Make it simpler: Alien species decrease functional diversity of coastal plant communities

• DOI: 10.1111/jvs.12734
• Publication Date: 2019-02-09T01:59:45Z
• Authors: Enrico Tordoni; Francesco Petruzz...; Andrea Nardini; Tadeja Savi; Giovanni Bacaro
• Keywords: Native plant; Propagule pressure

Abstract Questions (a) Are there differences in abundance‐weighted functional trait values between native and alien species coastal plant communities? (b) Which traits are associated with a higher level of invasion these (c) Do diversity patterns differ species? (d) Is occurrence linked to small‐scale homogenization effects on the resident Location N‐Adriatic ecosystems (Marano Grado lagoon, Friuli Venezia Giulia region, Italy). Methods We sampled vegetation within two habitats (foredunes saltmarshes) along nine belt transects sampling sites. Plant richness abundance were assessed 128 plots suite traits. tested for community‐weighted means habitats, Linear Mixed Models provided insights into fostering success among species. To check potential driven by invasion, we explored (β γ diversity) relationship α cover. Results Alien had lower than natives characterized leaf construction costs coupled drought resistance water transport efficiency. The most abundant aliens ones minimizing carbon investment construction. In addition, also found evidence invasion. Conclusions Our results suggested that adopt resource conservative strategy whereas acquisition capacity (i.e., acquisitive strategy). data confirmed less functionally diverse natives, potentially driving community towards homogenization, resulting loss reduction space.