The meaning of the term ‘function’ in ecology: A coral reef perspective

Functional Ecology, Journal Year: 2018, Volume and Issue: 33(6), P. 948 - 961

Published: Dec. 16, 2018

Abstract The inherent complexity of high‐diversity systems can make them particularly difficult to understand. relatively recent introduction functional approaches, which seek infer ecosystem functioning based on species’ ecological traits, has revolutionized our understanding these systems. Today, the structure an assemblage is widely regarded as a key indicator status or resilience ecosystem. Indeed, evaluations have become mainstay monitoring and management approaches. But heavy focus broad metrics grounded in empirical research? On tropical coral reefs, ocean’s most diverse ecosystems, remarkably few studies directly quantify functions term ‘function’ used but rarely defined, especially when applied reef fishes. Our review suggests that ‘functional’ do not study function it relates processes. Rather, they look at easy‐to‐measure traits proxies are thought significance. However, links tested empirically, severely limiting capacity extend results from community dynamic processes operating within ecosystems such reefs. With rapid changes global their deliver services, there urgent need understand empirically measure role organisms various functions. We suggest if we manage transitioning reefs Anthropocene, definition word needed along with quantification roles. In this review, propose universal operational works cellular level. Specifically, movement storage energy material . Within definitional framework, all part continuum tied together by process‐based unifier fluxes. hand, then present path forward will allow us fully harness power approaches managing A plain language summary available for article.

Language: Английский

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Coral reef ecosystem functioning: eight core processes and the role of biodiversity

Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, Journal Year: 2019, Volume and Issue: 17(8), P. 445 - 454

Published: July 30, 2019

Coral reefs are in global decline. Reversing this trend is a primary management objective but doing so depends on understanding what keeps desirable states (ie “functional”). Although there evidence that coral thrive under certain conditions (eg moderate water temperatures, limited fishing pressure), the dynamic processes promote ecosystem functioning and its internal drivers community structure) poorly defined explored. Specifically, despite decades of research suggesting positive relationship between biodiversity across biomes, few studies have explored reef systems. We propose practical definition functioning, centered eight complementary ecological processes: calcium carbonate production bioerosion, herbivory, secondary predation, nutrient uptake release. Connecting species niches, functional diversity communities, rates key can provide novel, quantitative dependence communities will chart transition Anthropocene. This contribute urgently needed guidance for these important ecosystems.

Language: Английский

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Functional diversity of marine megafauna in the Anthropocene

Science Advances, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 6(16)

Published: April 17, 2020

Threatened marine megafauna have larger-than-expected contributions to functional diversity; a new index identifies key species.

Language: Английский

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Changing geo‐ecological functions of coral reefs in the Anthropocene

Functional Ecology, Journal Year: 2018, Volume and Issue: 33(6), P. 976 - 988

Published: Nov. 23, 2018

Abstract The ecology of many coral reefs has changed markedly over recent decades in response to various combinations local and global stressors. These ecological changes have important implications for the abundance taxa that regulate production erosion skeletal carbonates, thus geo‐ecological functions provide, including reef framework sediment generation, maintenance habitat complexity growth potential. functional attributes underpin ecosystem goods services provide society. Rapidly changing conditions Anthropocene are likely significantly impact capacity sustain these functions. Although footprint disturbance will be expressed differently across ecoregions habitats, end point may broadly similar: (a) progressively shifting towards net neutral or negative carbonate budget states; (b) becoming structurally flatter; (c) having lower vertical rates. It is also a progressive depth‐homogenisation occur terms processes. defined by an increasing disconnect between processes drive on surface, geological outcome production, is, accumulation underlying structure. Reef structures become increasingly relict senescent features, which reduce generation rates, limit potential accrete vertically at rates can track rising sea levels. In absence pervasive stressors, recovery degraded communities been observed, resulting high net‐positive budgets being regained. However, frequency intensity climate‐driven bleaching events predicted increase next decades. This would spatial disturbances exacerbate magnitude described here, limiting maintain their enforcement effective marine protection benefits geographic isolation favourable environmental (“refugia” sites) offer hope more optimistic futures some locations. A >plain language summary available this article.

Language: Английский

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Future loss of local-scale thermal refugia in coral reef ecosystems

PLOS Climate, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 1(2), P. e0000004 - e0000004

Published: Feb. 1, 2022

Thermal refugia underpin climate-smart management of coral reefs, but whether current thermal will remain so under future warming is uncertain. We use statistical downscaling to provide the highest resolution stress projections (0.01°/1 km, >230,000 reef pixels) currently available for reefs and identify on locally manageable scales. Here, we show that climate change overwhelm local-scale refugia, with declines in global from 84% pixels present-day 0.2% at 1.5°C, 0% 2.0°C warming. Local-scale oceanographic features such as upwelling strong ocean currents only rarely refugia. confirm 1.5°C relative pre-industrial levels be catastrophic reefs. Focusing efforts may effective short-term. Promoting adaptation higher temperatures facilitating migration instead needed secure survival.

