Functional diversity through the mean trait dissimilarity: resolving shortcomings with existing paradigms and algorithms

Result code in IS VaVaI

<a href="https://www.isvavai.cz/riv?ss=detail&h=RIV%2F60076658%3A12310%2F16%3A43890833" target="_blank" >RIV/60076658:12310/16:43890833 - isvavai.cz</a>

Alternative codes found

RIV/60077344:_____/16:00459690 RIV/67985939:_____/16:00459690

Result on the web

<a href="http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00442-016-3546-0" target="_blank" >http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00442-016-3546-0</a>

DOI - Digital Object Identifier

<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00442-016-3546-0" target="_blank" >10.1007/s00442-016-3546-0</a>

Result language

angličtina

Original language name

Functional diversity through the mean trait dissimilarity: resolving shortcomings with existing paradigms and algorithms

Original language description

While an increasing number of indices for estimating the functional trait diversity of biological communities are being proposed, there is a growing demand by ecologists to clarify their actual implications and simplify index selection. Several key indices relate to mean trait dissimilarity between species within biological communities. Among them, the most widely used include (a) the mean species pairwise dissimilarity (MPD) and (b) the Rao quadratic entropy (and related indices). These indices are often regarded as redundant and promote the unsubstantiated yet widely held view that Rao is a form of MPD. Worryingly, existing R functions also do not always simplify the use and differentiation of these indices. In this paper, we show various distinctions between these two indices that warrant mathematical and biological consideration. We start by showing an existing form of MPD that considers species abundances and is different from Rao both mathematically and conceptually. We then show that the mathematical relationship between MPD and Rao can be presented simply as Rao = MPD x Simpson, where the Simpson diversity index is defined as 1 - dominance. We further show that this relationship is maintained for both species abundances and presence/absence. This evidence dismantles the paradigm that the Rao diversity is an abundance-weighted form of MPD and indicates that both indices can differ substantially at low species diversities. We discuss the different interpretations of trait diversity patterns in biological communities provided by Rao and MPD and then provide a simple R function, called "melodic," which avoids the unintended results that arise from existing mainstream functions.

Czech name

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Czech description

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Type

J_x - Unclassified - Peer-reviewed scientific article (Jimp, Jsc and Jost)

CEP classification

EH - Ecology - communities

OECD FORD branch

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Project

Result was created during the realization of more than one project. More information in the Projects tab.

Continuities

P - Projekt vyzkumu a vyvoje financovany z verejnych zdroju (s odkazem do CEP)

Publication year

2016

Confidentiality

S - Úplné a pravdivé údaje o projektu nepodléhají ochraně podle zvláštních právních předpisů

Name of the periodical

Oecologia

ISSN

0029-8549

e-ISSN

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Volume of the periodical

180

Issue of the periodical within the volume

4

Country of publishing house

US - UNITED STATES

Number of pages

8

Pages from-to

933-940

UT code for WoS article

000373186100003

EID of the result in the Scopus database

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