Functional trait‐based approaches as a common framework for aquatic ecologists

Limnology and Oceanography, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 66(3), P. 965 - 994

Published: Dec. 10, 2020

Abstract Aquatic ecologists face challenges in identifying the general rules of functioning ecosystems. A common framework, including freshwater, marine, benthic, and pelagic ecologists, is needed to bridge communication gaps foster knowledge sharing. This framework should transcend local specificities taxonomy order provide a ground shareable tools address scientific challenges. Here, we advocate use functional trait‐based approaches (FTBAs) for aquatic propose concrete paths go forward. Firstly, unify existing definitions FTBAs adopt language. Secondly, list numerous databases referencing traits organisms. Thirdly, present synthesis on traditional as well recent promising methods study traits, imaging genomics. Finally, conclude with highlight venues which opportunities future research. By offering practical tools, our provides clear path forward adoption ecology.

Language: Английский

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Effects of dams decrease zooplankton functional β‐diversity in river‐associated lakes

Freshwater Biology, Journal Year: 2018, Volume and Issue: 63(7), P. 721 - 730

Published: April 17, 2018

Abstract In river–floodplain systems, the construction of dams causes environmental changes in natural dynamics rivers and associated wetlands, which can affect both taxonomic functional composition communities, and, consequently, ecosystem functioning. We evaluated zooplankton β‐diversity sets lakes with a preserved dammed river Neotropical floodplain. expected that measures would be lower than river. β‐Diversity was partitioned into turnover nestedness components, through multiple‐site dissimilarity measures, compared null models. more important for river, whereas species trait Functional higher among while not different between rivers. Contributions components were similar revealing loss extreme combinations from space. Comparisons observed revealed by no differences models Our results suggest is influenced damming such homogenisation occurs without change β‐diversity. propose maintenance tributaries floodplains, sustain heterogeneity, primarily if nearby environments are already dammed. Furthermore, we reinforce necessity pluralistic approach, considering aspects biodiversity management.

Language: Английский

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Measures and Approaches in Trait-Based Phytoplankton Community Ecology – From Freshwater to Marine Ecosystems

Frontiers in Marine Science, Journal Year: 2019, Volume and Issue: 6

Published: Feb. 12, 2019

Trait-based approaches to investigate (short- and long-term) phytoplankton dynamics community assembly have become increasingly popular in freshwater marine science. Although the nature of pelagic habitat main taxa ecology are relatively similar both systems, lines research evolved, at least part, separately. We compare contrast adopted ecosystems with respect functional traits. note differences study goals relating trait use that assess those relate ecosystem processes biogeochemical cycling affect type characteristics assigned as traits taxa. Specific relevant for ecological function examined relation herbivory, amplitude environmental change spatial temporal scales study. Major identified, including shorter time scale regular compared open oceans well sampling done by researchers based on site-accessibility. Overall, we encourage researcher better motivate, why they apply trait-based analyses their studies make process-driven approaches, which more common studies. further propose fully comparative conducted along gradient spanning brackish systems or geographic gradients. Such will benefit from combined strength fields.

Language: Английский

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A trait‐based framework for dung beetle functional ecology

Journal of Animal Ecology, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 92(1), P. 44 - 65

Published: Nov. 28, 2022

Traits are key for understanding the environmental responses and ecological roles of organisms. Trait approaches to functional ecology well established plants, whereas consistent frameworks animal groups less developed. Here we suggest a framework study animals from trait-based response-effect approach, using dung beetles as model system. Dung group decomposers that important many ecosystem processes. The lack tailored this has limited use traits in beetle ecology. We review which respond environment affect processes, covering wide range spatial, temporal biological scales at they involved. show variation temperature, water, soil properties, trophic resources, light, vegetation structure, competition, predation parasitism. beetles' influence on processes includes trait-mediated effects nutrient cycling, bioturbation, plant growth, seed dispersal, other dung-based organisms parasite transmission, some cases pollination predation. identify 66 either response or effect traits, both, pertaining six main categories: morphology, feeding, reproduction, physiology, activity movement. Several pertain more than one category, particular relocation behaviour during nesting feeding. also 136 trait-response 77 trait-effect relationships beetles. No stressors nor over were related with single category. This highlights interrelationship between shaping body-plans, multi-functionality their role linking ecosystem. Despite current developments ecology, knowledge gaps remain, there biases towards certain functions, taxonomic regions. Our provides foundations thorough development It serves an example taxa.

Language: Английский

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Invertebrate traits, diversity and the vulnerability of groundwater ecosystems

Functional Ecology, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 36(9), P. 2200 - 2214

Published: June 25, 2022

Abstract Groundwater comprises the largest freshwater ecosystem on planet. It has a distinct regime of extreme, yet stable environmental conditions that have favoured development similar morphological and functional traits in resident invertebrate fauna (stygofauna). The analysis community is increasingly used as an alternative to taxonomy‐based assessments biodiversity, especially for monitoring status linking functions organisms ecological processes, it been rarely applied stygofauna groundwater ecosystems. In this paper, we review variation among important ecosystem. We focus processes alluvium fractured rock aquifers are typified by small voids fissures constrain habitats conditions. As first step, compare trait variability between surface water communities then examine significance ranges these vulnerability change. Fifteen potentially useful recognised. Eight narrower (i.e. exhibit fewer states, or attributes, particular trait) than they do water. Two wider ranges. Our synthesis suggests relative stability environments led low variability. biomass reproductive rate suggest recovery potential following disturbance likely be low. For purposes both improved understanding effective management, further work needed document additional their states fauna, enabling better relationship response effect Read free Plain Language Summary article Journal blog.

