Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera (EPT) trait-based biomonitoring of rivers within the northwestern Rif of Morocco: implications for determining riverine ecosystems ecological health in Africa

Aquatic Sciences, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 86(2)

Published: March 30, 2024

Language: Английский

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Future-proofing environmental DNA and trait-based predictions of food webs

BioScience, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 73(12), P. 862 - 878

Published: Nov. 1, 2023

Abstract Food webs represent trophic interactions within ecosystems. Matching traits of consumers and resources helps infer food-web properties. Environmental (e)DNA, commonly used for detecting species occurrences, is rarely in trait-matching studies because abundance estimates descriptions relevant are generally missing. We synthesized recent literature on inferences with eDNA trait matching to identify challenges opportunities coupled eDNA–trait recording schemes. Our case study shows how coupling data collection improves the ability characterize greater numbers food across multiple scales ranging from spatiotemporal variation. Future-proofing sets requires new or compilation existing at that detect current future changes

Language: Английский

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Bringing light onto the Raunkiæran shortfall: A comprehensive review of traits used in functional animal ecology

Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 13(4)

Published: April 1, 2023

Trait-based approaches elucidate the mechanisms underlying biodiversity response to, or effects on, environment. Nevertheless, Raunkiæran shortfall-the dearth of knowledge on species traits and their functionality-presents a challenge in application these approaches. We conducted systematic review to investigate trends gaps trait-based animal ecology terms taxonomic resolution, trait selection, ecosystem type, geographical region. In addition, we suggest set crucial steps guide selection aid future research conduct within cross-taxon comparisons. identified 1655 articles using virtually all groups published from 1999 2020. Studies were concentrated vertebrates, terrestrial habitats, Palearctic realm, mostly investigated trophic habitat dimensions. Additionally, they focused (79.4%) largely ignored intraspecific variation (94.6%). Almost 36% data sets did not provide rationale behind morphological traits. The main limitations use averages rare inclusion variability. Nearly one-fifth studies based only conclude that diversity impacts processes services without justifying connection between them measuring them. propose for standardizing collection includes following: (i) determining type mechanism linking environment, ecosystem, correlation trait, (ii) "periodic table niches" select appropriate niche dimension support mechanistic (iii) selecting relevant each retained dimension. By addressing gaps, can become more predictive. This implies will likely focus collaborating understand how environmental changes impact animals capacity goods.

Language: Английский

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Ecosystem functions and functional traits for the study of phytophagous scarab beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)

Ecological Entomology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 49(4), P. 463 - 475

Published: March 28, 2024

Abstract Owing to the rapid and ongoing anthropogenic changes impacting ecosystem functions their interplay with biodiversity, there is a growing focus on assessing insect functional diversity. This emphasis helps unravel key roles of insects processes identify assembly mechanisms that regulate species coexistence. The ecological phytophagous scarab beetles (Scarabaeidae) have been relatively unexplored, potential traits are scattered throughout literature. Species within this group exhibit diverse lifestyles, forms sizes. They exploit various resources such as decomposing wood, foliage, roots flowers, small subset identified predators. Although many representatives significant agricultural pests, information contributions in natural ecosystems has not consolidated. study reviews potentially carried out by proposes be incorporated into studies Through this, goal integrate information, stimulate generation questions go beyond classical theory contribute advancing our knowledge functions, well foundations for understanding community structure. We propose use trophic groups define bioturbation, organic matter decomposition, biological control pollination. A simplified list was obtained conducting correlation analyses using trait matrix from region northern Colombia. represents advance framework ecology, applicable territorial planning biodiversity conservation.

Language: Английский

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Restoring forest ecosystem services through trait-based ecology

Environmental Reviews, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 32(4), P. 498 - 524

Published: May 11, 2024

Restoration is moving towards a more mechanistic approach that emphasizes restoration of ecosystem services. Trait-based approaches provide links between species identity and functions have been suggested as promising way to formally integrate services in the design programs. While practitioners routinely using informal knowledge on plant traits their practices, these are underutilized operationalization remains challenging. The goal this paper guidance for applied scientists looking apply trait-based restore forest ecosystems. We present five-step framework: (1) selection be restored, (2) trait selection, (3) data acquisition, (4) analytical planning, (5) empirical testing monitoring. use three Canadian case studies illustrate applicability our framework variety ways can inform practices: urban woodlots after an insect outbreak, smelter-damaged landscape surrounding area, reclamation remote upland forests oil- gas-related disturbances. describe major mechanisms determine vegetation effects importance each study. then discuss availability, methodological constraints, comparability issues, methods, monitoring ensure realistic prediction service restoration. By outlining issues offering practical information, we aim contribute robust ecological

