Why phylogenetic signal of traits is important in ecosystems: uniformity of a plant trait increases soil fauna, but only in a phylogenetically uniform vegetation

• DOI: 10.1007/s00442-023-05384-z
• Publication Date: 2023-05-19T08:01:53Z
• Authors: F. Molleman; N. Rossignol; J. F. Ponge; G. Peres; D. Cluzeau; N. Ruiz-Camacho; J. Cortet; C. Pernin; C. Villenave; A. Prinzing
• Keywords: Trait; Phylogenetic diversity

Phylogenetically closely related plant species often share similar trait states (phylogenetic signal), but local assembly may favor dissimilar relatives and thereby decouple the diversity of a from phylogenetic lineages. Associated fauna might either benefit diversity, because it provides them complementary resources, or suffer due to dilution preferred resources. We hence hypothesize that decoupling weakens relationship between plant-trait abundance associated fauna. Studying permanent meadows, we tested for combined effects two functional traits (specific leaf area, dry matter content) on major groups soil (earthworms, mites, springtails, nematodes). found only in phylogenetically uniform communities, was uniformity with (i) high (ii) sub-group feeds more directly material (in springtails mites) those are prone disturbance nematodes), (iii) all three (springtails, earthworms, Our results suggest profits resource concentration communities both Soil would co-occurrence plants have conserved same values, rather than distantly converged traits. This result faster decomposition positive feedback conservatism ecosystem functioning.