Phylogeny, body morphology, and trophic level shape intestinal traits in coral reef fishes.

ABSTRACT: Trait-based approaches are increasingly used to study species assemblages and understand ecosystem functioning. The strength of these approaches lies in the appropriate choice of functional traits that relate to the functions of interest. However, trait-function relationships are often supported by weak empirical evidence.Processes related to digestion and nutrient assimilation are particularly challenging to integrate into trait-based approaches. In fishes, intestinal length is commonly used to describe these functions. Although there is broad consensus concerning the relationship between fish intestinal length and diet, evolutionary and environmental forces have shaped a diversity of intestinal morphologies that is not captured by length alone.Focusing on coral reef fishes, we investigat

SUBMITTER: Ghilardi M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8495780 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature