Trait-based life strategies, ecological niches, and niche overlap in the nekton of the data-poor Mediterranean Sea.

ABSTRACT: Biological traits can determine species ecological niches and define species responses to environmental variation. Species have a specific functional position in the biological community, resulting in interactions like interspecific competition. In this study, we used biological traits in order to define the life strategies of 205 nektonic species of the Mediterranean Sea. Furthermore, traits related to resource use were analyzed to determine the level of trait and niche overlap and their relationship to life strategies. Focusing on habitats of importance (Posidonia beds, coralligène formations, and lagoons), we investigated strategies and niches of the species present there. Finally, we examined the life strategy of Lessepsian species and investigated the niche overlap between them and in

SUBMITTER: Koutsidi M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7391318 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature