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What do you mean "functional" in ecology? Patterns versus processes.

Florence Volaire1, Sean M Gleason2, Sylvain Delzon3

  • 1CEFE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, INRAE, EPHE, IRD, Univ Paul Valéry Montpellier 3 Montpellier France.

Ecology and Evolution
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PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The term "functional" trait in ecology is misleading. Researchers propose distinguishing between "pattern" traits (snapshot comparisons) and "process" traits (time-dependent flows) for a clearer understanding of species functioning.

Keywords:
functional traitgenetic variabilitylife formontogenypatternprocess

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Area of Science:

  • Ecology
  • Trait Ecology
  • Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • The term "functional" trait is increasingly used in ecology, but lacks clear definition.
  • Existing criteria for identifying "functional" traits are not rigorous, leading to ambiguity.
  • The concept implies only certain traits are relevant to species functioning, irrespective of scale or discipline.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To challenge the current concept of "functional" traits in ecology.
  • To propose a revised framework distinguishing between "pattern" and "process" traits.
  • To enhance the connection between trait ecology and other biological sciences for studying adaptive responses.

Main Methods:

  • Distinguishing between "pattern" traits (synchronic comparisons, irrespective of time) and "process" traits (quantifying material and energy flows over time).
  • Analyzing the efficacy of "pattern" traits for ecological processes occurring at short time scales.
  • Highlighting the need to incorporate ontogeny, life form, plasticity, and genetic variability.

Main Results:

  • "Pattern" traits are useful for identifying trade-offs and strategies at coarse scales using "big data".
  • "Process" traits are more effective for understanding ecological processes occurring across short time scales and narrow gradients.
  • The distinction between "pattern" and "process" traits clarifies their respective roles in ecological research.

Conclusions:

  • The term "functional" trait can be misleading; a clearer distinction between "pattern" and "process" traits is needed.
  • Accounting for temporal dynamics and other biological factors will improve the convergence of ecological approaches.
  • This revised framework will facilitate the study of adaptive responses to climate change across all scales.