Disentangling Functional Spaces: A Multidimensional Framework for Ecology and Conservation.

Disentangling Functional Spaces: A Multidimensional Framework for Ecology and Conservation. | Authorea try { document.documentElement.classList.add('js'); } catch (e) { } var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'G-8VDV14Y67G']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); Skip to main content Preprints Collections Wiley Open Research IET Open Research Ecological Society of Japan All Collections About About Authorea FAQs Contact Us Quick Search anywhere Search for preprint articles, keywords, etc. Search Search ADVANCED SEARCH SCROLL This is a preprint and has not been peer reviewed. Data may be preliminary. 13 June 2025 V1 Latest version Share on Disentangling Functional Spaces: A Multidimensional Framework for Ecology and Conservation. Authors : Aurele Toussaint 0000-0002-5738-4637 [email protected] , Pablo Tedesco , Gaël Grenouillet , Liis Kasari-Toussaint , and Sébastien Brosse Authors Info & Affiliations https://doi.org/10.22541/au.174981609.97538144/v1 306 views 162 downloads Contents Abstract Supplementary Material Information & Authors Metrics & Citations View Options References Figures Tables Media Share Abstract Trait-based approaches have revolutionized ecology by enabling the characterization of biodiversity through species’ ecological strategies. The rapid development of multiple databases has shifted the focus from data availability to the critical evaluation of trait types to explore the functional diversity of taxonomic groups. Central to this approach is the construction of a functional space, typically built by aggregating available traits into a unique multivariate framework. However, such trait aggregation may lead to ecologically unbalanced representations, where statistical variance is dominated by a subset of traits (e.g., body size), thereby masking functional strategies such as diet or reproduction. We here argue for shifting trait-based approaches from a unique functional space to multiple, ecologically explicit trait spaces, each representing a specific aspect of species’ ecological roles. Using birds as a case study, we show how this framework enhances a better understanding of biogeographic patterns and provides more targeted insights about extinction risks. We advocate for the adoption of function-related trait spaces as a foundation for trait-based ecology and conservation, offering greater ecological resolution than aggregated global indices. Supplementary Material File (toussaint_ms_figs.pdf) Download 941.36 KB Information & Authors Information Version history V1 Version 1 13 June 2025 Copyright This work is licensed under a Non Exclusive No Reuse License. Keywords birds functional biogeography functional traits threatened species trait space Authors Affiliations Aurele Toussaint 0000-0002-5738-4637 [email protected] Toulouse III University-Paul Sabatier View all articles by this author Pablo Tedesco Institut de Recherche pour le Developpement View all articles by this author Gaël Grenouillet Université Toulouse Paul Sabatier, CNRS, ENFA View all articles by this author Liis Kasari-Toussaint University of Tartu Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences View all articles by this author Sébastien Brosse CNRS, UPS, ENFA, UMR 5174 EDB View all articles by this author Metrics & Citations Metrics Article Usage 306 views 162 downloads .FvxKWukQNSOunydq8rnd { width: 100px; } Citations Download citation Aurele Toussaint, Pablo Tedesco, Gaël Grenouillet, et al. Disentangling Functional Spaces: A Multidimensional Framework for Ecology and Conservation.. Authorea . 13 June 2025. 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