Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 15(1)
Published: Jan. 1, 2025
ABSTRACT This study evaluates the response of ground beetle (Coleoptera: Carabidae) assemblage to forest management practices by integrating species composition, body traits, wing morphology and developmental instability. Traditional approaches that rely on averaged identity‐based descriptors often overlook phenotypic plasticity functional trait variability, potentially masking species‐specific responses environmental changes. To address this, we applied a three‐layered analytical approach this gap, utilising occurrence morphological data from Podyjí National Park, Czech Republic. The first layer assessed composition with ecological dietary preferences across control, ecotone clearing treatments using multivariate techniques. Building species‐level knowledge, second analysed interaction between coarse such as fine‐scale including size (proxied elytron length), head width last abdominal sternite, assess their relationship different treatments. These interactions were explored intraspecific can affect interpretations. third focused fluctuating asymmetry an intraindividual indicator instability, examining how beetles respond stressors. Our findings revealed: (i) no significant impact habitat presence specialist in analysis; (ii) analysis traits highlights combined influence trait, morphology, fine width, which together contribute partitioning assemblages help distinguish differences use; (iii) FA revealed positive association antennal segment litter while displaying negative Collembola. multilevel framework not only confirms but also advances our analysis, offering deeper insights into ecosystem dynamics.
Language: Английский