Environ Exp Biol (2024) 22: 201–244

Creating a conceptual framework for analysis of vascular plant diversity in a coastal landscape: functional aspects and ecosystem services for plants at the Baltic Sea

Abstract

The aim of the study is to develop a conceptual framework for the analysis of the diversity of coastal plant species of the Baltic Sea in relation to adaptation to specific conditions and participation in the provision of ecosystem services. The possibilities of coastal plant classification for further analysis of their properties will be described, concentrating on both opportunities and weaknesses of each particular system. These will include approaches related to aspects of taxonomy, life forms and functional strategies, geographical- and habitat-related distribution, ecological indicators, species associations forming vegetation, dependence on landforms as well as provision of ecosystem services. All of these approaches make important contributions to the context of coastal plant occurrence. However, at the level of distribution of individuals of plant species, the perspective is in analysis of their relationship with coastal landscape elements, landforms. Abiotic and biotic aspects of the ecological niche should also be taken into account for the analysis of plant functional diversity, together with the morphological, physiological and biochemical characteristics of individuals. The importance of plants in the functional diversity of coastal ecosystems should be linked to their contribution to ecosystem services.