Language: Английский

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Linking effect traits of soil fauna to processes of organic matter transformation

Functional Ecology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Dec. 20, 2024

Abstract Soil organic matter (SOM) transformation processes are regulated by the activities of plants, microbes, and fauna. Compared with plants effects soil fauna less understood because their high taxonomic functional diversity, mix direct indirect effect mechanisms. Trait‐based approaches offer a generic perspective to quantify mechanistic relationships between SOM transformations, including decomposition, translocation, stabilisation carbon. Yet, at present, we lack consensus concerning relevant key traits (i.e. those affecting ecosystem functioning). Here, address this knowledge gap focusing on transformations. Based existing literature, identify linked universally applicable across taxa types, discuss process‐trait links. We define eight that directly affected fauna: (i) litter mass loss, (ii) fragmentation, (iii) aggregation in faeces, (iv) mineral particles, (v) decomposition (vi) (vii) pore space creation maintenance (viii) stabilisation. link these general classified into four categories: (a) food selection ingestion, (b), digestion excretion, (c) mobility, (d) body metabolic rate. also propose proxies when trait measurements laborious. The proposed links need be validated targeted experiments. urge researchers obtain quantitative experimental data, together approaches, integratively contributions functioning. Read free Plain Language Summary for article Journal blog.

Language: Английский

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Integrating intraspecific trait variability in functional diversity: an overview of methods and a guide for ecologists

Published: Jan. 9, 2024

The variability in traits within species (intraspecific trait variability; ITV) has attracted an increased interest functional ecology, as it can profoundly influence the detection of patterns, calculation diversity (FD), and assessments ecosystem functioning. This renewed focus stems from recognition that are not homogeneous entities but rather mosaics individuals with varying traits. Researchers dealing FD have increasingly recognized this issue, consequently, multiple methods emerged to explicitly incorporate ITV into calculations. Some treat unit analysis, while others characterize distributions around their means. Ecologists navigating landscape may face challenges selecting most appropriate approach address research questions. synthesis provides overview guidelines on how when use different available quantify biological assemblages integrate FD. As a case study, we computed correlations simulated degrees variability. Our findings suggest choice metric should be guided primarily by ecological question being addressed and, lesser extent, number types Simulations revealed strong among metrics account for ITV, particularly those indicating size occupied space. evidence accumulates shows is key shaping species’ fitness distribution well affecting functioning, will serve conceptual practical tool inspiring guiding researchers analyses.

Language: Английский

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Trait-mediated filtering predicts phyllostomid bat responses to habitat disturbance in the Orinoco Llanos

Biodiversity and Conservation, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 33(4), P. 1285 - 1302

Published: March 1, 2024

Language: Английский

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Climate and Land Use Changes Impact the Future of European Amphibian Functional Diversity

Land, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 13(8), P. 1206 - 1206

Published: Aug. 5, 2024

Climate and land use changes drive shifts in species distributions, causing variations richness. Yet the influence of distributions on functional diversity at broad spatial scales remains uncertain. Here, we explored potential effect climate European amphibian assemblages from present to 2050, along with their We performed distribution modelling using a scenario change estimate current future 73 species. estimated morphological ecological traits. Our results highlight intricate effects taxonomic amphibians. A climate-induced northward expansion amphibians is anticipated, temperature, precipitation, forest cover prominently shaping assemblages. Species expected have shrinking ranges (n = 35) tend mature sexually later age, produce fewer offspring per reproductive event, live higher maximum altitudes compared expand 38). Furthermore, trait composition are exceed predictions based solely These will vary geographically, northern regions likely experiencing substantial increases richness redundancy, i.e., coexistence similar roles. findings underscore that might serve as an early warning signal assess human impacts biodiversity.

Language: Английский

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The Phyloperiodic Approach Removes the “Cryptic Species” and Puts forward Multilevel Organismal Diversity

Diversity, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 16(4), P. 220 - 220

Published: April 6, 2024

The notion of the “cryptic species” has recently become an important agenda in biodiversity research. In this study, we show, by applying a periodic-like morphological and molecular framework to nudibranch genus Cadlina from world’s least explored locations Kuril Islands northwestern Pacific, including description six new species, that term should be removed research terminology. We explicitly show different species complex have various degrees phylogenetic distances distinctness, revealing truly multilevel system fine-scale differences similarities. Therefore, designate any these as “cryptic” or “non-cryptic” would completely arbitrary, non-operational, generally meaningless. By this, finally strongly propose remove “crypticity” (in sense “indistinguishable species”) arsenal modern biology, phylogeny taxonomy. importance differentiation is shown for addressing conservation global warming challenges. Six are named after scientists who not always received honours they deserve, two women did receive their respective Nobel Prizes.

Language: Английский

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