Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera (EPT) trait-based biomonitoring of rivers within the northwestern Rif of Morocco: implications for determining riverine ecosystems ecological health in Africa

Aquatic Sciences, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 86(2)

Опубликована: Март 30, 2024

Язык: Английский

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Future-proofing environmental DNA and trait-based predictions of food webs

BioScience, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 73(12), С. 862 - 878

Опубликована: Ноя. 1, 2023

Abstract Food webs represent trophic interactions within ecosystems. Matching traits of consumers and resources helps infer food-web properties. Environmental (e)DNA, commonly used for detecting species occurrences, is rarely in trait-matching studies because abundance estimates descriptions relevant are generally missing. We synthesized recent literature on inferences with eDNA trait matching to identify challenges opportunities coupled eDNA–trait recording schemes. Our case study shows how coupling data collection improves the ability characterize greater numbers food across multiple scales ranging from spatiotemporal variation. Future-proofing sets requires new or compilation existing at that detect current future changes

Язык: Английский

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Bringing light onto the Raunkiæran shortfall: A comprehensive review of traits used in functional animal ecology

Ecology and Evolution, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 13(4)

Опубликована: Апрель 1, 2023

Trait-based approaches elucidate the mechanisms underlying biodiversity response to, or effects on, environment. Nevertheless, Raunkiæran shortfall-the dearth of knowledge on species traits and their functionality-presents a challenge in application these approaches. We conducted systematic review to investigate trends gaps trait-based animal ecology terms taxonomic resolution, trait selection, ecosystem type, geographical region. In addition, we suggest set crucial steps guide selection aid future research conduct within cross-taxon comparisons. identified 1655 articles using virtually all groups published from 1999 2020. Studies were concentrated vertebrates, terrestrial habitats, Palearctic realm, mostly investigated trophic habitat dimensions. Additionally, they focused (79.4%) largely ignored intraspecific variation (94.6%). Almost 36% data sets did not provide rationale behind morphological traits. The main limitations use averages rare inclusion variability. Nearly one-fifth studies based only conclude that diversity impacts processes services without justifying connection between them measuring them. propose for standardizing collection includes following: (i) determining type mechanism linking environment, ecosystem, correlation trait, (ii) "periodic table niches" select appropriate niche dimension support mechanistic (iii) selecting relevant each retained dimension. By addressing gaps, can become more predictive. This implies will likely focus collaborating understand how environmental changes impact animals capacity goods.

Язык: Английский

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Linking effect traits of soil fauna to processes of organic matter transformation

Functional Ecology, Год журнала: 2024, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Дек. 20, 2024

Abstract Soil organic matter (SOM) transformation processes are regulated by the activities of plants, microbes, and fauna. Compared with plants effects soil fauna less understood because their high taxonomic functional diversity, mix direct indirect effect mechanisms. Trait‐based approaches offer a generic perspective to quantify mechanistic relationships between SOM transformations, including decomposition, translocation, stabilisation carbon. Yet, at present, we lack consensus concerning relevant key traits (i.e. those affecting ecosystem functioning). Here, address this knowledge gap focusing on transformations. Based existing literature, identify linked universally applicable across taxa types, discuss process‐trait links. We define eight that directly affected fauna: (i) litter mass loss, (ii) fragmentation, (iii) aggregation in faeces, (iv) mineral particles, (v) decomposition (vi) (vii) pore space creation maintenance (viii) stabilisation. link these general classified into four categories: (a) food selection ingestion, (b), digestion excretion, (c) mobility, (d) body metabolic rate. also propose proxies when trait measurements laborious. The proposed links need be validated targeted experiments. urge researchers obtain quantitative experimental data, together approaches, integratively contributions functioning. Read free Plain Language Summary for article Journal blog.

Язык: Английский

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Functionalizing ecological integrity: using functional ecology to monitor animal communities

Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, Год журнала: 2025, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Май 15, 2025

Ecological integrity—the degree to which an ecosystem supports ecological structure, composition, diversity, function, and connectivity typical of natural conditions—has been a guiding principle in monitoring around the world. However, terrestrial ecosystems, integrity‐based often excludes animal communities, even though they are critical drivers integrity. Methodological advances data science have made it easier document communities. We highlight examples these how remove barriers adopting animal‐specific integrity metrics. then illustrate describing communities terms functional ecology, has also undergone substantial development over past several decades, can provide generalizable approach incorporating into across taxa ecosystems. Incorporating is vital step toward understanding human‐driven change, restoration, conservation shape ecosystems worldwide.

