ABSTRACT Background The degree of herbivory in plants can be related to leaf traits, which are, in turn, determined by phylogeny and environment. Aims The objective of our study was to determine the level of trait conservation (determined by phylogeny) vs. trait convergence (owing to overbearing effect of environmental factors) in leaf attributes and its relationship with rates of herbivory in two contrasting neotropical habitats. Methods We quantified herbivory and 12 leaf traits in 10 congeneric, co-occurring pairs of tree species of an Atlantic Rain Forest (ARF) and a coastal forest (Restinga - REST). Results Higher values of N, N:P, leaf area and water content were found for the ARF species, while REST species were characterised by higher total phenol, Ca, C:N and leaf mass per area. There was a great degree of trait convergence in leaf attributes by habitat, and a near lack of trait conservation. Rates of herbivory were related to leaf attributes and were significantly larger in ARF species compared to those in REST. Conclusions These findings indicate that leaf attributes are relatively convergent and closely related to habitat. The results also support theory in confirming greater investment in leaf defence in REST species in a more resource-poor environment than in ARF.

中文翻译：

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环境，而不是系统发育，驱动了来自巴西大西洋森林的两个对比鲜明的森林形成的树木的食草和叶子属性

摘要背景植物的食草程度与叶片性状有关，而叶片性状又由系统发育和环境决定。目的 我们研究的目的是确定叶子属性的性状保护水平（由系统发育决定）与性状趋同（由于环境因素的过度影响）及其与两个对比鲜明的新热带栖息地的食草率的关系。方法 我们量化了大西洋雨林 (ARF) 和沿海森林 (Restinga - REST) 的 10 对同种、共生树种中的食草性和 12 种叶子特征。结果 ARF 物种的 N、N:P、叶面积和水分含量较高，而 REST 物种的特征是总酚、Ca、C:N 和单位面积叶质量较高。不同栖息地的叶片属性有很大程度的性状趋同，几乎缺乏性状保护。食草率与叶属性有关，与 REST 相比，ARF 物种的食草率显着更高。结论 这些发现表明叶片属性相对趋同并且与栖息地密切相关。结果还支持理论，证实在资源更贫乏的环境中，与 ARF 相比，REST 物种对叶片防御的投资更大。