Projects per year
Abstract
Trait-based approaches evaluate ecosystem functioning under environmental change by relating traits predicting changes in species densities (response traits) to traits driving ecosystem functioning (effect traits). Stressors can, however, affect ecosystem functioning not only by altering species densities but also by directly changing species effect traits. We first identified the response traits predicting the cell density of 18 marine benthic diatom strains along gradients of two chemical stressors (a pesticide and a metal, atrazine and copper). We then tested if response traits could predict stressor-induced changes in ecosystem functioning, i.e. changes in the effect traits driving the diatoms’ potential contribution to primary production, sediment stabilization and energy content in intertidal systems. Finally, we examined if changes in density and changes in ecosystem functioning were correlated, to assess whether species capable of growing under stressful conditions could maintain their contribution to ecosystem functioning. The relationship between response traits and stressor-induced changes in density and ecosystem functioning was different depending on stressor type: a set of intercorrelated morphological traits predicted changes in both density and ecosystem functioning under metal stress, with large cells being more stress resistant. Changes in density and changes in ecosystem functioning were positively related: diatoms whose density was least affected by the metal were also able to sustain functioning under metal exposure. In contrast, the capacity for mixotrophic growth predicted changes in density, but not changes in ecosystem functioning under pesticide stress. Pesticide effects on density and on ecosystem functioning were negatively related for energy content and sediment stabilization, indicating a limited capacity of pesticide-tolerant diatoms to maintain their contribution to ecosystem functioning. Synthesis. Ecosystem functioning under stress can depend on whether the response traits driving changes in species densities also predict direct stress effects on the species’ contribution to functioning. Based on our results, we expect a disproportionate loss of functioning when traits driving species densities do not allow to maintain ecosystem functioning under stress.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1598-1609 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | Journal of Ecology |
Volume | 105 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Nov 2017 |
Keywords
- algae
- aquatic plant ecology
- diatom
- ecosystem function
- effect trait
- herbicide
- marine
- metal
- response trait
- stress
Fingerprint
Dive into the research topics of 'Different response–effect trait relationships underlie contrasting responses to two chemical stressors'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Projects
- 2 Finished
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Biodiversity, ecosystem functioning and environmental stress
De Laender, F. (PI)
1/01/14 → 31/12/16
Project: Research Axis
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Biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in stressed ecosystems
De Laender, F. (Supervisor), Mensens, C. (Researcher), De Troch, M. (PI) & Janssen, C. (PI)
1/10/12 → 30/09/15
Project: PHD
Activities
- 1 Participation in conference
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ECOSUMMIT 2016
De Laender, F. (Invited Speaker)
2016 → …Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Participation in conference
Datasets
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Data from: Different response-effect trait relationships underlie contrasting responses to two chemical stressors
De, L. F. (Contributor), De Troch, M. (Contributor), Janssen, C. R. (Contributor), Mensens, C. (Contributor) & Sabbe, K. (Contributor), Dryad Digital Repository, 27 Mar 2017
DOI: 10.5061/dryad.jq362, https://datadryad.org/resource/doi:10.5061/dryad.jq362 and one more link, https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.jq362/1 (show fewer)
Dataset