Habitat configurations shape the trophic and energetic dynamics of reef fishes in a tropical-temperate transition zone: implications under a warming future.

ABSTRACT: Understanding the extent to which species' traits mediate patterns of community assembly is key to predict the effect of natural and anthropogenic disturbances on ecosystem functioning. Here, we apply a trait-based community assembly framework to understand how four different habitat configurations (kelp forests, Sargassum spp. beds, hard corals, and turfs) shape the trophic and energetic dynamics of reef fish assemblages in a tropical-temperate transition zone. Specifically, we tested (i) the degree of trait divergence and convergence in each habitat, (ii) which traits explained variation in species' abundances, and (iii) differences in standing biomass (kg ha^-1), secondary productivity (kg ha^-1 day^-1) and turnover (% day^-1). Fish assemblages in

SUBMITTER: Bosch NE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9675646 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature