scholarly journals Taking a closer look: disentangling effects of functional diversity on ecosystem functions with a trait-based model across hierarchy and time

2015 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 140541 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frédéric Holzwarth ◽  
Nadja Rüger ◽  
Christian Wirth
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Model ◽  
Individual Performance ◽  
Ecosystem Functions ◽  
Root Turnover ◽  
Functional Richness ◽  
Annual Biomass ◽  
Component Processes ◽  
Hierarchical Nature ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Biodiversity Effects

Biodiversity and ecosystem functioning (BEF) research has progressed from the detection of relationships to elucidating their drivers and underlying mechanisms. In this context, replacing taxonomic predictors by trait-based measures of functional composition (FC)—bridging functions of species and of ecosystems—is a widely used approach. The inherent challenge of trait-based approaches is the multi-faceted, dynamic and hierarchical nature of trait influence: (i) traits may act via different facets of their distribution in a community, (ii) their influence may change over time and (iii) traits may influence processes at different levels of the natural hierarchy of organization. Here, we made use of the forest ecosystem model ‘LPJ-GUESS’ parametrized with empirical trait data, which creates output of individual performance, community assembly, stand-level states and processes. To address the three challenges, we resolved the dynamics of the top-level ecosystem function ‘annual biomass change’ hierarchically into its various component processes (growth, leaf and root turnover, recruitment and mortality) and states (stand structures, water stress) and traced the influence of different facets of FC along this hierarchy in a path analysis. We found an independent influence of functional richness, dissimilarity and identity on ecosystem states and processes and hence biomass change. Biodiversity effects were only positive during early succession and later turned negative. Unexpectedly, resource acquisition (growth, recruitment) and conservation (mortality, turnover) played an equally important role throughout the succession. These results add to a mechanistic understanding of biodiversity effects and place a caveat on simplistic approaches omitting hierarchical levels when analysing BEF relationships. They support the view that BEF relationships experience dramatic shifts over successional time that should be acknowledged in mechanistic theories.

scholarly journals Intraspecific diversity loss in a predator species alters prey community structure and ecosystem functions

PLoS Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. e3001145
Author(s):  
Allan Raffard ◽  
Julien Cucherousset ◽  
José M. Montoya ◽  
Murielle Richard ◽  
Samson Acoca-Pidolle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Functioning ◽  
Benthic Invertebrate ◽  
Intraspecific Diversity ◽  
Ecosystem Functions ◽  
Food Chains ◽  
Predator Species ◽  
Invertebrate Diversity ◽  
Functional Richness ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Genotypic Richness

Loss in intraspecific diversity can alter ecosystem functions, but the underlying mechanisms are still elusive, and intraspecific biodiversity–ecosystem function (iBEF) relationships have been restrained to primary producers. Here, we manipulated genetic and functional richness of a fish consumer (Phoxinus phoxinus) to test whether iBEF relationships exist in consumer species and whether they are more likely sustained by genetic or functional richness. We found that both genotypic and functional richness affected ecosystem functioning, either independently or interactively. Loss in genotypic richness reduced benthic invertebrate diversity consistently across functional richness treatments, whereas it reduced zooplankton diversity only when functional richness was high. Finally, losses in genotypic and functional richness altered functions (decomposition) through trophic cascades. We concluded that iBEF relationships lead to substantial top-down effects on entire food chains. The loss of genotypic richness impacted ecological properties as much as the loss of functional richness, probably because it sustains “cryptic” functional diversity.

scholarly journals Intraspecific diversity loss in a predator species alters prey community structure and ecosystem functions

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allan Raffard ◽  
Julien Cucherousset ◽  
José M. Montoya ◽  
Murielle Richard ◽  
Samson Acoca-Pidolle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Functioning ◽  
Benthic Invertebrate ◽  
Intraspecific Diversity ◽  
Ecosystem Functions ◽  
Food Chains ◽  
Predator Species ◽  
Invertebrate Diversity ◽  
Functional Richness ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Genotypic Richness

AbstractLoss in intraspecific diversity can alter ecosystem functions, but the underlying mechanisms are still elusive, and intraspecific biodiversity-ecosystem function relationships (iBEF) have been restrained to primary producers. Here, we manipulated genetic and functional richness of a fish consumer (Phoxinus phoxinus), to test whether iBEF relationships exist in consumer species, and whether they are more likely sustained by genetic or functional richness. We found that both genotypic and functional richness affected ecosystem functioning, either independently or in interaction. Loss in genotypic richness reduced benthic invertebrate diversity consistently across functional richness treatments, whereas it reduced zooplankton diversity only when functional richness was high. Finally, both losses in genotypic and functional richness altered essential functions (e.g. decomposition) through trophic cascades. We concluded that iBEF relationships lead to substantial top-down effects on entire food chains. The loss of genotypic richness impacted ecological properties as much as the loss of functional richness, probably because it sustains “cryptic” functional diversity.

