Spatially structured environmental filtering of collembolan traits in late successional salt marsh vegetation

• DOI: 10.1007/s00442-015-3345-z
• Publication Date: 2015-05-22T18:29:36Z
• Authors: Lina A. Widenfalk; Jan Bengtsson; Åsa Berggren; Krista Zwiggelaar; Evelien Spijkman; Florrie Huyer-Bru...; Matty P. Berg
• Keywords: Salt marsh; Trait; Community

Both the environment and spatial configuration of habitat patches are important factors that shape community composition affect species diversity patterns. Species have traits allow them to respond their environment. Our current knowledge on relationships is limited in spite its potential importance for understanding assembly ecosystem function. The aim our study was examine relative roles environmental variables small-scale variation Collembola (springtail) communities a Dutch salt marsh. We used trait-based approach combination with statistics variance partitioning, between variables, ecological drive composition. Turnover trait across space lower than diversity. Most explained by topography, scale 4-6 m, most likely because it determines effect inundation, which restricts where generalists can persist. There were only small pure effects diversity, indicating biotic interactions or dispersal limitation probably less structuring at this scale. results suggest springtails, life form (i.e. whether they live soil litter surface/in vegetation) an useful understand assembly. Hence, using addition identity when analysing environment-organism better affecting