10.5061/DRYAD.8CZ8W9GP4
Schrader, Julian
0000-0002-8392-211X
University of Göttingen
Craven, Dylan
University of Göttingen
Sattler, Cornelia
Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research
Cámara-Leret, Rodrigo
University of Zurich
Moeljono, Soetjipto
State University of Papua
Kreft, Holger
University of Göttingen
Data from: Life-history dimensions indicate non-random assembly processes
in tropical island tree communities
Dryad
dataset
2020
German National Academic Foundation
https://ror.org/05xwwfy96
German Academic Exchange Service
https://ror.org/039djdh30
57142690
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
https://ror.org/018mejw64
SCHR 1672/1-1
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
https://ror.org/018mejw64
FOR 2716 DynaCom
2020-12-10T00:00:00Z
2020-12-10T00:00:00Z
en
https://doi.org/10.1111/ecog.05363
https://doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.8.e55275
72918 bytes
3
CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication
Community assembly processes on islands are often non-random. The
mechanisms behind non-random assembly, however, are generally difficult to
disentangle. Functional diversity in combination with a null model
approach that accounts for differences in species richness among islands
can be used to test for non-random assembly processes, but has been
applied rarely to island communities. By linking functional diversity of
trees on islands with a null model approach, we bridge this gap and test
for the role of stochastic vs. non-random trait-mediated assembly
processes in shaping communities by studying functional diversity-area
relationships. We measured 11 plant functional traits linked to species
dispersal and resource acquisition strategies of 57 tree species on 40
tropical islands. We grouped traits into four life-history dimensions
representing (i) dispersal ability, (ii) growth strategy, (iii) light
acquisition, and (iv) nutrient acquisition. To test for non-random
assembly processes, we used null models that account for differences in
species richness among the islands. Our results reveal contrasting
responses of the four life-history dimensions to island area. The
dispersal and the growth strategy dimensions were underdispersed on
smaller islands, whereas the light acquisition dimension was
overdispersed. The nutrient acquisition dimension did not deviate from
null expectations. With increasing island area, shifts in the strength of
non-random assembly processes increased the diversity of dispersal and
acquisition strategies in island communities. Our results suggest that
smaller islands may be more difficult to colonize and provide more limited
niche space compared to larger islands, whose tree communities are likely
determined by stochastic processes and higher niche diversity. Our null
model approach highlights that analysing the functional diversity of
different life-history dimensions provides a powerful framework to unravel
community assembly processes on islands. These complex, non-random
assembly processes are masked by measures of functional diversity that do
not account for differences in species richness between islands.
Study design, data collection, processing and analysis is described in
detail in the article (doi: 10.1111/ecog.05363 ).