scholarly journals Biodiversity breakpoints along stress gradients in estuaries and associated shifts in ecosystem interactions

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily J. Douglas ◽  
Andrew M. Lohrer ◽  
Conrad A. Pilditch
Keyword(s):  
Nitrogen Cycling ◽  
Environmental Gradients ◽  
Interaction Network ◽  
Coastal Sediments ◽  
Ecosystem Functions ◽  
Ecological Interactions ◽  
Fine Sediments ◽  
Microbial Nitrogen ◽  
Ecosystem Interactions ◽  
Biodiversity Effects

AbstractDenitrification in coastal sediments can provide resilience to eutrophication in estuarine ecosystems, but this key ecosystem function is impacted directly and indirectly by increasing stressors. The erosion and loading of fine sediments from land, resulting in sedimentation and elevated sediment muddiness, presents a significant threat to coastal ecosystems worldwide. Impacts on biodiversity with increasing sediment mud content are relatively well understood, but corresponding impacts on denitrification are uncharacterised. Soft sediment ecosystems have a network of interrelated biotic and abiotic ecosystem components that contribute to microbial nitrogen cycling, but these components (especially biodiversity measures) and their relationships with ecosystem functions are sensitive to stress. With a large dataset spanning broad environmental gradients this study uses interaction network analysis to present a mechanistic view of the ecological interactions that contribute to microbial nitrogen cycling, showing significant changes above and below a stressor (mud) threshold. Our models demonstrate that positive biodiversity effects become more critical with a higher level of sedimentation stress, and show that effective ecosystem management for resilience requires different action under different scenarios.

Rethinking Public Service Motivation From the Perspective of Person–Environment Fit: Complementary or Supplementary Relationship?

2014 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 351-368 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geunpil Ryu
Keyword(s):  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
Organizational Commitment ◽  
Public Service ◽  
Individual Performance ◽  
Public Service Motivation ◽  
Theoretical Development ◽  
Theoretical Perspectives ◽  
Person Environment Fit ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
The Relationship

Research on public service motivation (PSM) has paid attention to the concept of fit to identify underlying mechanisms of the relationship between PSM and beneficial outcomes such as higher job satisfaction and organizational commitment. Nonetheless, there have been rare studies aimed at theoretically comparing PSM with the person–environment (P–E) fit. In this article, PSM is reviewed from the perspective of P–E fit, not only because PSM and P–E fit share some theoretical perspectives, such as job attraction, employee rewards, and individual performance, but also because incorporating the concept of PSM into the fit framework may allow us to better understand PSM and enhance its theoretical development. This article concludes that PSM has a complementary relationship with P–E fit as the two provide more concrete and valid explanations for job applications, outcomes, and rewards when they are incorporated.

scholarly journals Recovery of Salt Marsh Invertebrates Following Habitat Restoration: Implications for Marsh Restoration in the Northern Gulf of Mexico

2018 ◽  
Vol 43 (7) ◽  
pp. 1711-1721 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew S. Baumann ◽  
Gail F. Fricano ◽  
Katie Fedeli ◽  
Claire E. Schlemme ◽  
Mary C. Christman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Salt Marsh ◽  
Gulf Of Mexico ◽  
Habitat Restoration ◽  
Ecosystem Functions ◽  
Structure Characteristic ◽  
Salt Marsh Restoration ◽  
Important Species ◽  
Marsh Restoration ◽  
Northern Gulf Of Mexico ◽  
Annual Biomass

Abstract Recovery following salt marsh restoration in the northern Gulf of Mexico is investigated using meta-analysis for two salt marsh indicator invertebrates, the periwinkle snail (Littoraria irrorata) and amphipod crustaceans (Amphipoda). These invertebrates serve key marsh ecosystem functions including facilitating nutrient cycling and serving as prey for larger ecologically and economically important species. Recovery of periwinkles in restored marshes compared to reference sites is quantified by progression in population density and, because the species is long-lived (~ 10 years), in terms of biomass added per unit area each year following restoration. Amphipods are shorter-lived with high annual turnover; thus, recovery through time is estimated by the density of individuals rather than by biomass. The results of the analyses indicate progressive periwinkle recovery to equivalence with reference systems by year 4 in terms of density and year 6 with respect to annual biomass addition, while amphipod densities do not fully recover in the first 20 years following restoration. Although periwinkle recovery in terms of annual biomass addition reaches equivalence by year 6, the development of an age class structure characteristic of reference marshes would likely take longer because of the relatively long lifespan for this species. In addition to providing insight into the benefits of salt marsh restoration in the northern Gulf of Mexico, the approach described can be applied more generally to restoration scaling in a natural resource damage assessment context.

