A trait-based framework for dung beetle functional ecology.

ABSTRACT: Traits are key for understanding the environmental responses and ecological roles of organisms. Trait approaches to functional ecology are well established for plants, whereas consistent frameworks for animal groups are less developed. Here we suggest a framework for the study of the functional ecology of animals from a trait-based response-effect approach, using dung beetles as model system. Dung beetles are a key group of decomposers that are important for many ecosystem processes. The lack of a trait-based framework tailored to this group has limited the use of traits in dung beetle functional ecology. We review which dung beetle traits respond to the environment and affect ecosystem processes, covering the wide range of spatial, temporal and biological scales at which they are involved

SUBMITTER: deCastro-Arrazola I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10099951 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature