ALBERT

Description: Abstract Questions Recent studies imply that response patterns of species and phylogenetic diversity may differ. Here, we addressed the following questions: What are the most important drivers and is there a difference in the responses to environmental drivers between species and phylogenetic diversity? If so, which ecological mechanisms determine these patterns and will different habitat types host plants of different evolutionary lineages? Location Czech Republic. Methods We used a unique data set of 419 permanent plots in thermophilous temperate deciduous forests. Herbaceous layer vegetation was sampled along a wide range of environmental gradients. Soil characteristics were measured in the laboratory from field‐collected samples. Topographic variables were derived from a digital elevation model. Results Communities of shaded habitats on moist fertile soils were characterized by phylogenetically older lineages (pteridophytes and ancient lineages of lilioids and dicots) resulting in a higher phylogenetic diversity. On the other hand, dry oligotrophic habitats were distinguished by short‐lived light‐demanding species (some asterids) and showed higher species, but relatively lower, phylogenetic diversity. Besides simple effects of soil, light availability and topographic properties, interactions between the factors played an important role. Conclusions Our results indicate that both types of biodiversity were mainly driven by environmental stress created by the interplay among factors. Patterns of phylogenetic diversity suggest that historical factors, i.e. the shifting of species’ habitats at the evolutionary scale, could also provide plausible explanations.