Logo image
Back
A trait-based framework for dung beetle functional ecology
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

A trait-based framework for dung beetle functional ecology

Indradatta deCastro-Arrazola, Nigel R Andrew, Matty P Berg, Alva Curtsdotter, Jean-Pierre Lumaret, Rosa Menéndez, Marco Moretti, Beatrice Nervo, Elizabeth S Nichols, Francisco Sánchez-Piñero, …
The Journal of animal ecology, Vol.92(1), pp.44-65
01/2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2656.13829
PMID: 36443916
pdf
A trait-based framework for dung beetle functional ecology14.00 MBDownloadView
Published (Version of record)CC BY-NC V4.0,  Open Access
url
A trait-based framework for dung beetle functional ecologyView
Published (Version of record)CC BY-NC V4.0,  Open

Related links

Metrics

302 File views/ downloads
33 Record Views
58 Times Cited - Web of Science

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

#15 Life on Land

Source: InCites

Abstract

Animals Biodiversity Coleoptera - physiology Ecology Ecosystem Plants Seeds Soil - chemistry
Traits are key for understanding the environmental responses and ecological roles of organisms. Trait approaches to functional ecology are well established for plants, whereas consistent frameworks for animal groups are less developed. Here we suggest a framework for the study of the functional ecology of animals from a trait-based response-effect approach, using dung beetles as model system. Dung beetles are a key group of decomposers that are important for many ecosystem processes. The lack of a trait-based framework tailored to this group has limited the use of traits in dung beetle functional ecology. We review which dung beetle traits respond to the environment and affect ecosystem processes, covering the wide range of spatial, temporal and biological scales at which they are involved. Dung beetles show trait-based responses to variation in temperature, water, soil properties, trophic resources, light, vegetation structure, competition, predation and parasitism. Dung beetles' influence on ecosystem processes includes trait-mediated effects on nutrient cycling, bioturbation, plant growth, seed dispersal, other dung-based organisms and parasite transmission, as well as some cases of pollination and predation. We identify 66 dung beetle traits that are either response or effect traits, or both, pertaining to six main categories: morphology, feeding, reproduction, physiology, activity and movement. Several traits pertain to more than one category, in particular dung relocation behaviour during nesting or feeding. We also identify 136 trait-response and 77 trait-effect relationships in dung beetles. No response to environmental stressors nor effect over ecological processes were related with traits of a single category. This highlights the interrelationship between the traits shaping body-plans, the multi-functionality of traits, and their role linking responses to the environment and effects on the ecosystem. Despite current developments in dung beetle functional ecology, many knowledge gaps remain, and there are biases towards certain traits, functions, taxonomic groups and regions. Our framework provides the foundations for the thorough development of trait-based dung beetle ecology. It also serves as an example framework for other taxa.

Details

Logo image