Dispersal syndromes can link intraspecific trait variability and meta-ecosystem functioning. (April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Raffard, Allan; Bestion, Elvire; Cote, Julien; Haegeman, Bart; Schtickzelle, Nicolas; Jacob, Staffan
• Is Part Of: Trends in ecology & evolution. Volume 37:Number 4(2022)
• Page Start: 322
• Page End: 331
• Publication Date: 2022-04
• Subjects: dispersal syndrome -- phenotypic variability -- animal movement -- ecosystem functioning; Ecology -- Periodicals; Evolution (Biology) -- Periodicals; 576.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2021.12.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0169-5347

Abstract

Abstract : Dispersal mediates the flow of organisms in meta-communities and subsequently energy and material flows in meta-ecosystems. Individuals within species often vary in dispersal tendency depending on their phenotypic traits (i.e., dispersal syndromes), but the implications of dispersal syndromes for meta-ecosystems have been rarely studied. Using empirical examples on vertebrates, arthropods, and microbes, we highlight that key functional traits can be linked to dispersal. We argue that this coupling between dispersal and functional traits can have consequences for meta-ecosystem functioning, mediating flows of functional traits and thus the spatial heterogeneity of ecosystem functions. As dispersal syndromes may be genetically determined, the spatial heterogeneity of functional traits may be further carried over across generations and link meta-ecosystem functioning to evolutionary dynamics. Highlights: Dispersal is a key process for the dynamics and functioning of meta-communities and meta-ecosystems. Meta-ecosystem theory, however, does not fully integrate the possible effects of dispersal, largely assuming random diffusion of organisms and nutrients, contrasting with rising empirical evidence for intraspecific variability in dispersal strategies. Dispersal is often associated with a suite of phenotypic traits, forming dispersal syndromes. Since phenotypic variability is now acknowledged as a key factor mediating ecosystem dynamics, we argue that dispersal syndromes can link trait-based ecology and meta-ecosystem functioning together. We highlight that the dispersal of individuals can be associated with functional effect traits and can therefore alter trophic and nutrient-mediated interactions in ecosystems. We illustrate how the association between dispersal tendency and functional traits can modify the spatial heterogeneity of ecosystems.