Kwongan shrubland community assembly: Driven by habitat heterogeneity and functional trait variability?

Using species, functional trait, and environmental data this thesis defines and explains the formation and distribution of species­and trait-based patterns of hyper-diverse kwongan vegetation along the shallow environmental gradients of Cooljaroo and Eneabba, Western Australia. The multivariate datasets were analysed using newly designed numerical data analysis tools and procedures. The outcomes from this research significantly improve the state of knowledge of kwongan vegetation patterns and drivers. This thesis will appeal to those interested in vegetation classification of species-rich vegetation, or those seeking novel approaches to the identification of the functional composition of plant communities.