
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
1
0
0.67
0
0.5
0
0
0.57
0.27
0.2
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
0.375
0.375
0.53
0
0.142
0.7
0.53
4
0
0.36
0
0.62
0
0
5
0
0
0.26
0.57
0.33
6
0
0.6
0
0
7
0
0
0
8
0.636
0.42
9
0.38
10
Transect V
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
4
0
0
0
0
0
0
5
0
0
0
0
0
6
0.5
0
0.27
0
7
0
0.63
0.5
8
0
0
9
0.27
10
Transect VI
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MUMINOV et al. Different habitats of ferns growing
2703
The research pivots its lens specifically toward ferns,
unraveling their responses to the evolving environmental
narrative within the Zerafshan Valley, a terrain shared by
the Urgut region. The altitudinal ascent from the base to the
summit of the mountain emerges as a climatic odyssey,
marked by an escalation in precipitation and a concurrent
decrease in temperature. Ferns, in their adaptive
choreography, exhibit a positive correlation with elevation,
a testament to their intricate dance with atmospheric
conditions. The crescendo of species richness further
amplifies amidst the valley's rich symphony of habitat
heterogeneity. Intriguingly, even in the absence of direct
human intervention, the current panorama of these
landscapes diverges significantly from their original
patterns, acting as poignant evidence of the transformative
impact of climate change.
Raising away from the small-scale world of fern
ecology, the changing dynamics of the Zerafshan Valley
reveal a complex story about the relationship between
elevation, fern diversity, and the wider effects of climate
change on the local ecosystems. This narrative transcends
the realms of mere biodiversity studies, encapsulating a tale
of ecological resilience, adaptation, and vulnerability. It
prompts a profound contemplation on how these
environmental factors intricately shape the delicate
equilibrium of biodiversity in these altitudinal landscapes,
unveiling a trove of knowledge that transcends disciplinary
boundaries. This nuanced exploration serves as a testament
to the interdisciplinary importance of understanding the
delicate dance between elevation, ecological communities,
and the sweeping forces of climate change, offering a
holistic perspective that weaves together the intricate
threads of nature's resilience and vulnerability in the face of
dynamic environmental shifts between elevation,
ecological communities, and the sweeping forces of climate
change.
In conclusion, the Zerafshan Valley, characterized by a
drier and warmer climate, has experienced a noticeable
decline in vegetation, combined with soil degradation,
marking a stark departure from its once flourishing green
landscape in recent decades. Therefore, it becomes
imperative to delve into the symbiotic relationship between
the habitat and its resident species to unravel the intricacies
of this ecological shift. A focal point of this ecological
narrative is the nuanced category of ferns, renowned for
their heightened sensitivity to environmental conditions
and the intricacies of their upbringing.
The study employs a meticulous approach to decipher
the mechanisms at play in this ecological transformation.
Plots and intensive transects, strategically designed as
surrogates, step into the role of proxies, offering insights
into the growth patterns of ferns and their intimate
connection with their natural environments. These
designated areas serve as microcosms, enabling researchers
to closely observe and analyze how ferns respond to the
evolving conditions within the Zerafshan Valley. This
methodological design facilitates a comprehensive
understanding of fern behavior. It provides a window into
the broader ecological dynamics underpinning the intricate
combination of vegetation and environmental shifts in this
unique geographical setting. The choice of plots and
transects emerges as a deliberate strategy, allowing for a
more nuanced exploration and interpretation of the
multifaceted interplay between ferns and their
surroundings, ultimately contributing to a higher
knowledge tapestry regarding the ecological evolution of
the Zerafshan Valley.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors are grateful to the Laboratory of Botanical
Scientific-Research and Herbarium of Samarkand State
University (SAMDU), Uzbekistan, for the facilities used
during the research.
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