The importance of retaining a phylogenetic perspective in traits-based community analyses

摘要: 1) Many environmental stressors manifest their effects via physiological processes (traits) that can differ significantly among species and groups. We compiled available data for three traits related to the bioconcentration of toxic metal cadmium (Cd) from 42 aquatic insect representing orders Ephemeroptera (mayfly), Plecoptera (stonefly), Trichoptera (caddisfly). These included propensity take up Cd water (uptake rate constant, ku), ability excrete (efflux ke), net result these two (bioconcentration factor, BCF). 2) Ranges in bioaccumulation varied magnitude across lineages (some had a greater tendency bioaccumulate than others). Overlap ranges trait values different was common highlights situations where share similar state, but represent high end possible one lineage low another. 3) Variance around mean state differed widely clades, suggesting some groups (e.g., Ephemerellidae) are inherently more variable others Perlidae). Thus, variability/lability is at least partially function lineage. 4) Akaike information criterion (AIC) comparisons statistical models were moremore » often driven by clade other potential biological or ecological explanation tested. Clade-driven generally improved with increasing taxonomic resolution. 5) Altogether, findings suggest provides context analysis traits, failure consider community-based may obscure important patterns responses change.« less