Effects of sampling on the elevational distribution of nematode-trapping fungi

Abstract Background Modelling species richness across an elevation gradient has long attracted attention, and at same time places some significant obstacles to research. Many interpretations of patterns and corresponding mechanisms for species distributions are made without consideration of multiple confounding factors. What are factors that affect species richness with elevation? The answer may contribute to better understanding of the elevational distribution patterns and mechanisms.In this study, we performed the research on species richness of nematode-trapping fungi (NTF) across an elevation gradient in Yunnan, China.Results The results showed that sampling patterns, sampling altitude range, and human disturbance in sampling site could affect the resulting patterns of species richness significantly.Conclusion The results suggested that future studies on the elevational gradients of species richness should address these factors, and try to adopt the high-sampling patterns to reduce the observation bias.