Language: Английский

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Spring copepod functional diversity associated with the oceanographic fronts of the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean

Progress In Oceanography, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 103421 - 103421

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

Language: Английский

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Do functional groups of planktonic copepods differ in their ecological niches?

Journal of Biogeography, Journal Year: 2018, Volume and Issue: 45(3), P. 604 - 616

Published: Jan. 9, 2018

Abstract Aim To assess the degree of overlap between environmental niches marine planktonic copepods and test if distribution copepod functional groups differs across gradients. Location The Mediterranean Sea. Methods Functional were defined based on clustering traits in 106 species using a multivariate ordination analysis. included maximum body length, feeding mode, spawning strategy trophic group. Simultaneously, global was used to model their with six variables. For each these predictors, four niche parameters derived from univariate response curve summarise preferences ordinate space through PCA . Finally, differences position tested variance Results We identified seven different distributions along gradients covered by our study. While carnivorous affiliated oligotrophic tropical conditions, large small current‐feeding herbivores are associated colder, more seasonally varying productive conditions. Small cruising detritivores other not specific conditions as constituting scattered space. Main conclusions Since occupy distinct ecological niches, ecosystem processes related expected vary Conditions favouring should allow for enhanced fluxes energy nutrients Sea ecosystems, while such be weakened where carnivores passive ambush‐feeding dominate. Our study supports development trait‐based zooplankton models.

Language: Английский

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Food Webs and Ecosystems: Linking Species Interactions to the Carbon Cycle

Annual Review of Ecology Evolution and Systematics, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 51(1), P. 271 - 295

Published: Aug. 18, 2020

All species within ecosystems contribute to regulating carbon cycling because of their functional integration into food webs. Yet modeling and accounting still assumes that only plants, microbes, invertebrate decomposer are relevant the cycle. Our multifaceted review develops a case for considering wider range species, especially herbivorous carnivorous wild animals. Animal control over is shaped by animals’ stoichiometric needs traits in relation stoichiometry resources. Quantitative synthesis reveals failing consider these mechanisms can lead serious inaccuracies budget. Newer carbon-cycle models food-web structure based on organismal offer mechanistically informed predictions about magnitudes animal effects will help guide new empirical research aimed at developing coherent understanding interactions importance all

Language: Английский

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Zooplankton grazing selectivity regulates herbivory and dominance of toxic phytoplankton over multiple prey generations

Limnology and Oceanography, Journal Year: 2018, Volume and Issue: 64(3), P. 1214 - 1227

Published: Dec. 14, 2018

Abstract How grazer selectivity regulates the primary producer community is a core topic in ecology. Yet, role of zooplankton grazing selection on phytoplankton dynamics poorly understood. Few studies have compared effect grazers with contrasting mixed prey, and none over multiple generations. We tested hypothesis that selectively copepod ( Eudiaptomus gracilis ) would facilitate dominance toxic cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa by competing eukaryotic microalga Cryptomonas pyrenoidifera ), while generalist cladoceran Daphnia magna no cyanobacteria 4‐d laboratory cocultures. Experiments started ninefold initial biomass. Each type was added to cocultured abundance no‐grazer controls. As predicted, had relative its prey facilitated dominance, although strength facilitation slightly declined time. reduced mostly biomass edible algae, it pushed system toward which likely efficiency selective last day. Hence, promoted cyanobacterial may be weaker than predicted from extrapolating rates obtained short‐term (i.e., hourly) assays. Overall, predicting dynamics—especially harmful algal blooms—would benefit accounting for fluctuations effects due shifting growth each

Language: Английский

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Phytoplankton community structuring and succession in a competition-neutral resource landscape

ISME Communications, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 1(1)

Published: April 14, 2021

Phytoplankton community composition and succession affect aquatic food webs biogeochemistry. Resource competition is commonly viewed as an important governing factor for structuring this perception imbedded in modern ecosystem models. Quantitative consideration of the physical spacing between phytoplankton cells, however, suggests that direct growth-limiting resources uncommon. Here we describe how size distributions temporal successions are compatible with a competition-neutral resource landscape. Consideration phytoplankton-herbivore interactions proportional feeding ranges yields small-cell dominated consistent observations stable environments, whereas predator-prey lags blooming physiologies shift distribution to larger mean cell sizes temporally dynamic environments. We propose conceptual mandala understanding where species successional series initiated by environmental disturbance, guided magnitude these disturbances nutrient stoichiometry, terminated return toward 'stable solution'. Our provides framework interpreting modeling natural populations.

Language: Английский

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