Understanding trait diversity: the role of geodiversity

Vernham, Grant; Bailey, Joseph J.; Chase, Jonathan M.; Hjort, Jan; Field, Richard; Schrodt, Franziska

Abstract

Geodiversity – the abiotic heterogeneity of Earth's (sub)surface – is gaining recognition for its ecological links to biodiversity. However, theoretical and conceptual knowledge of geodiversity–trait diversity relationships is currently lacking and can improve understanding of abiotic drivers of community assembly. Here we synthesise the state of knowledge of these relationships. We find that some components of geodiversity (e.g., topographic heterogeneity) elicit strong trait responses, whereas other components (e.g., substrate heterogeneity) have marginal effects in driving trait distributions. However, current knowledge is lacking in key aspects, including geodiversity's effect on trait-specific diversity and intraspecific variation. We call for the explicit inclusion of geodiversity when relating environmental drivers to trait diversity, taking advantage of the increasing availability of trait and geodiversity data.

Citation

Vernham, G., Bailey, J. J., Chase, J. M., Hjort, J., Field, R., & Schrodt, F. (2023). Understanding trait diversity: the role of geodiversity. Trends in Ecology and Evolution, 38(8), 736-748. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tree.2023.02.010

• Journal Article Type: Review
• Acceptance Date: Mar 30, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Mar 30, 2023
• Publication Date: 2023-08
• Deposit Date: Jun 27, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 31, 2024
• Journal: Trends in Ecology and Evolution
• Print ISSN: 0169-5347
• Electronic ISSN: 1872-8383
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 38
• Issue: 8
• Pages: 736-748
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tree.2023.02.010
• Keywords: Abiotic heterogeneity; applied ecology; geodiversity; trait diversity; niche
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/19009843
• Publisher URL: https://www.cell.com/trends/ecology-evolution/fulltext/S0169-5347(23)00039-3