Biological Trait Analysis
This article should be read in conjunction with the articles Functional groups, Functional traits and Biodiversity, ecosystem functioning and ecosystem function
No single parameter can adequately describe the functioning of entire ecosystems[1], so considering multiple variables is likely the most appropriate way to understand this concept[2].
It is important to distinguish between ecosystem functioning and functional diversity. Ecosystem functioning refers to ecological processes such as the maintenance and regulation of nutrient cycling, productivity, or sediment dynamics[3]. In contrast, functional diversity describes the range, value, and distribution of traits within a community. Although distinct, functional diversity is often assumed to influence ecosystem functioning by affecting the variety of ecological roles present, the rates of processes, and the degree of redundancy among species[4], see Functional groups.
Biological Trait Analysis (BTA) uses a range of measurable species characteristics to describe the composition of communities in functional terms. Biological traits are defined as measurable properties of organisms at the individual level[5]. These include morphological, physiological, life-history, and behavioural properties. For example, benthic species play important roles in regulating ecosystem processes[6], and these roles are influenced by the traits they exhibit[7].
The aim of BTA is to describe multiple aspects of functional diversity by focusing on species traits. Functional traits are a subset of biological traits that directly influence ecosystem processes, such as nutrient cycling, energy flow, or habitat modification. In other words, while all functional traits are biological traits, not all biological traits necessarily affect ecosystem functioning[4]. In BTA, these functional traits are used as indicators to estimate functional diversity, and thereby to infer potential implications for ecosystem functioning, rather than to measure functioning directly. This is achieved by examining the occurrence and distribution of traits across species assemblages[2]. In this way, BTA provides an approach to quantify functional diversity, defined as the range and distribution of functional traits within a community[8].
Biological Trait Analysis differs from other measures of biodiversity. Taxonomic diversity is based on species identity and richness, while genetic diversity considers variation within species. In contrast, BTA focuses on trait composition and therefore provides a functional perspective on biodiversity that is not captured by these other approaches.
Biological Trait Analysis is based on habitat template theory, which proposes that species’ traits evolve in response to environmental constraints, with habitats selecting organisms that are able to colonise and persist under given conditions[9]. As a result, community structure is shaped by environmental variability, and the traits exhibited by organisms can provide insight into how species respond to stress and disturbance[10], thereby serving as indicators of environmental conditions[11]. BTA commonly uses multivariate statistical methods to identify patterns in trait composition across assemblages, such as the types of traits present and their relative frequencies[7].
Biological Trait Analysis has been widely applied in ecological studies to examine how environmental pressures such as disturbance, pollution, or habitat change affect functional diversity and, consequently, the potential functioning of ecosystems[7].
Related articles
- Functional groups
- Functional traits
- Functional diversity
- Biodiversity, ecosystem functioning and ecosystem function
- Measurements of biodiversity
- Marine Biodiversity
References
- ↑ Giller, P. S., Hillebrand, H., Berninger, U. G., Gessner, M. O., Hawkins, S. J., Inchausti, P., Inglis, C., Leslie, H. A., Malmqvist, B., Monaghan, M. T., Morin, P. J. and O'Mullan, G. 2004. Biodiversity effects on ecosystem functioning: emerging issues and their experimental test in aquatic environments. Oikos 104: 423-436
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Bremner, J. 2008. Species' traits and ecological functioning in marine conservation and management. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 366: 37-47
- ↑ Naeem, S., Chapin, F. S., Costanza, R., Ehrlich, P. R., Golley, F. B., Hooper, D. U., Lawton, J. H., O'Neill, R. V., Mooney, H. A., Sala, O. E., Symstad, A. J. and Tilman, D. 1999. Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning: Maintaining Natural Life Support Processes. Issues in Ecology. Ecological Society of America, Washington, 4: 11
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Diaz, S. and Cabido, M. 2001. Vive la difference: plant functional diversity matters to ecosystem processes. Trends in Ecology and Evolution 16: 646-655
- ↑ Violle, C. et al. 2007. Let the concept of trait be functional! Oikos 116: 882–892
- ↑ Snelgrove, P. V. R. 1998. The biodiversity of macrofaunal organisms in marine sediments. Biodiversity and Conservation 7: 1123-1132
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Bremner, J., Rogers, S.I. and Frid, C.L.J. 2006. Methods for describing ecological functioning of marine benthic assemblages using Biological Trait Analysis (BTA). Ecological Indicators 6: 609-622
- ↑ Statzner, B., Resh, V. H. and Roux, L. A. 1994. The synthesis of long-term ecological research in the context of concurrently developed ecological theory: design of a research strategy for the Upper Rhone River and it's floodplain. Freshwater Biology 31: 253-263
- ↑ Southwood, T. R. E. 1977. Habitat, the templet for ecological strategies? Journal of Animal Ecology 46: 337-365
- ↑ Lavorel, S., McIntyre, S., Landsberg, J. and Forbes, T. D. A. 1997. Plant functional classifications: from general groups to specific groups based on response to disturbance. Trends in Ecology and Evolution 12: 474-478
- ↑ Usseglio-Polatera, P., Bournard, M., Richoux, P. & Tachet, H. 2000. Biomonitoring through biological traits of benthic macroinvertebrates: how to use species trait databases? Hydrobiologia 422/423: 153-162
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