Biome: evolution of a crucial ecological and biogeographical concept

New Phytologist, Journal Year: 2018, Volume and Issue: 222(1), P. 97 - 114

Published: Nov. 27, 2018

Summary A biome is a key community ecological and biogeographical concept and, as such, has profited from the overall progress of ecology, punctuated by two major innovations: shifting focus pure pattern description to understanding functionality, changing approach observational explanatory most importantly, descriptive predictive. The functional enabled development mechanistic function‐focused predictive retrodictive modelling; it also shaped current dynamic biological entity having many aspects, with deep roots in evolutionary past, which undergoing change. evolution was three synthetic steps: first synthesis formulated solid body theory explaining meaning zonality collated our knowledge on drivers vegetation patterns at large spatial scales; second translated this into effective modelling tools, developing further link between ecosystem functionality biogeography; third (still progress) seeking common ground large‐scale biogeographic phenomena, using macroecology macroevolutionary research tools.

Language: Английский

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The Net Effect of Functional Traits on Fitness

Trends in Ecology & Evolution, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 35(11), P. 1037 - 1047

Published: Aug. 14, 2020

Language: Английский

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Plant traits alone are poor predictors of ecosystem properties and long-term ecosystem functioning

Nature Ecology & Evolution, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 4(12), P. 1602 - 1611

Published: Oct. 5, 2020

Language: Английский

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AusTraits, a curated plant trait database for the Australian flora

Scientific Data, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 8(1)

Published: Sept. 30, 2021

Abstract We introduce the AusTraits database - a compilation of values plant traits for taxa in Australian flora (hereafter AusTraits). synthesises data on 448 across 28,640 from field campaigns, published literature, taxonomic monographs, and individual taxon descriptions. Traits vary scope physiological measures performance (e.g. photosynthetic gas exchange, water-use efficiency) to morphological attributes leaf area, seed mass, height) which link aspects ecological variation. contains curated harmonised individual- species-level measurements coupled to, where available, contextual information site properties experimental conditions. This article provides version 3.0.2 997,808 trait-by-taxon combinations. envision as an ongoing collaborative initiative easily archiving sharing trait data, also template other national or regional initiatives globally fill persistent gaps knowledge.

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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Overcoming biotic homogenization in ecological restoration

Trends in Ecology & Evolution, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 37(9), P. 777 - 788

Published: June 1, 2022

Language: Английский

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To harness traits for ecology, let’s abandon ‘functionality’

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

Published: Dec. 13, 2022

Language: Английский

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Animal functional traits: Towards a trait‐based ecology for whole ecosystems

Functional Ecology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 37(1), P. 4 - 12

Published: Jan. 1, 2023

Abstract Functional traits and associated trait‐based concepts have driven rapid innovation in ecology over recent years, with most progress based on insights from plants. However, plants are almost entirely restricted to a single trophic level, an over‐reliance plant therefore neglects the complexity importance of biotic interactions across levels. The need expand focus account for has led upsurge attention animal functional emergence new relevant community ecology, macroecology ecosystem science. Recent compilation global trait datasets some taxa opened up possibilities testing ecological theory. In this Special Focus, we explore how can scope investigation multiple levels, these investigations be used upscale understanding local communities biogeographical patterns ultimately help predict impacts change functions. To address key questions, showcase studies diverse ranging size springtails crocodiles spanning levels primary consumers apex predators. This collection shows precise measurements morphological or physiological increase mechanistic assembly particularly mechanisms underpinning large‐scale biodiversity patterns. Furthermore, clearer picture is emerging systematic responses environmental that shape composition affect functioning. articles volume highlight move beyond limits taxonomic boundaries. integration data opens identifying general processes operating at different scales. identification their interplay underpin development whole ecosystems, which could eventually enable predictions ecosystem‐level consequences loss. Read free Plain Language Summary article Journal blog.

Language: Английский

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Hotspots of biogeochemical activity linked to aridity and plant traits across global drylands

Nature Plants, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 10(5), P. 760 - 770

Published: April 12, 2024

Language: Английский

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How and why species are rare: towards an understanding of the ecological causes of rarity

Ecography, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 2024(2)

Published: Jan. 15, 2024

The three‐dimensional rarity typology proposed by Rabinowitz in 1981, based on geographic range, habitat specificity, and local abundance, is among the most widely used frameworks for describing ecological conservation research. While this framework descriptive not meant to explain causes of rarity, recent advances ecology may be leveraged add explanatory power. Here we present a macroecological exploration its underlying causes. We propose modification Rabinowitz's better distinguish between dimensions processes that drive them, explore implications our modified framework. occupancy (the proportion occupied sites within species' range) as axis, recast specificity cause thus yielding classification range size, occupancy, abundance. Under framework, specialists are no longer considered rare if they widespread abundant; argue more accurately identifies truly species, common their abundant. Finally, draw theoretical literature identify key associated traits each axis. In respect, four (environmental filtering, movement, demography interactions), hypothesise size primarily driven environmental filtering whereas abundance strongly influenced interactions. further use theory concerns with measures suitable conserving different types species. Our work provide basis developing hypotheses about particular focal taxa or groups, inform development targeted strategies.

Language: Английский

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