Diversification across scales: exploring the role of plant inter- and intra-specific differentiation for coexistence and ecosystem functioning
| Name: | Diversification across scales: exploring the role of plant inter- and intra-specific differentiation for coexistence and ecosystem functioning |
|---|---|
| Researchers: |
Götzenberger Lars (researcher) E-Vojtkó Anna (member in research team) Galland Thomas (member in research team) Latzel Vít (member in research team) |
| Provider: | |
| Number: | 20-13637S |
| Realization from: | 2020 |
| Realization to: | 2022 |
| Summary: | Phenotypic differences among organisms provide an essential tool for understanding the mechanisms that regulate biodiversity and ecosystem functions. The importance of considering both inter- and intra-specific differences to understand these mechanisms is increasingly becoming apparent, but empirical attempts have been limited. Evidence is accumulating on the importance of rapid functional trait diversification to environmental change either within species, for example via genetic selection, transgenerational and within-generation plasticity, or between species (species turnover). Most studies, though, do not distinguish these sources of diversification between organisms and their importance for the biodiversity-ecosystem functioning relation. Moreover, very few studies incorporate approaches that integrate inter- and intra-specific processes underlying phenotypic variation. The proposed project intends to fill these gaps combining pot experiments, field sampling (using natural gradients and existing long-term field setups), and database analyses. |