funspace: An R package to build, analyse and plot functional trait spaces

Diversity and Distributions, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 30(4)

Published: Feb. 21, 2024

Abstract Aim Functional trait space analyses are pivotal to describe and compare organisms' functional diversity across the tree of life. Yet, there is no single application that streamlines many sometimes‐troublesome steps needed build analyse spaces. Innovation To fill this gap, we propose funspace , an R package easily handle bivariate multivariate analyses. The six functions constitute can be grouped in three modules: ‘Building exploring’, ‘Mapping’ ‘Plotting’. building exploring module defines main features a (e.g. metrics) by leveraging kernel density‐based methods. mapping uses general additive models map how target variable distributes within space. plotting provides options for creating flexible publication‐ready figures representing outputs obtained from previous modules. We provide worked example demonstrate complete workflow. Main Conclusions will researchers working with traits life new tool explore: (i) any space, (ii) relationship between other biological or non‐biological factor might contribute shaping species' diversity.

Language: Английский

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Trait-based prediction of extinction risk across terrestrial taxa

Biological Conservation, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 274, P. 109738 - 109738

Published: Sept. 23, 2022

Species differ in their biological susceptibility to extinction, but the set of traits determining varies across taxa. It is yet unclear which patterns are common all taxa, and taxon-specific, with consequences conservation practice. In this study we analysed generality trait-based prediction extinction risk terrestrial (including freshwater) vertebrates, invertebrates plants at a global scale. For each group, selected five representative taxa within group explored whether can be related any 10 potential predictors. We then synthesized outcomes using meta-analytic approach. High habitat specificity was consistent predictor plants, being universal risk. Slow life-history – large relative offspring size, low fecundity, long generation length –, narrow altitudinal range were also found good predictors most universality needs supported additional data. Poor dispersal ability among invertebrate plant not consistently vertebrates. The remaining (body microhabitat verticality, trophic level, diet breadth) useful predict only lower taxonomical levels. Our shows that despite idiosyncrasies exists several might influence for Informing prioritization taxonomic scales should however include taxon-specific

Language: Английский

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Bird extinctions threaten to cause disproportionate reductions of functional diversity and uniqueness

Functional Ecology, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 37(1), P. 162 - 175

Published: Nov. 23, 2022

Abstract Human activities are driving rapid defaunation of Earth's ecosystems through increasing rates extinction. However, the ecological consequences species loss remain unclear, in part due to limited availability high‐resolution functional trait data. To address this, we assess how predicted extinctions will reshape avian diversity quantified using a multidimensional space, or morphospace, reflecting variation eight key morphological traits closely linked function across 9943 (>99%) extant bird species. We show that large regions this morphospace represented by very few and, thus, vulnerable loss. also find evidence at highest risk extinction both larger and functionally unique terms dimensions unrelated size, such as beak shape wing shape. Although raw patterns suggest positive relationship between uniqueness, is removed when accounting for phylogeny body mass, indicating dominant role clade‐specific factors, including combination average size higher non‐passerine clade. Regardless threat related simulations currently threatened would result greater than expected under random extinctions. Our results ongoing declines may drive disproportionately diversity, with potentially major ecosystem functioning. Read free Plain Language Summary article on Journal blog.

Language: Английский

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Groundwater is a hidden global keystone ecosystem

Global Change Biology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 30(1)

Published: Dec. 12, 2023

Abstract Groundwater is a vital ecosystem of the global water cycle, hosting unique biodiversity and providing essential services to societies. Despite being largest unfrozen freshwater resource, in period depletion by extraction pollution, groundwater environments have been repeatedly overlooked conservation agendas. Disregarding importance as an ignores its critical role preserving surface biomes. To foster timely groundwater, we propose elevating concept keystone species into realm ecosystems, claiming that influences integrity many dependent ecosystems. Our analysis shows over half land areas (52.6%) has medium‐to‐high interaction with reaching up 74.9% when deserts high mountains are excluded. We postulate intrinsic transboundary features for shifting perspectives towards more holistic approaches aquatic ecology beyond. Furthermore, eight key themes develop science‐policy integrated agenda. Given ecosystems above below ground intersect at levels, considering component planetary health pivotal reduce loss buffer against climate change.

Language: Английский

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Generation length of the world's amphibians and reptiles

Ecography, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: March 19, 2025

Variation in life histories influences demographic processes, from adaptive changes to population declines leading extinction. Among history traits, generation length offers a critical feature forecast species' trajectories such as (widely used by the IUCN Red List) and adaptability environmental change over time. Therefore, estimates of are crucial monitor stability or predict future highly threatened organisms, particularly amphibians reptiles, which among vertebrates for uncertainty impacts remains high. Despite its importance, reptiles is largely missing. Here, we aim fill this gap modeling lengths amphibians, squamates testudines function species size, climate, phylogeny using generalized additive models phylogenetic least squares. We estimated 5059 (57%) 8722 (73%) 117 (32%) testudines. Our performed well most families (e.g. Bufonidae Lacertidae Colubridae squamates, Geoemydidae testudines) while found high around prediction few families, notably Chamaeleonidae. Species' body size mean temperature were main predictors all groups. Although our not meant substitute robust validated measurements field studies natural museums, they can help reduce existing biases conservation assessments until data comprehensively available.

