Climate change driving shift from woodlands to steppe in Inner Mongolia.
The article describes the vegetation in southeastern Inner Mongolia, focusing on the transition from woodland to steppe. By studying different plant communities, researchers found that precipitation is crucial for grasslands, while woodlands and shrublands are influenced by both temperature and humidity. The area can be divided into four vegetation zones based on altitude and climate conditions. Meadow and fen communities thrive at higher altitudes with more precipitation, while steppe communities dominate at lower altitudes with less rainfall. The distribution of woodlands and steppes is also affected by local factors like slope and human activities.