Язык: Английский

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Raunkiæran shortfalls: Challenges and perspectives in trait‐based ecology

Ecological Monographs, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 95(2)

Опубликована: Май 1, 2025

Abstract Trait‐based ecology, a prominent research field identifying traits linked to the distribution and interactions of organisms their impact on ecosystem functioning, has flourished in last three decades. Yet, still grapples with critical challenges, broadly framed as Raunkiæran shortfalls. Recognizing interconnecting these limitations is vital for designing prioritizing objectives mainstreaming trait‐based approaches across variety organisms, trophic levels, biomes. This strategic review scrutinizes eight major within spanning scales from entire biosphere. Challenges range defining measuring (SF 1), exploring intraspecific variability individuals populations 2), understanding complex relationships between trait variation fitness 3), discerning variations underlying evolutionary patterns 4). extends community assembly 5), functioning multitrophic (SFs 6 7), global repositories scaling 8). At core ecology lies ambition up processes ecosystems by ecological strategies connecting them functions multiple levels. Achieving this goal necessitates addressing key embedded foundations ecology. After SFs, we propose pathways advancing fortifying its robustness, unlocking full potential significantly contribute biodiversity conservation. underscores significance systematically evaluating performance standardized conditions, encompassing responses environmental effects ecosystems. approach aims bridge gap easily measurable traits, species strategies, demography, combined impacts

Язык: Английский

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Integrating intraspecific trait variability in functional diversity: an overview of methods and a guide for ecologists

Опубликована: Янв. 9, 2024

The variability in traits within species (intraspecific trait variability; ITV) has attracted an increased interest functional ecology, as it can profoundly influence the detection of patterns, calculation diversity (FD), and assessments ecosystem functioning. This renewed focus stems from recognition that are not homogeneous entities but rather mosaics individuals with varying traits. Researchers dealing FD have increasingly recognized this issue, consequently, multiple methods emerged to explicitly incorporate ITV into calculations. Some treat unit analysis, while others characterize distributions around their means. Ecologists navigating landscape may face challenges selecting most appropriate approach address research questions. synthesis provides overview guidelines on how when use different available quantify biological assemblages integrate FD. As a case study, we computed correlations simulated degrees variability. Our findings suggest choice metric should be guided primarily by ecological question being addressed and, lesser extent, number types Simulations revealed strong among metrics account for ITV, particularly those indicating size occupied space. evidence accumulates shows is key shaping species’ fitness distribution well affecting functioning, will serve conceptual practical tool inspiring guiding researchers analyses.

Язык: Английский

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Trait-mediated filtering predicts phyllostomid bat responses to habitat disturbance in the Orinoco Llanos

Biodiversity and Conservation, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 33(4), С. 1285 - 1302

Опубликована: Март 1, 2024

Язык: Английский

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Ecosystem functions and functional traits for the study of phytophagous scarab beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)

Ecological Entomology, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 49(4), С. 463 - 475

Опубликована: Март 28, 2024

Abstract Owing to the rapid and ongoing anthropogenic changes impacting ecosystem functions their interplay with biodiversity, there is a growing focus on assessing insect functional diversity. This emphasis helps unravel key roles of insects processes identify assembly mechanisms that regulate species coexistence. The ecological phytophagous scarab beetles (Scarabaeidae) have been relatively unexplored, potential traits are scattered throughout literature. Species within this group exhibit diverse lifestyles, forms sizes. They exploit various resources such as decomposing wood, foliage, roots flowers, small subset identified predators. Although many representatives significant agricultural pests, information contributions in natural ecosystems has not consolidated. study reviews potentially carried out by proposes be incorporated into studies Through this, goal integrate information, stimulate generation questions go beyond classical theory contribute advancing our knowledge functions, well foundations for understanding community structure. We propose use trophic groups define bioturbation, organic matter decomposition, biological control pollination. A simplified list was obtained conducting correlation analyses using trait matrix from region northern Colombia. represents advance framework ecology, applicable territorial planning biodiversity conservation.

Язык: Английский

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Restoring forest ecosystem services through trait-based ecology

Environmental Reviews, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 32(4), С. 498 - 524

Опубликована: Май 11, 2024

Restoration is moving towards a more mechanistic approach that emphasizes restoration of ecosystem services. Trait-based approaches provide links between species identity and functions have been suggested as promising way to formally integrate services in the design programs. While practitioners routinely using informal knowledge on plant traits their practices, these are underutilized operationalization remains challenging. The goal this paper guidance for applied scientists looking apply trait-based restore forest ecosystems. We present five-step framework: (1) selection be restored, (2) trait selection, (3) data acquisition, (4) analytical planning, (5) empirical testing monitoring. use three Canadian case studies illustrate applicability our framework variety ways can inform practices: urban woodlots after an insect outbreak, smelter-damaged landscape surrounding area, reclamation remote upland forests oil- gas-related disturbances. describe major mechanisms determine vegetation effects importance each study. then discuss availability, methodological constraints, comparability issues, methods, monitoring ensure realistic prediction service restoration. By outlining issues offering practical information, we aim contribute robust ecological

Язык: Английский

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