Species richness and community structure along a great basin elevational gradient

Benchmarks for preservation of biological richness can be established by surveying representative reference areas at multiple spatial and temporal scales. In this study, vascular plant species richness was sampled using nested frequency plots (0.25-64 m(2)) at 14 sites along a southeastern Great Basin elevational gradient (1,550-2,675 m). Salt-desert shrubland, pinyon/juniper woodland, and mixed coniferous forest communities were represented. Species area curves revealed contrasting distribution patterns for perennial grasses, shrubs, and forbs. Multi-scale nested frequency plots provided an efficient method for surveying species richness in these communities.