Why Are Species’ Traits Weak Predictors of Range Shifts?

Annual Review of Ecology Evolution and Systematics, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 52(1), P. 47 - 66

Published: Aug. 10, 2021

We examine the evidence linking species’ traits to contemporary range shifts and find they are poor predictors of that have occurred over decades a century. then discuss reasons for performance describing interspecific variation in from two perspectives: ( a) factors associated with degrade range-shift signals stemming measures used traits, typically not analyzed, influence phylogeny on potential b) issues quantifying relating them due imperfect detection species, differences responses altitudinal latitudinal ranges, emphasis testing linear relationships between instead nonlinear responses. Improving trait-based approaches requires recognition within individuals interact unexpected ways different combinations may be functionally equivalent.

Language: Английский

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Ecological Complexity

Published: July 20, 2023

Complexity has received substantial attention from scientists and philosophers alike. There are numerous, often conflicting, accounts of how complexity should be defined it measured. Much less been paid to the epistemic implications complexity, especially in Ecology. How does complex nature ecological systems affect ecologists' ability study them? This Element argues that a rather special way: they causally heterogeneous. Not only made up many interacting parts, but their behaviour is variable across space or time. Causal heterogeneity responsible for difficulties ecologists face, when making generalisations predictions. Luckily, have tools overcome these difficulties, though historically considered suspect by science. The author presents an updated philosophical account with optimistic outlook methods status research.

Language: Английский

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On the inconsistency of pollinator species traits for predicting either response to land‐use change or functional contribution

Oikos, Journal Year: 2017, Volume and Issue: 127(2), P. 306 - 315

Published: Aug. 5, 2017

The response and effect trait framework, if supported empirically, would provide for powerful general predictions about how biodiversity loss leads to in ecosystem function. This framework proposes that species traits will explain different respond disturbance (i.e. traits) as well their contribution function traits). However, predictive remain elusive most systems. Here, we use data on crop pollination services provided by native, wild bees explore the role of six commonly used determining both species’ land‐use change subsequent pollination. Analyses were conducted parallel three systems (watermelon, cranberry, blueberry) located within same geographical region (mid‐Atlantic USA). Bee did not strongly predict change, few weakly consistent across crops. Similarly, no predicted overall functional any systems, although body size was a good predictor per capita efficiency two Overall unable make generalizable regarding responses its delivery services. Pollinator may be useful understanding ecological processes some but thus far promise traits‐based ecology has yet fulfilled ecology.

Language: Английский

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A Framework for Understanding Variation in Pelagic Gross Primary Production of Lake Ecosystems

Ecosystems, Journal Year: 2018, Volume and Issue: 21(7), P. 1364 - 1376

Published: Feb. 1, 2018

Language: Английский

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Assessing trait‐based scaling theory in tropical forests spanning a broad temperature gradient

Global Ecology and Biogeography, Journal Year: 2017, Volume and Issue: 26(12), P. 1357 - 1373

Published: Oct. 12, 2017

Abstract Aim Tropical elevation gradients are natural laboratories to assess how changing climate can influence tropical forests. However, there is a need for theory and integrated data collection scale from traits ecosystems. We predictions of novel trait‐based scaling theory, including whether observed shifts in forest across broad temperature gradient consistent with local phenotypic optima adaptive compensation temperature. Location An spanning 3,300 m consisting thousands tree trait measures taken 16 1‐ha plots southern Perú, where gross net primary productivity (GPP NPP) were measured. Time period April November 2013. Major taxa studied Plants; trees. Methods developed communities ecosystems tested several predictions. assessed the covariation between climate, traits, biomass GPP NPP. measured multiple linked variation growth their frequency distributions within gradient. paired these individuals forests simultaneous ecosystem productivity. Results Consistent NPP primarily scaled biomass, but secondary effect on was much less than expected. This weak dependence appears reflect directional mean community that underlie decreases site Main conclusions The shift trees dominate more cold environments an ‘adaptive/acclimatory’ kinetic effects leaf photosynthesis growth. Forest showed overly peaked skewed distributions, importance filtering optimal recent species composition dominance attributable warming change. Trait‐based provides basis predict have will functioning

Language: Английский

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