Why can't we predict traits from the environment?

New Phytologist, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 237(6), P. 1998 - 2004

Published: Oct. 29, 2022

Summary Plant functional traits are powerful ecological tools, but the relationships between plant and climate (or environmental variables more broadly) often remarkably weak. This presents a paradox: govern interactions with their environment, environment does not strongly predict of plants living there. Unpacking this paradox requires differentiating mechanisms trait variation potential confounds trait–environment at different evolutionary scales ranging from within species to among communities. It also necessitates integrated understanding physiological equifinality many strategies, challenges us understand how supposedly ‘functional’ integrate into whole‐organism phenotype in ways that may be largely orthogonal tolerances.

Language: Английский

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Functional Traits 2.0: The power of the metabolome for ecology

Journal of Ecology, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 110(1), P. 4 - 20

Published: Jan. 1, 2022

Abstract A major aim of ecology is to upscale attributes individuals understand processes at population, community and ecosystem scales. Such are typically described using functional traits, that is, standardised characteristics impact fitness via effects on survival, growth and/or reproduction. However, commonly used traits (e.g. wood density, SLA) becoming increasingly criticised for not being truly mechanistic questionable predictors ecological processes. This Special Feature reviews studies how the metabolome (i.e. thousands unique metabolites underpin physiology) can enhance trait‐based our understanding plant functioning. In this Editorial, we explore relates with reference life‐history trade‐offs governing between generations plasticity shaping within generations. We also identify solutions challenges acquiring, interpreting contextualising data, propose a roadmap integrating into ecology. next summarise seven composing Feature, which use examine mechanisms behind assembly, plant‐organismal interactions plants soil micro‐organisms Synthesis . demonstrate potential improve predictive power in by providing high‐resolution coupling physiology fitness. applying metabolomics questions currently limited lack conceptual, technical data frameworks, needs be overcome realise full

Language: Английский

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Ecological Indicator Values for Europe (EIVE) 1.0

Vegetation Classification and Survey, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 4, P. 7 - 29

Published: Jan. 13, 2023

Aims : To develop a consistent ecological indicator value system for Europe five of the main plant niche dimensions: soil moisture (M), nitrogen (N), reaction (R), light (L) and temperature (T). Study area (and closely adjacent regions). Methods We identified 31 systems vascular plants in that contained assessments on at least one aforementioned dimensions. rescaled values each dimension to continuous scale, which 0 represents minimum 10 maximum present Europe. Taxon names were harmonised Euro+Med Plantbase. For dimensions, we calculated European position width by combining from individual EIV systems. Using T as an example, externally validated our against median bioclimatic conditions global occurrence data taxa. Results In total, derived 14,835 taxa (14,714 M, 13,748 N, 14,254 R, 14,054 L, 14,496 T). Relating obtained species yielded higher correlation than any original ( r = 0.859). The database newly developed Ecological Indicator Values (EIVE) 1.0, together with all source systems, is available flexible, open access database. Conclusions EIVE most comprehensive date. uniform interval scales provide new possibilities macroecological analyses vegetation patterns. workflow documentation will facilitate future release updated expanded versions EIVE, may example include addition further taxonomic groups, additional external validation or regionalisation. Abbreviations value; Europe; EVA Vegetation Archive; GBIF Global Biodiversity Information Facility; i index taxa; j systems; L light; M moisture; N availability; R reaction; temperature.

Language: Английский

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Life history strategies of soil bacterial communities across global terrestrial biomes

Nature Microbiology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 8(11), P. 2093 - 2102

Published: Oct. 5, 2023

Language: Английский

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The essential role of biodiversity in the key axes of ecosystem function

Global Change Biology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 29(16), P. 4569 - 4585

Published: March 7, 2023

Biodiversity is essential for maintaining the terrestrial ecosystem multifunctionality (EMF). Recent studies have revealed that variations in functions are captured by three key axes: maximum productivity, water use efficiency, and carbon efficiency of ecosystem. However, role biodiversity supporting these axes has not yet been explored. In this study, we combined (i) data collected from more than 840 vegetation plots across a large climatic gradient China using standard protocols, (ii) on plant traits phylogenetic information 2,500 species, (iii) soil nutrient measured each plot. These were used to systematically assess contribution environmental factors, species richness, functional diversity, community-weighted mean (CWM) (i.e., intensity normalized per unit land area) EMF via hierarchical partitioning Bayesian structural equation modeling. Multiple attributes accounted 70% influence all variables EMF, ecosystems with high diversity had resource efficiency. Our study first explore different attributes, including CWM traits, functions. findings underscore conservation critical sustaining ultimately ensuring human well-being.

Language: Английский

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