Environmental filtering and deforestation shape frog assemblages in Amazonia: An empirical approach assessing species abundances and functional traits

Biotropica ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly Torralvo ◽  
Rafael Fraga ◽  
Albertina P. Lima ◽  
Jussara Dayrell ◽  
William E. Magnusson
Keyword(s):  
Functional Traits ◽  
Environmental Filtering ◽  
Empirical Approach ◽  
Species Abundances

scholarly journals Can functional traits explain phylogenetic signal in the composition of a plant community?

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daijiang Li ◽  
Anthoy R Ives ◽  
Donald M Waller
Keyword(s):  
Functional Traits ◽  
Community Assembly ◽  
Phylogenetic Signal ◽  
Species Traits ◽  
Functional Trait ◽  
Phylogenetic Information ◽  
Ecological Processes ◽  
Forest Sites ◽  
Species Abundances ◽  
Understory Plant

Phylogeny-based and functional trait-based analyses are two principle ways to study community assembly and underlying ecological processes. In principle, knowing all information about species traits would make phylogenetic information redundant, at least that component of phylogenetic signal in the distribution of species among communities that is caused by phylogenetically related species sharing similar traits. In reality, phylogenies may contain more information than a set of singular, discretely measured traits because we cannot measure all species traits and may misjudge which are most important. The extent to which functional trait information makes phylogenetic information redundant, however, has not been explicitly studied with empirical data in community ecology. Here, we use phylogenetic linear mixed models to analyze community assembly of 55 understory plant species in 30 forest sites in central Wisconsin. These communities show strong phylogenetic attraction, yet variation among sites in 20 environmental variables could not account for this pattern. Most of the 15 functional traits we measured had strong phylogenetic signal, but only three varied strongly among sites in ways that affected species' abundances. These three traits explained only 19% of variation in phylogenetic patterns of species co-occurrence. Thus, phylogenies appear to provide considerably more information about community assembly than the functional traits measured in this study, demonstrating the value of phylogeny in studying of community assembly processes even with abundant functional traits.

Functional traits and environmental filtering drive community assembly in a species-rich tropical system

Ecology ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 91 (2) ◽  
pp. 386-398 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edwin Lebrija-Trejos ◽  
Eduardo A. Pérez-García ◽  
Jorge A. Meave ◽  
Frans Bongers ◽  
Lourens Poorter
Keyword(s):  
Functional Traits ◽  
Community Assembly ◽  
Environmental Filtering ◽  
Tropical System

scholarly journals Is coexistence between non-native and native Erythrinidae species mediated by niche differentiation or environmental filtering? A case study in the upper Paraná River floodplain

2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Larissa S. Pereira ◽  
Fábio T. Mise ◽  
Luiz F. C. Tencatt ◽  
Matheus T. Baumgartner ◽  
Angelo A. Agostinho
Keyword(s):  
Introduced Species ◽  
Functional Traits ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Species Coexistence ◽  
Niche Breadth ◽  
Similarity Theory ◽  
Environmental Filtering ◽  
Niche Differentiation ◽  
Limiting Similarity ◽  
Environmental Filters

ABSTRACT The limiting similarity theory predicts that divergence in the functional traits of native and introduced species is an essential component in species establishment, as introduced species must occupy a niche that is unoccupied by resident species. On the other hand, the environmental filtering hypothesis predicts convergence between introduced and native species, as both possess traits that make them adapted to the local abiotic environment. Morphology, spatial co-occurrence, diet, feeding selectivity, and niche breadth and overlap of Erythrinidae were evaluated to detect possible mechanisms acting in the coexistence between non-native and native species. Native (Hoplias sp. B and Hoplias cf. malabaricus) and non-native (Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus and Hoplias mbigua) species presented differences in morphological traits, spatial co-occurrence, diet, selectivity, and niche breadth and overlap. The mechanisms mediating species coexistence seem to vary according to species. The absence of spatial and feeding overlap suggests that non-native species H. unitaeniatus occupy a different niche than native species, supporting its successful establishment without eliminating the native species. However, low feeding overlap and similar morphologies between non-native and native species of Hoplias point to environmental filters; in this case, the non-native H. mbigua is able to establish due to similarities in functional traits.

scholarly journals Convergent evolution of niche structure in Northeast Pacific kelp forests

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel Starko ◽  
Kyle W. Demes ◽  
Christopher J. Neufeld ◽  
Patrick T. Martone
Keyword(s):  
Functional Traits ◽  
Adaptive Radiation ◽  
Niche Partitioning ◽  
Environmental Filtering ◽  
Wave Disturbance ◽  
Kelp Forests ◽  
Benthic Habitat ◽  
List Type ◽  
Northeast Pacific ◽  
Close Relatives

