Sosinski, E. | Search bioRxiv

bioRxiv2021

Global trade-offs in tree functional traits

AO_SCPLOWBSTRACTC_SCPLOWDue to massive energetic investments in woody support structures, trees are subject to unique physiological, mechanical, and ecological pressures not experienced by herbaceous plants. When considering trait relationships across the entire plant kingdom, plant trait frameworks typically must omit traits unique to large woody species, thereby limiting our understanding of how these distinct ecological pressures shape trait relationships in trees. Here, by considering 18 functional traits--reflecting leaf economics, wood structure, tree size, reproduction, and below-ground allocation--we quantify the major axes of variation governing trait expression of trees worldwide. We show that trait variation within and across angiosperms and gymnosperms is captured by two independent processes: one reflecting tree size and competition for light, the other reflecting leaf photosynthetic capacity and nutrient economies. By exploring multidimensional relationships across clusters of traits, we further identify a representative set of seven traits which captures the majority of variation in form and function in trees: maximum tree height, stem conduit diameter, specific leaf area, seed mass, bark thickness, root depth, and wood density. Collectively, this work informs future trait-based research into the functional biogeography of trees, and contributes to our fundamental understanding of the ecological and evolutionary controls on forest biodiversity and productivity worldwide.

ecology↗

bioRxiv2020

Minding The Gap: Range Size And Economic Use Drive Functional Trait Data Shortfall In The Atlantic Forest

Biodiversity shortfalls are knowledge gaps that may result from uneven sampling through time and space and human interest biases. Gaps in data of functional traits of species may add uncertainty in functional diversity and structure measures and hinder inference on ecosystem functioning and ecosystem services, with negative implications for conservation and restoration practices, such as in Atlantic Forest hotspot. Here we investigate which are the potential drivers of trait data gaps and where geographically they are in the Atlantic Forest. We quantified trait gaps for four key plant functional traits of 2335 trees species, and evaluated which factors drive trait gap at the species and at the geographical level. At the species level, we found larger trait gaps for small-ranged and with no economic use. At the geographical level, we found larger gaps at the Atlantic Forest east coast. Trait gaps were higher away from urban areas, and among species with smaller mean range size and smaller mean economic use of wood, and smaller near protected areas. Efforts on reducing trait gaps of small-ranged and of species with economic use of wood can further advance theory-driven studies and improve knowledge coverage

ecology↗