Language: Английский

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Stony coral tissue loss disease decimated Caribbean coral populations and reshaped reef functionality

Communications Biology, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 5(1)

Published: June 9, 2022

Diseases are major drivers of the deterioration coral reefs and linked to declines in abundance, reef functionality, reef-related ecosystems services. An outbreak a new disease is currently rampaging through populations remaining reef-building corals across Caribbean region. The was first reported Florida 2014 reached northern Mesoamerican Reef by summer 2018, where it spread ~450-km system only few months. Rapid generalized all sites mortality rates ranged from 94% <10% among 21 afflicted species. Most species family Meandrinadae (maze corals) subfamily Faviinae (brain sustained losses >50%. This single event further modified communities region increasing relative dominance weedy reducing both terms functional diversity calcium carbonate production. emergent likely become most lethal disturbance ever recorded Caribbean, will result onset regime key complex branching acroporids, an apparently unaffected genus that underwent severe population decades ago retained low levels, once again conspicuous structural features systems with yet even lower levels physical functionality.

Language: Английский

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A framework for measuring coral species-specific contribution to reef functioning in the Caribbean

Ecological Indicators, Journal Year: 2018, Volume and Issue: 95, P. 877 - 886

Published: Aug. 24, 2018

Language: Английский

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Deficits in functional trait diversity following recovery on coral reefs

Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 287(1918), P. 20192628 - 20192628

Published: Jan. 8, 2020

The disturbance regimes of ecosystems are changing, and prospects for continued recovery remain unclear. New assemblages with altered species composition may be deficient in key functional traits. Alternatively, important traits sustained by that replace those decline (response diversity). Here, we quantify the response diversity coral using case studies three locations. Despite return trajectories cover, original diverse attributes failed to recover at each location. Response reassembly trait space was limited, varied according biogeographic differences dominant, rapidly recovering species. deficits identified here suggest cover cannot assure reef diversity, shortening intervals between disturbances can limit among functionally

Language: Английский

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Coral reef resilience to thermal stress in the Eastern Tropical Pacific

Global Change Biology, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 26(7), P. 3880 - 3890

Published: April 21, 2020

Abstract Coral reefs worldwide are threatened by thermal stress caused climate change. Especially devastating periods of coral loss frequently occur during El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events originating in the Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP). Niño‐induced is considered primary threat to ETP reefs. An increase frequency and intensity ENSO predicted coming decades threatens a pan‐tropical collapse During 1982–1983 Niño, most Galapagos Islands collapsed, many more region were decimated massive bleaching mortality. However, after repeated disturbances, such as those 1997–1998 corals have demonstrated regional persistence resiliency. Using 44 year dataset (1970–2014) live cover from ETP, we assess whether exhibit same decline seen globally for other Also, compare rate change with data maximum Degree Heating Weeks experienced these role on reef survival. We find that period 1970–2014, exhibited temporary reductions following major events, but no overall decline. Further, recovery patterns allow persist under Niño‐stressed conditions, often recovering 10–15 years. Accumulative heat explains 31% annual living ETP. This suggests adapted extremes date, may ability adapt near‐term future climate‐change anomalies. These findings resilience provide general insights survival elsewhere intensifying Niño scenarios.

Language: Английский

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Synergistic benefits of conserving land-sea ecosystems

Global Ecology and Conservation, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 28, P. e01684 - e01684

Published: June 16, 2021

Mangroves, seagrasses, and coral reefs interact in tropical regions throughout the world. These ecosystems exhibit strong synergies, as health of each ecosystem supports functioning adjacent habitats. We present a global spatial analysis mangrove, seagrass, reef communities, identifying where these habitats co-occur. While only an estimated 18% interaction zones are covered by protected areas, boundaries between mangroves, represent areas high conservation efficiency, benefits amplify synergistically land-sea jointly managed. discuss four types efficiencies coastal ecosystems: (1) increased resistance to disturbance through inter-ecosystem feedbacks, (2) biodiversity within small geographic (3) habitat portfolio effects giving rise climate refugia, (4) synergistic services, building one service inherently increases others. Given benefits, campaigns expand marine terrestrial protection should focus on tightly connective interface reefs, order more efficiently build resilience

Language: Английский

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