AbstractMuch of the morphological and ecological diversity present on earth is believed to have arisen through the process of adaptive radiation. Yet, this is seemingly at odds with substantial evidence that niches tend to be similar among closely related species (i.e., niche conservatism). Identifying the relative importance of these opposing processes in different circumstances is therefore essential to our understanding of the interaction between ecological and evolutionary phenomena.In this study, we make use of recent advances in our understanding of the phylogeny of kelps (Laminariales) to investigate niche evolution in one of the most important groups of benthic habitat-forming organisms on the planet. We quantify functional traits and use community sampling data from a kelp diversity hotspot to determine which traits are responsible for the habitat (β) niche of kelps and whether they are labile or conserved across the kelp phylogeny.We find that combinations of functional traits have evolved convergently across kelp subclades and that these traits are significant predictors of community structure. Specifically, traits associated with whole-kelp structural reinforcement and material properties were found to be significantly correlated with species distributions along a gradient of wave disturbance and thus predict the outcome of environmental filtering. However, kelp assemblages were made up of species that are more phylogenetically distinct than predicted from null models (i.e., phylogenetic overdispersion), suggesting that niche partitioning along this gradient of wave disturbance has been an important driver of divergence between close relatives.These results collectively demonstrate that environmental filtering by waves plays an essential role in determining the habitat niche of kelps across local communities and further suggest that this community-level process can drive phenotypic divergence between close relatives. We propose that parallel adaptive radiation of kelp subclades has shaped the diversity and species composition of kelp forests in the Northeast Pacific and we discuss how evidence from the literature on incipient or ongoing speciation events support this hypothesis.

scholarly journals Plant Functional Traits on Tropical Ultramafic Habitats Affected by Fire and Mining: Insights for Reclamation

Diversity ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 248
Author(s):  
Celestino Quintela-Sabarís ◽  
Michel-Pierre Faucon ◽  
Rimi Repin ◽  
John B. Sugau ◽  
Reuben Nilus ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Functional Traits ◽  
Plant Cover ◽  
Lateral Spreading ◽  
Growth Strategy ◽  
Ultramafic Soils ◽  
As Species ◽  
First Choice ◽  
Species Abundances ◽  
Number Of Stems ◽  
In Fire

Biodiversity-rich tropical ultramafic areas are currently being impacted by land clearing and particularly by mine activities. The reclamation of ultramafic degraded areas requires a knowledge of pioneer plant species. The objective of this study is to highlight the functional traits of plants that colonize ultramafic areas after disturbance by fire or mining activities. This information will allow trait-assisted selection of candidate species for reclamation. Fifteen plots were established on ultramafic soils in Sabah (Borneo, Malaysia) disturbed by recurrent fires (FIRE plots) or by soil excavation and quarrying (MINE plots). In each plot, soil samples were collected and plant cover as well as species abundances were estimated. Fifteen functional traits related to revegetation, nutrient improvement, or Ni phytomining were measured in sampled plants. Vegetation of both FIRE and MINE plots was dominated by perennials with lateral spreading capacity (mainly by rhizomes). Plant communities displayed a conservative growth strategy, which is an adaptation to low nutrient availability on ultramafic soils. Plant height was higher in FIRE than in MINE plots, whereas the number of stems per plant was higher in MINE plots. Perennial plants with lateral spreading capacity and a conservative growth strategy would be the first choice for the reclamation of ultramafic degraded areas. Additional notes for increasing nutrient cycling, managing competition, and implementing of Ni-phytomining are also provided.

Can entropy maximization use functional traits to explain species abundances? A comprehensive evaluation

Ecology ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 92 (7) ◽  
pp. 1523-1537 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cory Merow ◽  
Andrew M. Latimer ◽  
John A. Silander
Keyword(s):  
Functional Traits ◽  
Comprehensive Evaluation ◽  
Entropy Maximization ◽  
Species Abundances

scholarly journals A new dataset on plant occurrences on small islands, including species abundances and functional traits across different spatial scales

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julian Schrader ◽  
Soetjipto Moeljono ◽  
Junus Tambing ◽  
Cornelia Sattler ◽  
Holger Kreft
Keyword(s):  
Functional Traits ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Functional Trait ◽  
Small Islands ◽  
Species Dispersal ◽  
Competitive Strategies ◽  
New Information ◽  
Species Abundances ◽  
Species Area ◽  
Species Occurrences

We introduce a new dataset of woody plants on 60 small tropical islands located in the Raja Ampat archipelago in Indonesia. The dataset includes incidence, abundance and functional trait data for 57 species. All islands were sampled using a standardised transect and plot design providing detailed information on plant occurrences at different spatial scales ranging from the local (plot and transect scale) to the island scale. In addition, the dataset includes information on key plant functional traits linked to species dispersal, resource acquisition and competitive strategies. The dataset can be used to address ecological questions connected to the species-area relationship and community assembly processes on small islands and in isolated habitats. The dataset yields detailed information on plant community structure and links incidence, abundance and functional trait data at different spatial scales. Furthermore, this is the first plant-island dataset for the Raja Ampat archipelago, a remote and poorly studied region, and provides important new information on species occurrences.

Similarities in recruitment but differences in persistence in two related native and invasive trees: relevance of regenerative and vegetative attributes

2012 ◽  
Vol 60 (4) ◽  
pp. 368 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paula A. Tecco ◽  
Ana E. Ferreras ◽  
Diego E. Gurvich ◽  
Guillermo Funes
Keyword(s):  
Nutrient Uptake ◽  
Functional Traits ◽  
Growth Rates ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Competitive Ability ◽  
Environmental Filtering ◽  
The Other ◽  
Leguminous Trees ◽  
Invasive Trees ◽  
The One

Ecological theory predicts that the success of exotic plants in new environments depends on a combination of both regenerative and vegetative attributes. Identifying those attributes may benefit from approaches that specifically compare related exotic and native species, thereby overcoming strong habitat dependence and phylogenetic bias. Gleditsia triacanthos L. (Fabaceae) is described as an aggressive woody invader in a broad range of ecosystems of Argentina, where it coexists with other leguminous trees. In the present study, we assessed whether the success of G. triacanthos in the lower areas of Chaco woodlands of central Argentina is determined (1) by differences from the dominant native, Prosopis alba, in its combination of several attributes that enhance the invader’s competitive ability, (2) by differences from P. alba in few key attributes that facilitate its spread, or (3) by strong functional similarities in response to environmental filtering by the invaded system. Our comparison of 19 functional traits of both species showed that regenerative and vegetative trends may vary independently, and that two contrasting strategies seem to underlie the success of G. triacanthos in this region. On the one hand, the invader might benefit by sharing regenerative attributes with the native relative that dominates the community, which is evidently a successful way of recruiting in the system. On the other hand, as recruitment is ensured, the species differs in several vegetative attributes, which may enhance its competitive ability in terms of growth rates and nutrient uptake.

scholarly journals Trait Gradient Analysis for Evergreen and Deciduous Species in a Subtropical Forest

Forests ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 364
Author(s):  
Liangjin Yao ◽  
Yi Ding ◽  
Lan Yao ◽  
Xunru Ai ◽  
Runguo Zang
Keyword(s):  
Functional Traits ◽  
Gradient Analysis ◽  
Mixed Forest ◽  
Environmental Filtering ◽  
Functional Trait ◽  
Central China ◽  
Deciduous Species ◽  
Trait Variation ◽  
Variation Patterns ◽  
Species Trait

Leaf habits (e.g., evergreen or deciduous) can reflect strategies of species adapting to varied environmental conditions. However, how species with different leaf habits coexist within a plant community is still poorly understood. Trait gradient analysis is a new approach to partition plant functional trait variations into alpha (within-community) and beta (among-community) components to quantify the effects of environmental filtering and biotic competition on community assembly. Here, on the basis of establishing forty-eight forest dynamic plots in a subtropical evergreen and deciduous broadleaved mixed forest in central China and measuring of seven functional traits, we compared the trait variation patterns and influencing factors of evergreen and deciduous species by using the trait gradient analysis method. The results showed that there were significant differences between functional traits for evergreen and deciduous species. Alpha trait components consistently varied more widely than beta components. The correlation between species trait mean and the alpha of each trait was highly significant, but there was no significant correlation between beta and alpha trait values. There were relatively weak or nonexistent significant correlations among species mean trait values and alpha trait values of different functional traits. However, the beta trait value showed high and significant correlations in both evergreen and deciduous species. Our results indicated that evergreen and deciduous species adopt similar adaptation strategies (beta component) in the context of environmental change in the community. However, the species initially came to coexist via the ecological positioning of traits (alpha component), which helped reduce competition so individuals could obtain more resources.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document