Integrating species traits into species pools.

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Biogeography
• Trait-based ecology

Background:

• Current trait-based and species-pool frameworks often overlook the dynamic nature of species-pool functional diversity (SPFD).
• SPFD variation across space and time can influence community assembly processes and biodiversity patterns, independent of species richness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a comprehensive framework integrating spatial and temporal SPFD variation into community assembly research.
• To explore how SPFD influences deterministic and stochastic assembly processes.
• To provide methods for testing SPFD influences and highlight applications in conservation and restoration.

Main Methods:

• Literature synthesis integrating community ecology, trait-based ecology, and biogeography.
• Conceptual framework development to link SPFD to assembly processes.
• Outline of experimental and observational approaches for empirical testing.

Main Results:

• Higher SPFD may favor deterministic assembly via niche selection.
• Lower SPFD may favor stochastic assembly through dispersal or ecological drift.
• SPFD variation influences biodiversity patterns and ecosystem responses to environmental change.

Conclusions:

• The proposed framework advances understanding of how regional and local processes jointly shape biodiversity.
• Considering SPFD is essential for predicting biodiversity dynamics and informing conservation strategies.
• This approach is vital for effective ecosystem restoration and conservation in changing environments.