Traits Without Borders: Integrating Functional Diversity Across Scales
Language English Country Great Britain, England Media print
Document type Journal Article
PubMed
26924737
DOI
10.1016/j.tree.2016.02.003
PII: S0169-5347(16)00045-8
Knihovny.cz E-resources
- MeSH
- Models, Biological * MeSH
- Ecology MeSH
- Ecosystem MeSH
- Phenotype * MeSH
- Probability MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Owing to the conceptual complexity of functional diversity (FD), a multitude of different methods are available for measuring it, with most being operational at only a small range of spatial scales. This causes uncertainty in ecological interpretations and limits the potential to generalize findings across studies or compare patterns across scales. We solve this problem by providing a unified framework expanding on and integrating existing approaches. The framework, based on trait probability density (TPD), is the first to fully implement the Hutchinsonian concept of the niche as a probabilistic hypervolume in estimating FD. This novel approach could revolutionize FD-based research by allowing quantification of the various FD components from organismal to macroecological scales, and allowing seamless transitions between scales.
References provided by Crossref.org
Canopy functional trait variation across Earth's tropical forests
Alternative measures of trait-niche relationships: A test on dispersal traits in saproxylic beetles
Erosion of global functional diversity across the tree of life
Alternative plant designs: consequences for community assembly and ecosystem functioning
