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.
Ecology Letters,
Journal Year:
2015,
Volume and Issue:
18(8), P. 737 - 751
Published: June 21, 2015
Abstract
Ecology
is
often
said
to
lack
general
theories
sufficiently
predictive
for
applications.
Here,
we
examine
the
concept
of
a
periodic
table
niches
and
feasibility
niche
classification
schemes
from
functional
trait
performance
data.
Niche
differences
their
influence
on
ecological
patterns
processes
could
be
revealed
effectively
by
first
performing
data
reduction/ordination
analyses
separately
matrices
compiled
according
logical
associations
with
five
basic
‘dimensions’,
or
aspects:
habitat,
life
history,
trophic,
defence
metabolic.
Resultant
then
are
integrated
produce
interpretable
gradients,
ordinations
classifications.
Degree
scheme
periodicity
would
depend
degrees
conservatism
convergence
causing
species
clustering
across
multiple
dimensions.
We
analysed
sample
set
containing
contrast
two
approaches
producing
schemes:
ordination
within
gradient
space,
categorisation
trait‐value
thresholds.
Creation
useful
advancing
knowledge
its
applications
will
research
that
produces
datasets
directly
related
dimensions
along
criteria
standardisation
quality.
As
larger
databases
compiled,
opportunities
emerge
explore
new
methods
reduction,
classification.
Forest Ecology and Management,
Journal Year:
2014,
Volume and Issue:
333, P. 66 - 75
Published: Aug. 13, 2014
Rehabilitation
and
restoration
of
forest
ecosystems
are
in
growing
demand
to
tackle
climate
change,
biodiversity
loss
desertification—major
environmental
problems
our
time.
Interest
is
increasingly
translated
into
strong
political
commitment
large-scale
tree
planting
projects.
Along
with
this
new
impetus
the
enormous
scale
planned
projects
come
both
opportunities
risks:
significantly
increase
use
native
species,
risks
failure
associated
inadequate
or
mismatched
reproductive
material,
which
though
it
may
provide
cover
short
term,
will
not
likely
establish
a
self-sustaining
ecosystem.
The
value
using
species
ecosystem
receiving
recognition
among
practitioners
policy
makers.
However,
insufficient
attention
has
been
given
genetic
variation
within
their
life
histories
consequences
interactions
each
other
environment.
Also
have
often
neglected
build
safeguards
against
anticipated
effects
anthropogenic
change.
Measurement
success
tended
be
assessments
hectares
covered
seedling
survival
timeframe,
neither
an
indicator
establishment
long
term.
In
article,
we
review
current
practices
particular
focus
on
considerations.
Our
discussion
organised
across
three
themes:
(i)
selection
sourcing
material;
(ii)
increasing
resilience
by
fostering
natural
selection,
ecological
connectivity
associations;
(iii)
measuring
activities.
We
present
number
practical
recommendations
for
researchers,
policymakers
potential
successful
interventions.
recommend
development
adoption
decision-support
tools
for:
collecting
propagating
germplasm
way
that
ensures
broad
base
restored
populations,
including
planning
propagation
material
desired
well
before
intended
time;
matching
provenances
sites
based
future
site
conditions,
predicted
known
patterns
adaptive
traits
availability
seed
sources;
landscape-level
Journal of Vegetation Science,
Journal Year:
2016,
Volume and Issue:
27(3), P. 637 - 645
Published: Jan. 4, 2016
Abstract
Analyses
of
functional
traits
have
become
fundamental
tools
for
understanding
patterns
and
processes
in
plant
community
ecology.
In
this
context,
regenerative
seed
play
an
important,
yet
overlooked,
role
because
they
largely
determine
the
ability
plants
to
disperse
re‐establish.
A
survey
recent
publications
ecology
suggests
that
germination
particular
are
neglected
at
expense
other
relevant
but
overused
based
only
on
morphology.
As
a
response
bias,
we
discuss
significance
comparison
with
morphological
biophysical
traits,
advocate
their
use
vegetation
science.
We
also
demonstrate
how
research
assembly,
climate
change
restoration
can
benefit
from
inclusion
encompassing
functions
cannot
be
explained
solely
by
adult
traits.
Seed
experiments
conducted
laboratory
or
field
quantify
these
provide
ecologically
meaningful
relatively
easy‐to‐obtain
information
about
properties
communities.
argue
bridging
gap
between
physiologists
ecologists
will
improve
prediction
assemblages,
propose
further
perspectives
including
into
agenda
ecologists.
Journal of Applied Ecology,
Journal Year:
2016,
Volume and Issue:
54(2), P. 509 - 517
Published: Aug. 6, 2016
Ecological
studies
identifying
a
positive
relationship
between
biodiversity
and
ecosystem
services
motivate
projections
that
higher
plant
diversity
will
increase
from
agroecosystems.
