A conceptual framework for understanding the processes underlying patterns of functional traits regionalization.

Background/Question/Methods

: Biodiversity is maintained through multifaceted processes suggesting that an integrative approach is necessary to effectively explain biodiversity patterns. Historically, analyses of biogeographic regionalization are assessed at the species level, and more recently by incorporating phylogenetic information, but overlooking features of biodiversity such as functional traits. Biogeographic regionalization patterns are delineated distinct geographic units derived from biological data. Functional trait regionalization describes the distribution patterns obtained from functional trait data. Moreover, functional traits are attained by the presence of morphological structures present in a region and functionality of the traits represent how species respond to abiotic and biotic factors. Here, we argue that a functional trait approach to biogeographical regionalization would capture ecological and evolutionary processes across spatial scales and gives insight on how species assemble into biogeographic regions beyond that of species or phylogenetic methods. We hypothesize that patterns of functional trait biogeographic regionalization can be underpinned by processes of community assembly, convergent evolution, and evolutionary potential. We present a conceptual framework that quantifies the effects of ecological and evolutionary processes to illustrate novel regionalization patterns based on functional trait turnover across spatial scales. We tested our models with plant community assemblage in terrestrial environment.

Results/Conclusions

: First, we explore the evolutionary potential of regions by quantifying the diverging events through phylogenetic information. We then determine the influence of community assembly through the measurements of priority effects assessed by the evolutionary potential of colonization history of regions. The premise of priority effects describe the consequence of the timing of species arrival, with earlier species affecting late species by inhibiting or aiding their establishment. Finally, we highlight the effects of convergent evolution through analysis of functional traits and phylogenetic turnover. Our framework provides a novel approach to describe biogeographical regionalization schemes for functional diversity, and while identifying factors that generate and maintain biodiversity across scales.