Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 22, 2026

Visualization of Caenorhabditis elegans Cuticular Structures Using the Lipophilic Vital Dye DiI
Published on: January 30, 2012
CaecilianTraits, an individual level trait database of Caecilians worldwide
Pingfan Wei1,2,3, Yanfang Song2,3, Rui Tian2,3
1State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems, and College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
Abstract:
Functional traits differ among species, which determine the ecological niche a species occupies and its ability to adapt to environment. However, differences in traits also exist at intraspecific level. Such variations shape differences in individual survival capabilities. Investigating intraspecific differences of functional traits is important for ecology, evolutionary biology and biodiversity conservation. Individual trait-based approaches have been applied in plant ecology. But for animals, most databases only provide data at the species level. In this study, we presented a global database of morphological traits for caecilians (Amphibia, Gymnophiona) at both species and individual level. Caecilians are a unique group of amphibians characterized by their secretive habits, which have limited our understanding of this taxon. We compiled the most comprehensive database covering 218 out of 222 known species, with 215 of them have individual level data. This database will facilitate research in the ecology, evolutionary biology, conservation biology, and taxonomy of caecilians. Furthermore, this dataset can be utilized to test ecological and evolutionary hypotheses at the individual level.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Multiple Allele Traits
X-linked Traits
X-linked Traits
Cattell's 16 Personality Factors
In contrast, source traits are the fundamental,...
Trait Centrality
Evolution of New Traits in Microbes