While
this
idea
is
compelling,
evidence
of
generalizable
relationships
could
be
broadly
applied
in
agricultural
systems
lacking.
Cover
crops
grown
rotation
with
cash
are
realistic
strategy
to
agroecosystem
diversity.
We
evaluated
the
prediction
further
increasing
cover
crop
polycultures
would
enhance
multifunctionality
2-year
study
eighteen
treatments
ranging
one
eight
species.
Five
were
measured
each
system
regression
analysis
used
explore
several
indices.
As
expected,
there
was
species
richness
multifunctionality,
but
it
only
explained
small
fraction
variance
(marginal
R2
=
0·05).
In
contrast,
indices
functional
diversity,
particularly
distribution
trait
abundances,
stronger
predictors
0·15–0·38).
Synthesis
application.
corn
production
system,
simply
have
impact
on
services,
designing
maximize
may
lead
agroecosystems
greater
multifunctionality.
Journal of Applied Ecology,
Journal Year:
2017,
Volume and Issue:
54(4), P. 1018 - 1027
Published: June 19, 2017
Summary
Ecological
restoration
is
a
global
priority
that
holds
great
potential
for
benefiting
natural
ecosystems,
but
outcomes
are
notoriously
unpredictable.
Resolving
this
unpredictability
represents
major,
critical
challenge
to
the
science
of
ecology.
In
an
effort
move
ecology
toward
more
predictive
science,
we
consider
key
issue
variability.
Typically,
vary
relative
goals
(i.e.
reference
or
desired
future
conditions)
and
with
respect
other
efforts.
The
field
has
largely
considered
only
first
type
variation,
often
focusing
on
oversimplified
success
vs.
failure
dichotomy.
causes
particularly
among
efforts,
remain
poorly
understood
most
systems.
Variation
associated
consequence
how,
where
when
conducted;
variation
also
influenced
by
how
outcome
measured.
We
propose
should
decrease
number
factors
constraining
increase
specificity
goal.
When
(e.g.
harsh
environmental
conditions,
limited
species
reintroductions)
preclude
species,
little
will
exist
restorations,
metrics
such
as
physical
structure,
may
be
broadly
interchangeable.
Conversely,
few
constraints
membership
exist,
substantial
result
pronounced
assessed
taxonomic
composition.
Synthesis
applications
.
variability
observe
during
results
from
both
context
(how,
conducted)
evaluate
outcomes.
To
advance
capacity
restoration,
outline
research
agenda
considers
outcomes,
drivers
existing
experiments
quantify
understand
in
development
models
organise,
interpret
forecast
New Phytologist,
Journal Year:
2015,
Volume and Issue:
206(2), P. 660 - 671
Published: Jan. 23, 2015
Summary
We
used
a
functional
trait‐based
approach
to
assess
the
impacts
of
aridity
and
shrub
encroachment
on
structure
Mediterranean
dryland
communities
(functional
diversity
(
FD
)
community‐weighted
mean
trait
values
CWM
)),
evaluate
how
these
attributes
ultimately
affect
multifunctionality
(i.e.
provision
several
ecosystem
functions
simultaneously).
Shrub
(the
increase
in
abundance/cover
shrubs)
is
major
land
cover
change
that
taking
place
grasslands
worldwide.
Studies
conducted
drylands
have
reported
positive
or
negative
depending
traits
sprouting
nonsprouting
species
considered.
were
equally
important
as
drivers
responses
both
encroachment.
Size
(e.g.
vegetative
height
lateral
spread)
leaf
specific
area
dry
matter
content)
captured
effect
with
relative
high
accuracy
r
2
=
0.63).
also
improved
resistance
along
gradient
studied.
Maintaining
enhancing
plant
may
help
buffer
effects
ongoing
global
environmental
multifunctionality.
Restoration Ecology,
Journal Year:
2020,
Volume and Issue:
28(6), P. 1372 - 1383
Published: Sept. 4, 2020
The
application
of
a
functional
trait‐based
approach
to
ecological
restoration
is
receiving
growing
attention
worldwide,
but
lack
knowledge
on
traits
and
how
they
link
ecosystem
services
imposes
major
barrier
operationalize
such
approach.
Synthesizing
the
existing
thus
timely
important
challenge.
We
systematically
reviewed
literature
assess
are
associated
across
organisms,
types,
continents.
also
assessed
frameworks
target
in
ecology.
Then,
we
discussed
future
perspectives
for
field,
especially
challenges
applying
megadiverse
tropical
ecosystems,
which
have
ambitious
commitments.
Most
papers
focused
plants
(72%),
terrestrial
habitats
(69%),
non‐tropical
ecosystems
(68%)
monitored
after
started
rather
than
using
them
as
previous
targets.
Only
12%
targeted
both
priori
,
3.8%
presented
clear
framework
restoration.
possibility
selecting
alternative
subsets
complementary
species
their
provisioning
should
make
more
feasible
traditional
approaches
species‐rich
ecosystems.
