Species interactions and environmental context affect intraspecific behavioural trait variation and ecosystem function.

ABSTRACT: Functional trait-based approaches are increasingly adopted to understand and project ecological responses to environmental change; however, most assume trait expression is constant between conspecifics irrespective of context. Using two species of benthic invertebrate (brittlestars Amphiura filiformis and Amphiura chiajei), we demonstrate that trait expression at individual and community levels differs with biotic and abiotic context. We use PERMANOVA to test the effect of species identity, density and local environmental history on individual (righting and burrowing) and community (particle reworking and burrow ventilation) trait expression, as well as associated effects on ecosystem functioning (sediment nutrient release). Trait expression differs with context, with repercu

SUBMITTER: Cassidy C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7015344 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature