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Redundancy of macrobenthic functional traits boosts resilience to a simulated heatwave
Orlando Lam-Gordillo1,2, Emily J Douglas1, Sarah F Hailes1
1The New Zealand Institute for Earth Science, Hamilton, New Zealand.
Plos One
|January 12, 2026
Summary
Marine heatwaves impact ocean ecosystems. This study found that while heatwaves affect macrobenthic abundance and diversity, functional traits remain resilient due to trait redundancy, crucial for ecosystem recovery.
Area of Science:
- Marine Ecology
- Climate Change Biology
- Ecosystem Resilience
Background:
- Rising ocean temperatures due to climate change are increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events like marine heatwaves (MHWs).
- These thermal extremes significantly impact marine biodiversity, life history strategies, and the overall structure and function of ecological communities.
- Understanding how marine communities respond to and recover from heat stress is a critical research priority.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of a simulated heatwave (HW) on macrobenthic communities and their functional traits in intertidal estuarine sediments.
- To assess the influence of different heatwave durations on these ecological parameters.
- To explore the mechanisms underlying community resistance and recovery from thermal stress.
Main Methods:
- A novel in-situ seafloor warming experiment was conducted to simulate heatwave conditions.
- Two distinct heatwave duration treatments were applied to macrobenthic communities in estuarine sediments.
- Macroinvertebrate abundance, diversity, and functional traits were measured before and after the experimental heatwave.
Main Results:
- The simulated heatwave significantly altered macrobenthic abundance and diversity.
- However, functional traits and functional metrics showed less pronounced effects, indicating a degree of resilience.
- Observed idiosyncratic responses highlight the complex and context-dependent nature of macrobenthic communities facing thermal extremes.
Conclusions:
- Redundancy in macrobenthic functional traits appears to confer resilience to heatwave events.
- Maintaining functional trait diversity and redundancy is likely essential for enhancing ecosystem resilience in the face of increasing climatic extremes.
- These findings provide crucial insights for predicting and managing marine ecosystem responses to climate change.
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