Concepts and applications in functional diversity

Functional Ecology, Год журнала: 2021, Номер 35(9), С. 1869 - 1885

Опубликована: Июль 16, 2021

Abstract The use of functional diversity analyses in ecology has grown exponentially over the past two decades, broadening our understanding biological and its change across space time. Virtually all ecological sub‐disciplines recognise critical value looking at species communities from a perspective, this led to proliferation methods for estimating contrasting dimensions diversity. Differences between these their development generated terminological inconsistencies confusion about selection most appropriate approach addressing any particular question, hampering potential comparative studies, simulation exercises meta‐analyses. Two general mathematical frameworks are prevailing: those based on dissimilarity matrices (e.g. Rao entropy, dendrograms) relying multidimensional spaces, constructed as either convex hulls or probabilistic hypervolumes. We review frameworks, discuss strengths weaknesses provide an overview main R packages performing calculations. In parallel, we propose way organising metrics unified scheme quantify richness, divergence regularity individuals under each framework. This offers roadmap confidently approaching both theoretically practically. A free Plain Language Summary can be found within Supporting Information article.

Язык: Английский

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Distance decay 2.0 – A global synthesis of taxonomic and functional turnover in ecological communities

Global Ecology and Biogeography, Год журнала: 2022, Номер 31(7), С. 1399 - 1421

Опубликована: Май 12, 2022

Understanding the variation in community composition and species abundances (i.e., β-diversity) is at heart of ecology. A common approach to examine β-diversity evaluate directional by measuring decay similarity among pairs communities along spatial or environmental distance. We provide first global synthesis taxonomic functional distance analysing 148 datasets comprising different types organisms environments.

Язык: Английский

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The essential role of biodiversity in the key axes of ecosystem function

Global Change Biology, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 29(16), С. 4569 - 4585

Опубликована: Март 7, 2023

Biodiversity is essential for maintaining the terrestrial ecosystem multifunctionality (EMF). Recent studies have revealed that variations in functions are captured by three key axes: maximum productivity, water use efficiency, and carbon efficiency of ecosystem. However, role biodiversity supporting these axes has not yet been explored. In this study, we combined (i) data collected from more than 840 vegetation plots across a large climatic gradient China using standard protocols, (ii) on plant traits phylogenetic information 2,500 species, (iii) soil nutrient measured each plot. These were used to systematically assess contribution environmental factors, species richness, functional diversity, community-weighted mean (CWM) (i.e., intensity normalized per unit land area) EMF via hierarchical partitioning Bayesian structural equation modeling. Multiple attributes accounted 70% influence all variables EMF, ecosystems with high diversity had resource efficiency. Our study first explore different attributes, including CWM traits, functions. findings underscore conservation critical sustaining ultimately ensuring human well-being.

Язык: Английский

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A roadmap to plant functional island biogeography

Biological reviews/Biological reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society, Год журнала: 2021, Номер 96(6), С. 2851 - 2870

Опубликована: Авг. 23, 2021

ABSTRACT Island biogeography is the study of spatio‐temporal distribution species, communities, assemblages or ecosystems on islands and other isolated habitats. diversity structured by five classes process: dispersal, establishment, biotic interactions, extinction evolution. Classical approaches in island focused species richness as deterministic outcome these processes. This has proved fruitful, but traits can potentially offer new biological insights into processes which life assembles why some perform better at colonising persisting islands. Functional refer to morphological phenological characteristics an organism that be linked its ecological strategy scale up from individual plants properties communities ecosystems. A baseline hypothesis for strategies show similar patterns a matched mainland environment. However, strong environmental biotic‐interaction filters well stochasticity associated with insularity modify this baseline. Clades do colonise often embark distinct evolutionary pathways, because distinctive forces islands, opportunities offered freedom competitors herbivores absence mutualists. are expected shaped Here, we review discuss potential integrating functional biogeography. While focus plants, general considerations concepts may extended groups organisms. We evaluate how relate core principles extinction, reproduction, evolution conservation. formulate existing knowledge 33 working hypotheses. Some grounded firm empirical evidence, others provide future research. organise our hypotheses under overarching sections. Section focuses plant enabling dispersal B discusses help predict successional trajectories natural extinctions C reviews indicate interactions reproduction promote intra‐island dispersal. D leads predictable changes trait values most susceptible change. E debates ecology used multiple drivers global change effective conservation measures. Islands have justified reputation research models. They illuminate operating within showing what happens when those released changed. believe lens shed more light than not consider differences among species.

Язык: Английский

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Lineage‐level distribution models lead to more realistic climate change predictions for a threatened crayfish

Diversity and Distributions, Год журнала: 2021, Номер 27(4), С. 684 - 695

Опубликована: Янв. 21, 2021

Abstract Aim As climate change presents a major threat to biodiversity in the next decades, it is critical assess its impact on species habitat suitability inform conservation. Species distribution models (SDMs) are widely used tool impacts species’ geographical distributions. name of these suggests, level most commonly taxonomic unit SDMs. However, recently has been demonstrated that SDMs considering resolution below (or above) can make more reliable predictions when different populations exhibit local adaptation. Here, we tested this idea using Japanese crayfish ( Cambaroides japonicus ), threatened encompassing two geographically structured and phylogenetically distinct genetic lineages. Location Northern Japan. Methods We first estimated niche differentiation between lineages C. n ‐dimensional hypervolumes then made constructed at phylogenetic levels: intraspecific lineage. Results Our results showed only intermediate overlap, demonstrating measurable differences The species‐level SDM future predicted much broader severe change. lineage‐level led reduced overall also suggested eastern lineage may be resilient than western one. Main conclusions occupy spaces. Compared with models, overestimate impacts. These not have important implications for designing conservation strategies species, but highlight need incorporating information into obtain realistic

