Novel Generalized Linear Latent Variable Models (GLLVM) uncovered several site-dependent relationships between taxa, traits and environmental conditions. The dominant functional traits modalities were deposit feeders, with large (>20 mm) body size, burrowers, bioirrigators, deeper than 3 cm in sediments, and irregular morphology. Functional diversity also showed spatial and temporal differences and was positively correlated with the number of taxa. Multivariate analysis revealed spatial-temporal differences, which were more evident based on taxa than functional traits. Significant differences across sites and season were found for metrics based on taxonomic and functional traits. A total of 74 benthic macrofauna taxa were identified.
We investigated eight sites in three different habitats across ~1,260 km of coastline, to evaluate patterns between taxonomic and functional diversity of benthic macrofauna, and the relationship between benthic macrofauna, functional traits and environmental conditions. Despite the importance of functional assessments for conservation and management, knowledge gaps persist on the generality of how the diversity and functional traits of benthic communities influence ecosystem functioning. Coastal Ecosystem Ecology Laboratory, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, AustraliaĬoastal ecosystems are vulnerable to anthropogenic disturbances which can cause loss of benthic macrofauna and their ecosystem functioning.Orlando Lam-Gordillo * †, Ryan Baring † and Sabine Dittmann †
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