Functional traits, convergent evolution, and periodic tables of niches.

ABSTRACT: Ecology is often said to lack general theories sufficiently predictive for applications. Here, we examine the concept of a periodic table of niches and feasibility of niche classification schemes from functional trait and performance data. Niche differences and their influence on ecological patterns and processes could be revealed effectively by first performing data reduction/ordination analyses separately on matrices of trait and performance data compiled according to logical associations with five basic niche 'dimensions', or aspects: habitat, life history, trophic, defence and metabolic. Resultant patterns then are integrated to produce interpretable niche gradients, ordinations and classifications. Degree of scheme periodicity would depend on degrees of niche conservatism and converge

SUBMITTER: Winemiller KO 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4744997 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature