Aquatic ecologists face challenges in identifying the general rules of the functioning of ecosystems. A common framework, including freshwater, marine, benthic, and pelagic ecologists, is needed to bridge communication gaps and foster knowledge sharing. This framework should transcend local specificities and taxonomy in order to provide a common ground and shareable tools to address common scientific challenges. Here, we advocate the use of functional trait‐based approaches (FTBAs) for aquatic ecologists and propose concrete paths to go forward. Firstly, we propose to unify existing definitions in FTBAs to adopt a common language. Secondly, we list the numerous databases referencing functional traits for aquatic organisms. Thirdly, we present a synthesis on traditional as well as recent promising methods for the study of aquatic functional traits, including imaging and genomics. Finally, we conclude with a highlight on scientific challenges and promising venues for which FTBAs should foster opportunities for future research. By offering practical tools, our framework provides a clear path forward to the adoption of trait‐based approaches in aquatic ecology.
Functional trait‐based approaches as a common framework for aquatic ecologists
S. Martini,F. Larras,Aurélien Boyé,E. Faure,N. Aberle,P. Archambault,Lise Bacouillard,B. Beisner,L. Bittner,E. Castella,M. Danger,O. Gauthier,L. Karp‐Boss,F. Lombard,F. Maps,L. Stemmann,É. Thiébaut,P. Usseglio-Polatera,M. Vogt,Martin Laviale,S. Ayata
Published 2020 in Limnology and Oceanography
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PUBLICATION RECORD
- Publication year
2020
- Venue
Limnology and Oceanography
- Publication date
2020-12-10
- Fields of study
Biology, Computer Science, Environmental Science
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Semantic Scholar
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