A functional approach to the structural complexity of coral assemblages based on colony morphological features

Denis, Vianney; Ribas-Deulofeu, Lauriane; Sturaro, Nicolas; Kuo, Chao‐Yang; Chen, Chaolun Allen

doi:10.1038/s41598-017-10334-w

Cited by 59 publications

(43 citation statements)

References 70 publications

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“…; Denis et al . ). In short, FD studies at the global scale are likely to suffer considerable errors with the amount of data available in current trait databases.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Transcending data gaps: a framework to reduce inferential errors in ecological analyses

2018

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The analysis of functional diversity (FD) has gained increasing importance due to its generality and utility in ecology. In particular, patterns in the spatial distribution and temporal change of FD are being used to predict locations and functional groups that are immediately vulnerable to global changes. A major impediment to the accurate measurement of FD is the pervasiveness of missing data in trait datasets. While such prevalent data gaps can engender misleading inferences in FD analyses, we currently lack any practical guide to handle missing data in trait datasets. Here, we identify significant mismatches between true FD and values derived from datasets that contain missing data. We demonstrate that imputing missing data with a phylogeny-informed approach reduces the risk of misinterpretation of FD patterns, and provides baseline information against which central questions in ecology can be evaluated.

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“…; Denis et al . ). In short, FD studies at the global scale are likely to suffer considerable errors with the amount of data available in current trait databases.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Transcending data gaps: a framework to reduce inferential errors in ecological analyses

2018

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“…The contribution of benthic organisms to structural complexity is indeed recognized as among the best predictors of their roles in reefs (Denis et al 2017). Therefore, the morphology of reef organisms represents a key trait for assessing their involvement in ecological processes (Bellwood et al 2004).…”

Section: Ecological Surveysmentioning

confidence: 99%

Acknowledging differences: number, characteristics, and distribution of marine benthic communities along Taiwan coast

Lin

Denis

2019

Ecosphere

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Our knowledge of the ability of coral reefs to face contemporary challenges disregards the wide variety of benthic communities (BCs) that could be associated with contrasted dynamics when facing stressors. Accordingly, this study investigates the number, characteristics, and distribution of BCs responsible for the development of coastal three‐dimensional structures in Taiwan. A total of 89 transects among three regions (north, east, and south) and two depths (−10 and −40 m) were characterized using a morpho‐functional categorization of benthic organisms. Using an unsupervised learning algorithm, k‐means cluster, an optimal number of k groups were identified among transects in order to minimize total intra‐group variance and represent a first level of organization, mirroring the number of BCs. Each BC was then described into prevailing categories and typified by an association with significant indicator groups. Their distributions were further examined and tested among regions and depths. Seven BCs were identified as having different composition and indicator categories. Their distributions suggest that, while sea surface temperature and light regime may be associated with a panel of available BCs, local conditions may have the final say on whether a BC eventually thrives at a given location. Overall, this study proposes an innovative and simple analytical framework for acknowledging differences among BCs. Our results encourage greater consideration of these shades in coral reef ecology studies, as they could conceal a variety of roles and dynamics important for the conservation of these endangered ecosystems.

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“…Consequently, the architectural complexity of the reefs is being reduced (Alvarez-Filip et al 2009), which in turn affects the abundance, diversity, and trophic structure of the associated fish community (Rogers et al 2014). Similar shifts in the functional composition of coral communities are observed in other parts of the globe (Darling et al 2013, Denis et al 2017. Managing ecosystem functions (among which are services), and in particular the provisioning of habitat, is a pressing challenge that requires a better understanding of the mechanisms linking disturbance, diversity, and functions (Graham 2014.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 95%

“…, Denis et al. ). Managing ecosystem functions (among which are services), and in particular the provisioning of habitat, is a pressing challenge that requires a better understanding of the mechanisms linking disturbance, diversity, and functions (Graham , Oliver et al.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A modified trait‐based framework for assessing the resilience of ecosystem services provided by coral reef communities

2018

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Citation: Carturan, B. S., L. Parrott, and J. Pither. 2018. A modified trait-based framework for assessing the resilience of ecosystem services provided by coral reef communities. Ecosphere 9(5):e02214. 10.1002/ecs2.2214Abstract. Climate change and other anthropogenic disturbances are having dramatic impacts on tropical coral reefs and the ecosystem services they provide. Anticipating change in ecosystem services is a pressing challenge that requires understanding how species respond to an environmental change, and how they contribute to ecosystem services. Building on analogous efforts by plant ecologists, we propose a traitbased framework that aims to predict the resistance and recovery of coral ecosystem services against both pulse and press disturbances. The framework involves identifying effect, resistance, and recovery traits across coral species and using these to ascertain how species might (1) contribute to a service, (2) resist disturbance, and (3) recover after the disturbance. By identifying trait functional overlaps and quantifying correlations among the trait types, the framework can yield a better understanding of the potential mechanistic links between community assembly, ecosystem dynamics, and ecosystem functioning. We demonstrate the utility of the framework by applying it to a virtual scenario, implemented via simulation, in which habitat provisioning is the focal ecosystem service, and cyclones and bleaching events are the disturbances of interest. This demonstration required us to assemble an extensive dataset of relevant traits-a process that revealed key gaps in the coral trait database and in our understanding of coral functional ecology. The framework can provide predictive power for the resilience of ecosystem services and can also help identify crucial knowledge gaps, research objectives, and strategies for applying a trait-based approach to advancing coral reef science and conservation.

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A functional approach to the structural complexity of coral assemblages based on colony morphological features

Cited by 59 publications

References 70 publications

Transcending data gaps: a framework to reduce inferential errors in ecological analyses

Transcending data gaps: a framework to reduce inferential errors in ecological analyses

Acknowledging differences: number, characteristics, and distribution of marine benthic communities along Taiwan coast

A modified trait‐based framework for assessing the resilience of ecosystem services provided by coral reef communities

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