Course: Functional traits in ecology

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Course title Functional traits in ecology
Course code KBO/297
Organizational form of instruction Lecture + Lesson
Level of course Master
Year of study not specified
Frequency of the course In each academic year, in the winter semester.
Semester Winter
Number of ECTS credits 5
Language of instruction English
Status of course Compulsory, Compulsory-optional
Form of instruction unspecified
Work placements unspecified
Recommended optional programme components None
Course availability The course is available to visiting students
Lecturer(s)
  • Götzenberger Lars, Mgr. Ph.D.
  • De Bello Francesco, doc. MSc. Ph.D.
Course content
Content of lectures: (1) Functional traits, and differences between response and effect traits: theory behind their definition and their use (2) Functional traits as adaptations to abiotic and biotic conditions: - Species niches and biotic interactions: the importance of functional traits - Functional diversity and redundancy - Community assembly: trait divergence and convergence; (3) Functional trade-offs and the link with existing functional classification schemes (r-K continuum, CSR-Grime, LHS) (4) Standardized trait measurements and classification schemes across trophic levels - what to measure and how - the importance of trait plasticity - existing trait databases in internet (5) Response and effect traits revisited: - traits at the interface between environmental change and ecosystem processes - the use of traits in bioindication - traits as indicators of ecosystem services; functional vs taxonomic diversity (6) Phylogenetic signals in traits and their ecological implications Content of practicals: (1) Analysis of trait information (species vs. community analyses and type of traits) (2) Functional diversity: from field measurments to the calculation of different indices (3) Group discussion on the differences between CSR (Grime) and LHS (Westoby) classification schemes.

Learning activities and teaching methods
Monologic (reading, lecture, briefing)
Learning outcomes
The course aims at providing updated concepts and methodologies on the use of functional traits in ecology, encompassing various terrestrial systems. Particular attention will be given to the use of traits to understand ecological processes, such as niche partitioning, species interactions, community assembly and ecosystem funtioning, and as tools in bioindication schemes (including indication of ecosystem services). During the course students will learn to calculate and interpret modern trait based metrics, including various measures of functional diversity.

Prerequisites
The course introduces the subject matter, it does not assume specific initial knowledge. However, for the tutorials, it is desirable that the student has a beginner-level knowledge of the statistical software R.

Assessment methods and criteria
Combined exam

The course is taught usually in a block, and students are required to attend at all times. A pre-requested leave for a total of up to 2 hours because of overlap with other courses etc is admissable. Students will be graded based on an assignment they need to hand in after the course. To receive a grade and successfully pass the course, this assignment should demonstrate that the student can apply the theoretical background and methodological tools learned in the course, on a data set of their own choosing.
Recommended literature
  • Cornelissen, J.H.C., et al. (2003) A handbook of protocols for standardised and easy measurement of plant functional traits worldwide. Australian Journal of Botany, 51, 335-380..
  • Díaz, S., Lavorel, S., de Bello, F., Quetier, F., Grigulis, K., & Robson, T.M. 2007. Incorporating plant functional diversity effects in ecosystem service assessments. PNAS 104: 20684-20689.
  • Hodgson JG, Wilson PJ, Hunt R, Grime JP, Thompson K. 1999. Allocating C-S-R plant functional types: a soft approach to a hard problem. Oikos 85, 2: 282-294..
  • Westoby M. 1998. A leaf-height-seed (LHS) plant ecology strategy scheme. Plant and Soil, 199: 213, 227..


Study plans that include the course
Faculty Study plan (Version) Category of Branch/Specialization Recommended year of study Recommended semester
Faculty: Faculty of Science Study plan (Version): Entomology (1) Category: Biology courses - Recommended year of study:-, Recommended semester: Winter
Faculty: Faculty of Science Study plan (Version): Botany (1) Category: Biology courses - Recommended year of study:-, Recommended semester: Winter
Faculty: Faculty of Science Study plan (Version): Botany (1) Category: Biology courses - Recommended year of study:-, Recommended semester: Winter
Faculty: Faculty of Science Study plan (Version): Botany (1) Category: Biology courses - Recommended year of study:-, Recommended semester: Winter
Faculty: Faculty of Science Study plan (Version): Botany (1) Category: Biology courses - Recommended year of study:-, Recommended semester: Winter
Faculty: Faculty of Science Study plan (Version): Entomology (1) Category: Biology courses - Recommended year of study:-, Recommended semester: Winter
Faculty: Faculty of Science Study plan (Version): Entomology (1) Category: Biology courses - Recommended year of study:-, Recommended semester: Winter