Language: Английский

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Anthropogenic impacts on threatened species erode functional diversity in chelonians and crocodilians

Nature Communications, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 14(1)

Published: March 28, 2023

The Anthropocene is tightly associated with a drastic loss of species worldwide and the disappearance their key ecosystem functions. orders Testudines (turtles tortoises) Crocodilia (crocodiles, alligators, gharials) contain numerous threatened, long-lived for which functional diversity potential erosion by anthropogenic impacts remains unknown. Here, we examine 259 (69%) existing 375 Crocodilia, quantifying life history strategies (i.e., trade-offs in survival, development, reproduction) from open-access data on demography, ancestry, threats. We find that simulated extinction scenarios threatened greater than expected chance. Moreover, effects unsustainable local consumption, diseases, pollution are strategies. In contrast, climate change, habitat disturbance, global trade affect independent strategy. Importantly, degradation twice all other Our findings highlight importance conservation programmes focused preserving jointly phylogenetic representativity these highly groups.

Language: Английский

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Changes in the functional diversity of modern bird species over the last million years

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 120(7)

Published: Feb. 6, 2023

Despite evidence of declining biosphere integrity, we currently lack understanding how the functional diversity associated with changes in abundance among ecological communities has varied over time and before widespread human disturbances. We combine morphological, ecological, life-history trait data for >260 extant bird species genomic-based estimates changing effective population size ( N e ) to quantify demographic-based shifts avian past million years under pre-anthropogenic climate warming. show that was relatively stable this period, but underwent significant some key areas space due abundances. Our results suggest patterns decline Pleistocene have been concentrated particular regions extreme reproductive strategies low dispersal ability, consistent an overall erosion diversity. Further, most sensitive warming occupied a narrow region space, indicating largest potential increases decreases change will occur similar sets. Overall, our identify fluctuations evolutionary timescales represent vulnerability different these taxa. The integration paleodemographic dynamics enhances ability losses integrity anthropogenic disturbances attribute contemporary biodiversity loss drivers time.

Language: Английский

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Functional diversity of sharks and rays is highly vulnerable and supported by unique species and locations worldwide

Nature Communications, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 14(1)

Published: Nov. 24, 2023

Elasmobranchs (sharks, rays and skates) are among the most threatened marine vertebrates, yet their global functional diversity remains largely unknown. Here, we use a trait dataset of >1000 species to assess elasmobranch compare it against other previously studied biodiversity facets (taxonomic phylogenetic), identify species- spatial- conservation priorities. We show that encompass full extent space disproportionately include functionally distinct species. Applying metric FUSE (Functionally Unique, Specialised, Endangered) reveals top-ranking differ from top Evolutionarily Distinct Globally Endangered (EDGE) list. Spatial analyses further richness is concentrated along continental shelves around oceanic islands, with 18 distinguishable hotspots. These hotspots only marginally overlap those facets, reflecting spatial fingerprint diversity. Elasmobranch converge fishing pressure coast China, which emerges as critical frontier in conservation. Meanwhile, several components fall high seas and/or outside network protected areas. Overall, our results highlight acute vulnerability world's elasmobranchs' reveal priorities for overlooked.

Language: Английский

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Functional diversity metrics can perform well with highly incomplete data sets

Methods in Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 14(11), P. 2856 - 2872

Published: Sept. 29, 2023

Abstract Characterising changes in functional diversity at large spatial scales provides insight into the impact of human activity on ecosystem structure and function. However, approach is often based trait data sets that are incomplete unrepresentative, with uncertain impacts estimates. To address this knowledge gap, we simulated random biased removal from three empirical sets: an avian set (9579 species), a plant (2185 species) crocodilian (25 species). For these sets, assessed whether metrics were robust to incompleteness without using imputation fill gaps. We compared two each calculated methods: richness (calculated convex hulls probabilities densities) divergence distance‐based Rao probability densities). Without imputation, estimates (richness divergence) for birds plants when 20%–70% species had missing four out 11 six continuous traits, respectively, depending severity bias method used. traits imputed, consistently remained representative true value 70% bird 50% traits. Trait densities particularly missingness combined imputation. Convex hull‐based estimations less reliable. When applied smaller (crocodilians, 25 all much more sensitive data. Expanding global morphometric represent taxa quantify intraspecific variation, remains priority. In meantime, our results show widely used methods can successfully large‐scale even half species, provided estimated recommend use or working filling gaps

Language: Английский

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Global patterns and determinants of multiple facets of plant diversity

Global Ecology and Biogeography, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 33(5)

Published: March 13, 2024

Abstract Aim Combining different biodiversity dimensions can reveal new diversity patterns disclosing the relative roles of historical, environmental and anthropogenic factors in shaping global seed plant diversity. Location Global. Time period Present. Major taxa studied Vascular plants. Methods We collated a database encompassing taxonomic (249,000 species), functional phylogenetic information (34,694 species) plants across regions world. Species richness each region was weighted accounting for their distinctiveness, obtaining metric—μ‐diversity—which modelled to disentangle historical such as climate variability since Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), features (e.g. actual evapotranspiration—AET) (past current). Results Higher μ‐diversity observed Papuasia, South East Asia, Australia Central America, whereas lowest values were primarily located Northern Hemisphere. Climate AET most important determinants individual facets, importance past human impacts (i.e. onset pastoralism) equated or exceeded those present ones. Main conclusions Our integrative approach proved more sensitive describing species patterns. Few areas on Earth host high unique proportions multiple facets contribute differently continents. Historical stability water‐energy dynamics strongly affect diversity, but we also that land‐use legacy may have influenced current which is under intense pressure, especially Asia well America.

Language: Английский

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