Do mediterranean genera not included in Tachet et al. 2002 have mediterranean trait characteristics

摘要: Multiple-trait databases are increasingly used in community ecology different regions of the world. In Europe, Tachet et al. (2002) compiled an aquatic macroinvertebrate databas e for 473 taxa using information on ]] biological traits described by 63 categories. However, less studied regions, at time compilation database, such as mediterranean Basin, can harbour exclusive genera, which were not included Tachet's database. a large-scale study across we found 44 genera that database (NEW genera). Our main aim was to compile trait these NEW and assess whether had specific could explain their exclusivity Mediterranean region. We compared characteristics ofNEW those only or temperate inc1uded (MED TEM respectively). more than some categories even mediten'anean-like MED (e.g., diapause). Therefore, our results suggest allow them cope successfully exclusively with harsh environmental conditions climate rivers, partially absence Other explanations, limited dispersal ability reach colonize Europe rarity should also be considered. provide biologicaJ future studies river ecology.