Use of trait concepts and terminology in freshwater ecology: Historic, current, and future perspectives DOI Creative Commons
Cayetano Gutiérrez‐Cánovas, Rachel Stubbington, Daniel von Schiller

et al.

Freshwater Biology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 69(4), P. 477 - 495

Published: Feb. 12, 2024

Abstract Trait‐based approaches have received increasing interest among freshwater scientists given their capacity to predict community structure and biodiversity effects on ecosystem functioning. However, the inconsistent development use of trait concepts terms across scientific disciplines may limited realisation potential traits. Here, we reviewed definitions provide recommendations for consistent application in science. To do so, first literature identify established definitions, historical current challenges restricting trait‐based Next, surveyed 414 researchers from 54 countries assess variability terminology relation respondent characteristics (i.e., professional experience, geographical region, research discipline, focal ecosystem, biotic group, function). Our review identified two well‐established which emphasise individual phenotypic that influence either eco‐evolutionary aspects organism performance fitness) or dynamics processes responses environment and/or functioning). Publications used a range trait‐related frequency varied fields. The term functional dominated fields such as conservation, environmental sciences ecology, plant microbiology. In contrast, biological , species were with similar frequencies entomology, fisheries, marine biology, zoology. We also found are difficult apply unicellular organisms, colonial multicellular genomic information, cultural survey revealed highly researchers. Terms including structural measure function commonly describe same traits functions. Variability was generally explained by group propose making concept flexible enough be applicable all biota characteristics, while keeping integrating links aspects. Specifically, our new definition expands considering supra‐individual scales measurement (colonial‐ community‐mean traits), genotypic (e.g., gene markers enzymes) feeding behaviours, communication skills). reduce terminological ambiguity, recommend define terms, prioritising an overarching over alternative ), specific morphological ) situations precision is desirable. findings integrative study could help improve consistency better recognise elucidate mechanisms behind ecological patterns.

Language: Английский

Distance decay 2.0 – A global synthesis of taxonomic and functional turnover in ecological communities DOI Creative Commons
Caio Graco‐Roza, Sonja Aarnio, Nerea Abrego

et al.

Global Ecology and Biogeography, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 31(7), P. 1399 - 1421

Published: May 12, 2022

Understanding the variation in community composition and species abundances (i.e., β-diversity) is at heart of ecology. A common approach to examine β-diversity evaluate directional by measuring decay similarity among pairs communities along spatial or environmental distance. We provide first global synthesis taxonomic functional distance analysing 148 datasets comprising different types organisms environments.

Language: Английский

Citations

89

To harness traits for ecology, let’s abandon ‘functionality’ DOI
Robert P. Streit, David R. Bellwood

Trends in Ecology & Evolution, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 38(5), P. 402 - 411

Published: Dec. 13, 2022

Language: Английский

Citations

70

funspace: An R package to build, analyse and plot functional trait spaces DOI Creative Commons
Carlos P. Carmona, Nicola Pavanetto, Giacomo Puglielli

et al.

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

Citations

17

Advancing biological invasion hypothesis testing using functional diversity indices DOI Creative Commons
David Renault, Manon C.M. Hess, Julie Braschi

et al.

The Science of The Total Environment, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 834, P. 155102 - 155102

Published: April 8, 2022

Pioneering investigations on the effects of introduced populations community structure, ecosystem functioning and services have focused invaders taxonomic diversity. However, taxonomic-based diversity metrics overlook heterogeneity species roles within among communities. As homogenizing biological invasions processes can be subtle, they may require use functional indices to properly evidenced. Starting from listing major indices, alongside presentation their strengths limitations, we focus studies pertaining invasive native communities recipient ecosystems using indices. By doing so, reveal that strongly vary at onset invasion process, while it stabilizes intermediate high levels invasion. changes occurring during lag phase an been poorly investigated, show is still unknown whether there are consistent in could indicate end phase. Thus, recommend providing information stage under consideration when computing metrics. For existing literature, also surprising very few explored difference between organisms same trophic levels, or assessed non-native organism establishment into a non-analogue versus analogue community. valuable tools for obtaining in-depth diagnostics structure functioning, applied timely implementation restoration plans improved conservation strategies. To conclude, our work provides first synthetic guide hypothesis testing biology.

Language: Английский

Citations

55

A protocol for reproducible functional diversity analyses DOI Creative Commons
Facundo X. Palacio, Corey T. Callaghan, Pedro Cardoso

et al.

Ecography, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 2022(11)

Published: Aug. 30, 2022

The widespread use of species traits in basic and applied ecology, conservation biogeography has led to an exponential increase functional diversity analyses, with > 10 000 papers published 2010–2020, 1800 only 2021. This interest is reflected the development a multitude theoretical methodological frameworks for calculating diversity, making it challenging navigate myriads options report detailed accounts trait‐based analyses. Therefore, discipline ecology would benefit from existence general guideline standard reporting good practices We devise eight‐step protocol guide researchers conducting overarching goal increasing reproducibility, transparency comparability across studies. based on: 1) identification research question; 2) sampling scheme study design; 3–4) assemblage data matrices; 5) exploration preprocessing; 6) computation; 7) model fitting, evaluation interpretation; 8) data, metadata code provision. Throughout protocol, we provide information on how best select questions, designs, trait compute interpret results discuss ways ensure reproducibility results. To facilitate implementation this template, further develop interactive web‐based application ( stepFD ) form checklist workflow, detailing all steps allowing user produce final ‘reproducibility report' upload alongside paper. A thorough transparent analyses ensures that ecologists can incorporate others' findings into meta‐analyses, shared be integrated larger databases consensus available reused by other researchers. All these elements are key pushing forward vibrant fast‐growing field research.