With
this
review
our
critical
insights
widely,
hope
assist
broad‐scale
programs
obtain
higher
levels
benefits
nature
human
well‐being
per
unit
area
undergoing
restoration,
going
beyond
area‐based
that
has
dominated
Global Change Biology,
Journal Year:
2015,
Volume and Issue:
22(4), P. 1361 - 1371
Published: Nov. 7, 2015
One
of
the
major
challenges
in
ecology
is
to
predict
how
multiple
global
environmental
changes
will
affect
future
ecosystem
patterns
(e.g.
plant
community
composition)
and
processes
nutrient
cycling).
Here,
we
highlight
arguments
for
necessary
inclusion
land-use
legacies
this
endeavour.
Alterations
resources
conditions
engendered
by
previous
land
use,
together
with
influences
on
such
as
dispersal,
selection,
drift
speciation,
have
steered
communities
functions
onto
trajectories
change.
These
may
be
modulated
contemporary
climate
warming
nitrogen
deposition.
We
performed
a
literature
review
which
suggests
that
these
potential
interactions
rarely
been
investigated.
This
crucial
oversight
potentially
due
an
assumption
knowledge
state
allows
accurate
projection
into
future.
Lessons
from
other
complex
dynamic
systems,
recent
recognition
importance
explaining
properties,
demand
testing
assumption.
Vegetation
resurvey
databases
across
gradients
use
change,
complemented
rigorous
experiments,
offer
means
test
between
changes.
Implementing
tests
context
trait-based
framework
allow
biologists
synthesize
compositional
functional
responses.
further
our
understanding
determining
soundly
inform
conservation
restoration
management
actions.
Journal of Applied Ecology,
Journal Year:
2017,
Volume and Issue:
54(4), P. 1070 - 1079
Published: March 7, 2017
Summary
Recovering
biological
diversity
and
ecosystem
functioning
are
primary
objectives
of
ecological
restoration,
yet
these
outcomes
often
unpredictable.
Assessments
based
on
functional
traits
may
help
with
interpreting
variability
in
both
community
composition
because
their
mechanistic
generalizable
nature.
This
promise
remains
poorly
realized,
however,
tests
linking
environmental
conditions,
traits,
restoration
rare.
Here,
we
provide
such
a
test
through
what
is
to
our
knowledge
the
first
empirical
application
‘response–effect
trait
framework’
restoration.
framework
provides
trait‐based
bridge
between
assembly
by
describing
how
species
respond
conditions
affect
functioning.
Our
study
took
place
across
29
prairies
restored
from
former
agricultural
fields
southwestern
Michigan.
We
considered
independently
measured
traits.
To
do
so,
paired
field‐collected
data
plant
measures
used
structural
equation
modelling
determine
relationships
community‐weighted
means
Environmental
were
predictive
composition.
Sites
directly
tillage
(as
opposed
those
allowed
fallow)
supported
taller
larger
seeds
higher
specific
leaf
area
(SLA).
Site
age
fire
frequency
negatively
related
SLA.
also
found
positive
relationship
soil
moisture
Both
predicted
functioning,
but
varied
among
functions.
Pollination
mode
(animal
pollination)
increased
decreased
floral
resource
availability,
seed
mass
had
negative
effect
below‐ground
biomass
production,
vegetative
height
decomposition
rate.
Soil
while
site
above‐ground
Synthesis
applications
.
results
suggest
that
play
role
shaping
function
during
importance
each
dependent
interest.
Because
this,
heterogeneity
will
be
necessary
promote
multiple
functions
landscapes.
A
approach
can
aid
interpretation
variable
insights
into
FEMS Microbiology Ecology,
Journal Year:
2017,
Volume and Issue:
93(5)
Published: March 31, 2017
Microbial
ecology
provides
insights
into
the
ecological
and
evolutionary
dynamics
of
microbial
communities
underpinning
every
ecosystem
on
Earth.
can
now
be
investigated
in
unprecedented
detail,
although
there
is
still
a
wealth
open
questions
to
tackled.
Here
we
identify
50
research
fundamental
importance
science
or
application
ecology,
with
intention
summarising
field
bringing
focus
new
avenues.
Questions
are
categorised
seven
themes:
host-microbiome
interactions;
health
infectious
diseases;
human
food
security;
changing
world;
environmental
processes;
functional
diversity;
processes.
Many
recognise
that
microbes
provide
an
extraordinary
array
diversity
harnessed
solve
real-world
problems.
Our
limited
knowledge
spatial
temporal
variation
function
also
reflected,
as
need
integrate
micro-
macro-ecological
concepts,
derived
from
studies
humans
other
diverse
organisms.
Although
not
exhaustive,
presented
intended
stimulate
discussion
for
researchers,
funders
policy
makers,
informing
future
agenda
ecology.