The Coral Trait Database, a curated database of trait information for coral species from the global oceans

• DOI: 10.1038/sdata.2016.17
• Publication Date: 2016-03-24T14:27:20Z
• Authors: Joshua S. Madin; Kristen D. Anderson; Magnus Heide Andr...; Tom C.L. Bridge; Stephen D. Cairns; Sean R. Connolly; Emily S. Darling; Marcela Diaz; Daniel S. Falster; Erik C. Franklin; Ruth D. Gates; Aaron M.T. Harmer; Mia O. Hoogenboom; Danwei Huang; Sally A. Keith; Matthew A. Kosnik; Chao-Yang Kuo; Janice M. Lough; Catherine E. Love...; Osmar Luiz; Julieta Martinelli; Toni Mizerek; John M. Pandolfi; Xavier Pochon; Morgan S. Pratchett; Hollie M. Putnam; T. Edward Roberts; Michael Stat; Carden C. Wallace; Elizabeth Widman; Andrew H. Baird
• Keywords: Statistics and Probability; 0106 biological sciences; 570; Data Descriptor; 550; sea; Databases, Factual; Oceans and Seas; Library and Information Sciences; phylogeny; 1710 Information Systems; 01 natural sciences; Education; Databases; 1706 Computer Science Applications; Animals; animal; 14. Life underwater; 2613 Statistics and Probability; Factual; Ecosystem; Phylogeny; ecosystem; 020; Coral Reefs; 15. Life on land; Anthozoa; Computer Science Applications; Multidisciplinary Sciences; 1804 Statistics; factual database; coral reef; Science & Technology - Other Topics; Probability and Uncertainty; 3309 Library and Information Sciences; Statistics, Probability and Uncertainty; 3304 Education; Information Systems

AbstractTrait-based approaches advance ecological and evolutionary research because traits provide a strong link to an organism’s function and fitness. Trait-based research might lead to a deeper understanding of the functions of, and services provided by, ecosystems, thereby improving management, which is vital in the current era of rapid environmental change. Coral reef scientists have long collected trait data for corals; however, these are difficult to access and often under-utilized in addressing large-scale questions. We present the Coral Trait Database initiative that aims to bring together physiological, morphological, ecological, phylogenetic and biogeographic trait information into a single repository. The database houses species- and individual-level data from published field and experimental studies alongside contextual data that provide important framing for analyses. In this data descriptor, we release data for 56 traits for 1547 species, and present a collaborative platform on which other trait data are being actively federated. Our overall goal is for the Coral Trait Database to become an open-source, community-led data clearinghouse that accelerates coral reef research.