Rationalising Biodiversity Conservation in Dynamic Ecosystems

Functional traits of organisms can serve as tools for predicting and quantifying ecosystem service delivery in response to biodiversity loss. We collected published studies (~250) showing effects of functional traits on various ecosystem services, and the underlying ecosystem processes, at single trophic levels. The majority of studies considered plants and soil invertebrates, but relationships have been documented for a range of other organisms and habitats. Within each trophic level, specific processes and services are often affected by a combination of traits. At the same time, particular traits are involved simultaneously in the control of different processes, resulting in predictable clusters of traits and services. Multivariate analyses showed clear associations between traits of plants and soil organisms that underlie ecosystem nutrient economy, herbivory control and fodder and fibre production. The review demonstrates the potential for integrating the functional traits approach into predictive models of ecosystem services.