Ecological effect on the hilltop of Danxia Landform

The hilltop ecological effect of Danxia Landform generated by the distinct physiognomy and topography was investigated. The characteristic differences in ecological factors, community structure and species ecotype between hilltop and foot gulch and those of adjacent non-Danxia Landform were determined. The results showed that the mean daily temperature on the hilltop was higher than that at the foot gulch. But the average relative humidity and community diversity on the hilltop were lower than those at the foot gulch. In contrast to those on the hilltop, plants at the foot gulch showed stronger tropical character. All of the characteristics above were different from those in other landforms. In addition, ecotypic differentiations in leaf area, specific leaf area, bark, height under branch and crown width were found in the studied species between the hilltop and the foot gulch. Moreover, the hilltop of Danxia Landform was thought to be of significance in the scientific research of ecotype, island biogeography and adaptive evolution. Further studies are needed in order to better understand the universality of ecological effect on the hilltop of Danxia Landform.