An official website of the United States government
Abstract We investigated the effects of body mass, geographic range size, the within-range richness of host assemblages (diversity field) and the habitat breadth of small mammalian hosts from 6 biogeographic realms on the species richness of their flea and gamasid mite faunas. We also tested whether the probability of between-host ectoparasite sharing is related to host phylogenetic relatedness, trait similarity or geographic distance/environmental dissimilarity between their ranges. We asked whether the effects of host-associated determinants of ectoparasite richness and the probability of ectoparasite sharing differ between (1) biogeographic realms and (2) fleas and mites. Whenever significant effects of host body mass on ectoparasite richness were found, they were negative, whereas the significant effects of geographic range size, diversity field and habitat breadth were positive. The occurrence of each determinant’s effects on ectoparasite species richness differed (1) within fleas or mites between realms and (2) between fleas and mites within a realm. In all realms, the probability of a flea or a mite species being shared between hosts decreased with a decrease in the hosts’ phylogenetic relatedness, trait similarity, geographic distance between ranges or environmental similarity. The probabilities of an ectoparasite species being shared between hosts were most strongly related to the hosts’ trait similarity and were least related to the environmental similarity. We conclude that caution is needed in making judgements about the generality of macroecological patterns related to parasites based on the investigations of these patterns in limited numbers of localities and when pooling data on various taxa.
more »
« less
Three‐Dimensional Habitat Structure Drives Avian Functional and Trait Diversity Across North America
ABSTRACT Understanding how three‐dimensional (3D) habitat structure drives biodiversity patterns is key to predicting how habitat alteration and loss will affect species and community‐level patterns in the future. To date, few studies have contrasted the effects of 3D habitat composition with those of 3D habitat configuration on biodiversity, with existing investigations often limited to measures of taxonomic diversity (i.e., species richness). Here, we examined the influence of Light Detecting and Ranging (LiDAR)‐derived 3D habitat structure–both its composition and configuration–on multiple facets of bird diversity. Specifically, we used data from the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) to test the associations between 11 measures of 3D habitat structure and avian species richness, functional and trait diversity, and phylogenetic diversity. We found that 3D habitat structure was the most consistent predictor of avian functional and trait diversity, with little to no effect on species richness or phylogenetic diversity. Functional diversity and individual trait characteristics were strongly associated with both 3D habitat composition and configuration, but the magnitude and the direction of the effects varied across the canopy, subcanopy, midstory, and understory vertical strata. Our findings suggest that 3D habitat structure influences avian diversity through its effects on traits. By examining the effects of multiple aspects of habitat structure on multiple facets of avian diversity, we provide a broader framework for future investigations on habitat structure.
more »
« less
- PAR ID:
- 10607918
- Publisher / Repository:
- Wiley
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Ecology and Evolution
- Volume:
- 15
- Issue:
- 4
- ISSN:
- 2045-7758
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- e70988
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
More Like this
-
-
Despite experimental and observational studies demonstrating that biodiversity enhances primary productivity, the best metric for predicting productivity at broad geographic extents—functional trait diversity, phylogenetic diversity, or species richness—remains unknown. Using >1.8 million tree measurements from across eastern US forests, we quantified relationships among functional trait diversity, phylogenetic diversity, species richness, and productivity. Surprisingly, functional trait and phylogenetic diversity explained little variation in productivity that could not be explained by tree species richness. This result was consistent across the entire eastern United States, within ecoprovinces, and within data subsets that controlled for biomass or stand age. Metrics of functional trait and phylogenetic diversity that were independent of species richness were negatively correlated with productivity. This last result suggests that processes that determine species sorting and packing are likely important for the relationships between productivity and biodiversity. This result also demonstrates the potential confusion that can arise when interdependencies among different diversity metrics are ignored. Our findings show the value of species richness as a predictive tool and highlight gaps in knowledge about linkages between functional diversity and ecosystem functioning.more » « less
-
Abstract Nutrient enrichment impacts grassland plant diversity such as species richness, functional trait composition and diversity, but whether and how these changes affect ecosystem stability in the face of increasing climate extremes remains largely unknown.We quantified the direct and diversity‐mediated effects of nutrient addition (by nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) on the stability of above‐ground biomass production in 10 long‐term grassland experimental sites. We measured five facets of stability as the temporal invariability, resistance during and recovery after extreme dry and wet growing seasons.Leaf traits (leaf carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and specific leaf area) were measured under ambient and nutrient addition conditions in the field and were used to construct the leaf economic spectrum (LES). We calculated functional trait composition and diversity of LES and of single leaf traits. We quantified the contribution of intraspecific trait shifts and species replacement to change in functional trait composition as responses to nutrient addition and its implications for ecosystem stability.Nutrient addition decreased functional trait diversity and drove grassland communities to the faster end of the LES primarily through intraspecific trait shifts, suggesting that intraspecific trait shifts should be included for accurately predicting ecosystem stability. Moreover, the change in functional trait diversity of the LES in turn influenced different facets of stability. That said, these diversity‐mediated effects were overall weak and/or overwhelmed by the direct effects of nutrient addition on stability. As a result, nutrient addition did not strongly impact any of the stability facets. These results were generally consistent using individual leaf traits but the dominant pathways differed. Importantly, major influencing pathways differed using average trait values extracted from global trait databases (e.g. TRY).Synthesis. Investigating changes in multiple facets of plant diversity and their impacts on multidimensional stability under global changes such as nutrient enrichment can improve our understanding of the processes and mechanisms maintaining ecosystem stability.more » « less
-
In addition to changes associated with climate and land use, parrots are threatened by hunting and capture for the pet trade, making them one of the most at risk orders of birds for which conservation action is especially important. Species richness is often used to identify high priority areas for conserving biodiversity. By definition, richness considers all species to be equally different from one another. However, ongoing research emphasizes the importance of incorporating ecological functions (functional diversity) or evolutionary relationships (phylogenetic diversity) to more fully understand patterns of biodiversity, because (1) areas of high species richness do not always represent areas of high functional or phylogenetic diversity, and (2) functional or phylogenetic diversity may better predict ecosystem function and evolutionary potential, which are essential for effective long–term conservation policy and management. We created a framework for identifying areas of high species richness, functional diversity, and phylogenetic diversity within the global distribution of parrots. We combined species richness, functional diversity, and phylogenetic diversity into an Integrated Biodiversity Index (IBI) to identify global biodiversity hotspots for parrots. We found important spatial mismatches between dimensions, demonstrating species richness is not always an effective proxy for other dimensions of parrot biodiversity. The IBI is an integrative and flexible index that can incorporate multiple dimensions of biodiversity, resulting in an intuitive and direct way of assessing comprehensive goals in conservation planning.more » « less
-
Abstract Disturbances play a central role in shaping biodiversity, influencing both community structure and ecosystem function. The responses of biodiversity to disturbance are inherently multidimensional, often leading to shifts in taxonomic composition, functional traits, and evolutionary dynamics within biological communities. Unraveling these dimensions offers valuable insights into ecosystem resilience and how communities adapt under changing disturbance regimes. This study examines the immediate effects of large‐scale hurricane disturbance on the taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional dimensions of moth biodiversity in a tropical forest. We conducted monthly moth surveys in two forest types within the Luquillo Mountains of Puerto Rico, 5 months before and 6 months after Hurricanes Irma and María (September 2017). We collected 6152 individuals from 244 species across 19 families, performed DNA barcoding for phylogenetic analysis, and classified them by functional traits such as body size, coloration, and proboscis presence. Our findings show that hurricane disturbance reduced species richness across all diversity dimensions, while functional diversity among dominant species increased, suggesting potential stabilization of ecosystem functions despite reduced richness. In addition, the hurricanes altered both taxonomic and phylogenetic composition, with smaller grass‐feeding species increasing in abundance post‐hurricane, while larger arboreal‐feeding species, especially geometrid moths, declined markedly. These shifts highlight potential effects on trophic interactions, given moths' key roles as herbivores, pollinators, and prey. Although these systems have evolved under repeated hurricane disturbances, the long‐term consequences of a changing climate remain uncertain, particularly as more frequent and severe hurricanes may reset successional pathways and hinder forest recovery. By integrating multiple dimensions of biodiversity, our study provides a more holistic understanding of the complex consequences of hurricanes on insect communities and can inform conservation strategies aimed at enhancing ecosystem resilience.more » « less
- Free Publicly Accessible Full Text
-
Accepted Manuscript
- Journal Article:
- https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.70988
