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1. The Octocoral Trait Database: a global database of trait information for octocoral species

   https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-024-04307-8  

   Gómez-Gras, D; Linares, C; Viladrich, N; Zentner, Y; Grinyó, J; Gori, A; McFadden, C S; Fabricius, K E; Madin, J S (December 2025, Scientific Data)

   Abstract Trait-based approaches are revolutionizing our understanding of high-diversity ecosystems by providing insights into the principles underlying key ecological processes, such as community assembly, species distribution, resilience, and the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. In 2016, the Coral Trait Database advanced coral reef science by centralizing trait information for stony corals (i.e., Subphylum Anthozoa, Class Hexacorallia, Order Scleractinia). However, the absence of trait data for soft corals, gorgonians, and sea pens (i.e., Class Octocorallia) limits our understanding of ecosystems where these organisms are significant members and play pivotal roles. To address this gap, we introduce the Octocoral Trait Database, a global, open-source database of curated trait data for octocorals. This database houses species- and individual-level data, complemented by contextual information that provides a relevant framework for analyses. The inaugural dataset, OctocoralTraits v2.2, contains over 97,500 global trait observations across 98 traits and over 3,500 species. The database aims to evolve into a steadily growing, community-led resource that advances future marine science, with a particular emphasis on coral reef research. 

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2. The Pelagic Species Trait Database, an open data resource to support trait-based ocean research

   https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-023-02689-9  

   Gleiber, Miram R.; Hardy, Natasha A.; Roote, Zachary; Krug-MacLeod, Alana M.; Morganson, Caitlin J.; Tandy, Zackary; George, Iris; Matuch, Cindy; Brookson, Cole B.; Daly, Elizabeth A.; et al (January 2024, Scientific Data)

   Abstract Trait-based frameworks are increasingly used for predicting how ecological communities respond to ongoing global change. As species range shifts result in novel encounters between predators and prey, identifying prey ‘guilds’, based on a suite of shared traits, can distill complex species interactions, and aid in predicting food web dynamics. To support advances in trait-based research in open-ocean systems, we present the Pelagic Species Trait Database, an extensive resource documenting functional traits of 529 pelagic fish and invertebrate species in a single, open-source repository. We synthesized literature sources and online resources, conducted morphometric analysis of species images, as well as laboratory analyses of trawl-captured specimens to collate traits describing 1) habitat use and behavior, 2) morphology, 3) nutritional quality, and 4) population status information. Species in the dataset primarily inhabit the California Current system and broader NE Pacific Ocean, but also includes pelagic species known to be consumed by top ocean predators from other ocean basins. The aim of this dataset is to enhance the use of trait-based approaches in marine ecosystems and for predator populations worldwide. 

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3. FunAndes – A functional trait database of Andean plants

   https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-022-01626-6  

   Báez, Selene; Cayuela, Luis; Macía, Manuel J.; Álvarez-Dávila, Esteban; Apaza-Quevedo, Amira; Arnelas, Itziar; Baca-Cortes, Natalia; Bañares de Dios, Guillermo; Bauters, Marijn; Ben Saadi, Celina; et al (December 2022, Scientific Data)

   Abstract We introduce the FunAndes database, a compilation of functional trait data for the Andean flora spanning six countries. FunAndes contains data on 24 traits across 2,694 taxa, for a total of 105,466 entries. The database features plant-morphological attributes including growth form, and leaf, stem, and wood traits measured at the species or individual level, together with geographic metadata (i.e., coordinates and elevation). FunAndes follows the field names, trait descriptions and units of measurement of the TRY database. It is currently available in open access in the FIGSHARE data repository, and will be part of TRY’s next release. Open access trait data from Andean plants will contribute to ecological research in the region, the most species rich terrestrial biodiversity hotspot. 

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4. Suggestions for optimizing a global behavioral trait database

   https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tree.2024.05.009  

   Brehm, Allison M; Orrock, John L (July 2024, Trends in Ecology & Evolution)
5. A global coral-bleaching database, 1980–2020

   https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-022-01121-y  

   van Woesik, Robert; Kratochwill, Chelsey (January 2022, Scientific Data)

   Abstract Coral reefs are the world’s most diverse marine ecosystems that provide resources and services that benefit millions of people globally. Yet, coral reefs have recently experienced an increase in the frequency and intensity of thermal-stress events that are causing coral bleaching. Coral bleaching is a result of the breakdown of the symbiosis between corals and their symbiotic microalgae, causing the loss of pigments and symbionts, giving corals a pale, bleached appearance. Bleaching can be temporary or fatal for corals, depending on the species, the geographic location, historical conditions, and on local and regional influences. Indeed, marine heat waves are the greatest threat to corals worldwide. Here we compile a Global Coral-Bleaching Database (GCBD) that encompasses 34,846 coral bleaching records from 14,405 sites in 93 countries, from 1980–2020. The GCBD provides vital information on the presence or absence of coral bleaching along with site exposure, distance to land, mean turbidity, cyclone frequency, and a suite of sea-surface temperature metrics at the times of survey. 

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