Deconstructing biodiversity-ecosystem function relationships: Filtering of macroinvertebrate traits in a large river floodplain

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalie K. Rideout ◽  
Zacchaeus G. Compson ◽  
Wendy A. Monk ◽  
Meghann R. Bruce ◽  
Mehrdad Hajibabaei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Function ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Historical Change ◽  
Ecosystem Functions ◽  
Floodplain Wetlands ◽  
Environmental Filters ◽  
Invertebrate Communities ◽  
Species Response ◽  
Functional Richness ◽  
Wetland Habitats

AbstractThe Biodiversity-Ecosystem Function hypothesis postulates that higher biodiversity is correlated with ecosystem function by providing a high number of filled niches through species response types and resource use patterns. Through their high spatio-temporal habitat diversity, floodplains are highly productive ecosystems, supporting communities that are naturally resilient and highly diverse. We examined linkages among floodplain wetland habitats, invertebrate communities and their associated traits, and ecosystem function across 60 sites within the floodplain wetlands of the lower Wolastoq | Saint John River, New Brunswick, using structural equation modelling and Threshold Indicator Taxa ANalysis (TITAN2). We identified key environmental filters of invertebrate communities, namely linking increased niche differentiation through historical change, flood pulse dynamics, and macrophyte bed complexity with increased taxa and functional diversity. Examination of traits linked to ecosystem functions revealed that healthy wetlands with higher primary productivity were associated with greater functional evenness and richness, while habitat patches with increased decomposition rates had low functional richness, reflecting highly disturbed habitat. Our results highlight key differences between wetland and riverine ecosystems, relating to how critical functions support healthy wetland habitats by providing increased resilience to disturbance, here associated with differing levels of conservation protection.

scholarly journals Functional diversity of marine megafauna in the Anthropocene

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (16) ◽  
pp. eaay7650 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Pimiento ◽  
F. Leprieur ◽  
D. Silvestro ◽  
J. S. Lefcheck ◽  
C. Albouy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Functional Diversity ◽  
Threatened Species ◽  
Ecosystem Functioning ◽  
Ecosystem Functions ◽  
Functional Richness ◽  
Risk Of Extinction ◽  
If Current ◽  
Marine Megafauna

Marine megafauna, the largest animals in the oceans, serve key roles in ecosystem functioning. Yet, one-third of these animals are at risk of extinction. To better understand the potential consequences of megafaunal loss, here we quantify their current functional diversity, predict future changes under different extinction scenarios, and introduce a new metric [functionally unique, specialized and endangered (FUSE)] that identifies threatened species of particular importance for functional diversity. Simulated extinction scenarios forecast marked declines in functional richness if current trajectories are maintained during the next century (11% globally; up to 24% regionally), with more marked reductions (48% globally; up to 70% at the poles) beyond random expectations if all threatened species eventually go extinct. Among the megafaunal groups, sharks will incur a disproportionate loss of functional richness. We identify top FUSE species and suggest a renewed focus on these species to preserve the ecosystem functions provided by marine megafauna.

scholarly journals A Functional Perspective for Reef Benthic Communities: Temporal Trends in the Only Atoll in Southern Atlantic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vitor André Passos Picolotto ◽  
Anaide W. Aued ◽  
Luis C. P. Macedo-Soares ◽  
Julia Biscaia Zamoner ◽  
Bárbara Segal
Keyword(s):  
Benthic Community ◽  
Temporal Dynamics ◽  
Benthic Communities ◽  
Temporal Trends ◽  
Functional Approach ◽  
Functional Ecology ◽  
Ecosystem Functions ◽  
Actual State ◽  
Global Changes ◽  
Functional Richness