Language: Английский

Citations

48

LepTraits 1.0 A globally comprehensive dataset of butterfly traits DOI Creative Commons
Vaughn Shirey, Elise A. Larsen,

Andra Doherty

et al.

Scientific Data, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 9(1)

Published: July 6, 2022

Abstract Here, we present the largest, global dataset of Lepidopteran traits, focusing initially on butterflies ( ca . 12,500 species records). These traits are derived from field guides, taxonomic treatments, and other literature resources. We wing size, phenology,voltinism, diapause/overwintering stage, hostplant associations, habitat affinities (canopy, edge, moisture, disturbance). This will facilitate comparative research butterfly ecology evolution our goal is to inspire future collaboration continued development this dataset.

Language: Английский

Citations

43

A predictive timeline of wildlife population collapse DOI
Francesco Cerini, Dylan Z. Childs, Christopher F. Clements

et al.

Nature Ecology & Evolution, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 7(3), P. 320 - 331

Published: Jan. 26, 2023

Language: Английский

Citations

41

Combined effects of bird extinctions and introductions in oceanic islands: Decreased functional diversity despite increased species richness DOI
Filipa C. Soares, Ricardo F. de Lima, Jorge M. Palmeirim

et al.

Global Ecology and Biogeography, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 31(6), P. 1172 - 1183

Published: March 30, 2022

Abstract Aim We analyse the consequences of species extinctions and introductions on functional diversity composition island bird assemblages. Specifically, we ask if introduced have compensated loss resulting from extinctions. Location Seventy‐four oceanic islands (> 100 km 2 ) in Atlantic, Pacific Indian Oceans. Time period Late Holocene. Major taxa studied Terrestrial freshwater species. Methods compiled a list per (extinct extant, native introduced), then traits used single‐trait analyses to assess effects past composition. Then, probabilistic hypervolumes trait space calculate richness evenness original versus present avifaunas each (and net change), estimate how functionally unique are extinct island. Results The were: an increase average (alpha diversity), yet decline across all (gamma diversity); prevalence most traits, evenness, associated with fact that were more (when compared extant natives) than Main conclusions Introduced offsetting even surpassing) losses terms richness, they increasing traits. However, not compensating for due Current assemblages becoming poorer, having lost being composed redundant This is likely cascading repercussions functioning ecosystems. highlight taxonomic biodiversity should be assessed simultaneously understand global impacts human activities.

Language: Английский

Citations

38

Land-use diversity predicts regional bird taxonomic and functional richness worldwide DOI Creative Commons
Carlos Martínez‐Núñez, Ricardo Martínez Prentice, Vicente García‐Navas

et al.

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

Published: March 10, 2023

Unveiling the processes that shape biodiversity patterns is a cornerstone of ecology. Land-use diversity (i.e., variety land-use categories within an area) often considered important environmental factor promotes species richness at landscape and regional scales by increasing beta-diversity. Still, role in structuring global taxonomic functional unknown. Here, we examine hypothesis explained analyzing distribution trait data for all extant birds. We found strong support our hypothesis. predicted bird almost biogeographic realms, even after accounting effect net primary productivity proxy resource availability habitat heterogeneity). This link was particularly consistent with compared to richness. In Palearctic Afrotropic saturation evident, suggesting non-linear relationship between biodiversity. Our results reveal key associated several facets diversity, widening understanding large-scale predictors patterns. These can contribute policies aimed minimizing loss.

Language: Английский

Citations

35

Island Biogeography DOI
Robert J. Whittaker, José María Fernández‐Palacios, Thomas J. Matthews

et al.

Oxford University Press eBooks, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: June 30, 2023

Abstract Island Biogeography: Geo-environmental Dynamics, Ecology, Evolution, Human Impact, and Conservation provides a synthetic review covering islands as model systems in the life sciences. It is centred on study of geographical distribution biodiversity how it changes through time, understood medium island biotas ecosystems. comprises four parts devoted turn to: environments; ecology; evolution; human impact conservation. describes origins dynamics different types key characteristics environments that shape their biotic characteristics. identifies theories ecology reviews progress towards evaluation development. sets out essential building blocks evolution emergent patterns insular endemism evolutionary syndromes animals plants. geo-environmental are crucial relevance to understanding developing improved explanatory predictive models ecological dynamics. application theory fragmented spread societies across world these subsequent colonization events environments, biotas, sustainability islands. evidence anthropogenic extinction islands, identifying drivers threats existing native species ecosystems, ways which may make particularly vulnerable certain external influences. considers distinctive conservation challenges solutions be effective

Language: Английский

Citations

31