Dispersal syndromes can link intraspecific trait variability and meta-ecosystem functioning
(2022) Trends in Ecology & Evolution — Vol. 37, n° 4, p. 322-331 (2022)
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- Authors
Raffard, Allan 
- Abstract
- 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.
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Citations
Raffard, A., Bestion, E., Cote, J., Haegeman, B., Schtickzelle, N., & Jacob, S. (2022). Dispersal syndromes can link intraspecific trait variability and meta-ecosystem functioning. Trends in Ecology & Evolution, 37(4), 322-331. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tree.2021.12.001 (Original work published 2022)