Abstract Reef benthic communities provide many important ecosystem functions such as nutrient cycling, carbonate accretion and tridimensional complexity. Yet, reefs worldwide face an uncertain future, being threatened by local and global impacts. As an alternative approach to evaluate communities’ changes, functional ecology aims to understand how species shape the environment and how functions conduct ecosystems’ dynamics. The aim of this study was to investigate the temporal dynamics (2013–2019) of the reef benthic community in the most pristine reef in Brazil, Rocas Atoll, using a functional diversity approach. We identified 48 organisms grouped into 17 functional entities (according to their traits’ combination), considering all sampling years. Benthic community was temporally dominated by functional entities responsible for providing low reef tridimensional complexity (represented mainly by turf algae). This dominance reflected in low values of functional entropy, due to uneven abundances distribution between unique functional entities, those that have unique trait combination. Functional richness oscillated over years, but did not show great changes in functional spaces, maintaining an equity in the number of functional entities and indicating stability of reef functions in Rocas Atoll, even with unequal abundances’ distribution. Our study is the first to use a functional approach in temporal scale and represents a baseline for South Atlantic, since it provides the actual state of reef benthic communities using a functional approach, in an environment with no direct anthropic impacts. This can help to predict the effects on some ecosystem functions caused by local and global changes and its consequence for ecosystem services.

scholarly journals Functional Redundancy in Ocean Microbiomes Controls Trait Stability

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taylor M Royalty ◽  
Andrew Decker Steen
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Function ◽  
Latent Variable ◽  
Functional Redundancy ◽  
Ecosystem Functions ◽  
Polar Regions ◽  
Microbial Ecosystem ◽  
Physiochemical Parameters ◽  
Β Diversity ◽  
Microbial Ecosystems ◽  
Functional Richness

Advances in nucleic acid sequencing technology have revealed that, in many microbial ecosystems, the same ecosystem function or trait is performed by multiple species or taxa. Theory, developed in the context of macroecology, predicts that communities with high functional redundancy are less likely to lose functions due to species extinction compared to communities with low functional redundancy. It is not clear whether this is the case for microbial communities, particularly on the landscape scale. In part, the lack of quantitative measures for functional redundancy in microbial ecosystems has been prohibitive in addressing this question. We recently proposed a quantitative functional redundancy metric, contribution evenness, which measures how evenly taxa in a community contribute to an ecosystem function or trait. Using transcriptomes deposited in the Ocean Microbial Reference Gene Catalog (OM-RGC.v2), a catalog of genes and transcripts sequenced by the TARA Ocean expedition, we quantified the functional redundancy for 4,314 KEGG Orthologs (KOs) across 124 marine sites. Functional redundancy was highly correlated with a latent variable reflecting few ocean physiochemical parameters and was systematically higher at the poles than in non-polar regions. Functional richness β-diversity among non-polar sites was higher than that among polar sites, indicating that microbial ecosystem functions are more similar among polar sites than among non-polar sites. These observations combined provide evidence that functional redundancy influences microbial ecosystem function stability on spatiotemporal scales consistent with surface ocean mixing. We suggest that future changes in ocean physiochemistry will likely influence this stability.

scholarly journals Responses of functional traits in cavity-nesting birds to logging in subtropical and temperate forests of the Americas

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alejandro A. Schaaf ◽  
Daniela Gomez ◽  
Ever Tallei ◽  
Constanza G. Vivanco ◽  
Román A. Ruggera
Keyword(s):  
Functional Traits ◽  
Temperate Forests ◽  
Functional Divergence ◽  
Ecosystem Functions ◽  
Functional Changes ◽  
Point Counts ◽  
Cavity Nesting ◽  
Functional Richness ◽  
Bird Richness ◽  
Species Richness And Abundance

AbstractLogging causes changes in habitat structure, which can potentially lead to variations in taxonomic and functional richness of biodiversity. Studies on how functional traits in birds are affected by logging operations can provide an important element for the understanding of ecosystem processes. In this paper, we examined how logging in subtropical Andean forests influenced taxonomic and functional diversity of cavity-nesting birds. We used these results to compare how logging affected ecosystem functions in temperate and subtropical forests of the Americas. We used point-counts to examine the effects of logging on taxonomic and functional traits in avian communities (Functional Richness, Functional evenness, Functional Divergence, and Community-weighted mean). We found that logging changed bird richness and abundance, although it had no effect on the functional response to the measured traits. The comparison of our results with those of temperate forests of Canada and Chile reveals differences in the functional richness of birds in these habitats, with a lower impact of logging on functional traits. We highlight the importance of including functional traits in the analyses, since the reduction in the species richness and abundance may not be translated into functional changes within the ecosystem.

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