Язык: Английский

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Threatened and extinct island endemic birds of the world: Distribution, threats and functional diversity

Journal of Biogeography, Год журнала: 2022, Номер 49(11), С. 1920 - 1940

Опубликована: Сен. 19, 2022

Abstract Aim The world's islands support disproportionate levels of endemic avian biodiversity despite suffering numerous extinctions. While intensive recent research has focused on island bird conservation or extinction, few global syntheses have considered these factors together from the perspective morphological trait diversity. Here, we provide a summary status and ecology extant extinct birds, threats they face implications species loss for functional Location Global. Taxon Birds. Methods We review literature threatened with particular focus studies that incorporated Alongside this, analyse IUCN Red List data in relation to distribution, taxonomy. Using null models hypervolumes, combination data, assess diversity represented by birds. Results main conclusions find almost half all birds 1500 CE are currently either majority having declining population trends. also found evidence 66 subspecies primary agriculture, biological resource use, invasive species. there is overlap between hotspots endemics some notable differences, including Philippines Indonesia, which substantial number but no recorded post‐1500 Traits associated large body mass, flightlessness, aquatic predator, omnivorous vertivorous trophic niches, marine habitat affinity, and, paradoxically, higher dispersal ability. Critically, (i) occupy distinct areas beak morphospace, (ii) represent unique overall space endemics. caution may severe effects ecological functions islands.

Язык: Английский

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A protocol for reproducible functional diversity analyses

Ecography, Год журнала: 2022, Номер 2022(11)

Опубликована: Авг. 30, 2022

The widespread use of species traits in basic and applied ecology, conservation biogeography has led to an exponential increase functional diversity analyses, with > 10 000 papers published 2010–2020, 1800 only 2021. This interest is reflected the development a multitude theoretical methodological frameworks for calculating diversity, making it challenging navigate myriads options report detailed accounts trait‐based analyses. Therefore, discipline ecology would benefit from existence general guideline standard reporting good practices We devise eight‐step protocol guide researchers conducting overarching goal increasing reproducibility, transparency comparability across studies. based on: 1) identification research question; 2) sampling scheme study design; 3–4) assemblage data matrices; 5) exploration preprocessing; 6) computation; 7) model fitting, evaluation interpretation; 8) data, metadata code provision. Throughout protocol, we provide information on how best select questions, designs, trait compute interpret results discuss ways ensure reproducibility results. To facilitate implementation this template, further develop interactive web‐based application ( stepFD ) form checklist workflow, detailing all steps allowing user produce final ‘reproducibility report' upload alongside paper. A thorough transparent analyses ensures that ecologists can incorporate others' findings into meta‐analyses, shared be integrated larger databases consensus available reused by other researchers. All these elements are key pushing forward vibrant fast‐growing field research.

Язык: Английский

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Combined effects of bird extinctions and introductions in oceanic islands: Decreased functional diversity despite increased species richness

Global Ecology and Biogeography, Год журнала: 2022, Номер 31(6), С. 1172 - 1183

Опубликована: Март 30, 2022

Abstract Aim We analyse the consequences of species extinctions and introductions on functional diversity composition island bird assemblages. Specifically, we ask if introduced have compensated loss resulting from extinctions. Location Seventy‐four oceanic islands (> 100 km 2 ) in Atlantic, Pacific Indian Oceans. Time period Late Holocene. Major taxa studied Terrestrial freshwater species. Methods compiled a list per (extinct extant, native introduced), then traits used single‐trait analyses to assess effects past composition. Then, probabilistic hypervolumes trait space calculate richness evenness original versus present avifaunas each (and net change), estimate how functionally unique are extinct island. Results The were: an increase average (alpha diversity), yet decline across all (gamma diversity); prevalence most traits, evenness, associated with fact that were more (when compared extant natives) than Main conclusions Introduced offsetting even surpassing) losses terms richness, they increasing traits. However, not compensating for due Current assemblages becoming poorer, having lost being composed redundant This is likely cascading repercussions functioning ecosystems. highlight taxonomic biodiversity should be assessed simultaneously understand global impacts human activities.

Язык: Английский

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Understanding trait diversity: the role of geodiversity

Trends in Ecology & Evolution, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 38(8), С. 736 - 748

Опубликована: Март 30, 2023

Язык: Английский

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Scale-sensitivity in the measurement and interpretation of environmental niches

Trends in Ecology & Evolution, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 38(6), С. 554 - 567

Опубликована: Фев. 15, 2023

Species environmental niches are central to ecology, evolution, and global change research, but their characterization interpretation depend on the spatial scale (specifically, grain) of measurement. We find that grain niche measurement is usually uninformed by ecological processes varies orders magnitude. illustrate consequences this variation for volume, position, shape estimates, discuss how it interacts with geographic range size, habitat specialization, heterogeneity. Spatial significantly affects study breadth, suitability, tracking, climate effects. These other fields will benefit from a more mechanism-informed choice cross-grain evaluations integrate different data sources.

Язык: Английский

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