Rebound in functional distinctiveness following warming and reduced fishing in the North Sea.

ABSTRACT: Functionally distinct species (i.e. species with unique trait combinations in the community) can support important ecological roles and contribute disproportionately to ecosystem functioning. Yet, how functionally distinct species have responded to recent climate change and human exploitation has been widely overlooked. Here, using ecological traits and long-term fish data in the North Sea, we identified functionally distinct and functionally common species, and evaluated their spatial and temporal dynamics in relation to environmental variables and fishing pressure. Functionally distinct species were characterized by late sexual maturity, few, large offspring, and high parental care, many being sharks and skates that play critical roles in structuring food webs. Both functionally distinct

SUBMITTER: Murgier J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7892419 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature