Functional diversity through the mean trait dissimilarity: resolving shortcomings with existing paradigms and algorithms

Oecologia
Francesco de BelloMeelis Pärtel

Abstract

While an increasing number of indices for estimating the functional trait diversity of biological communities are being proposed, there is a growing demand by ecologists to clarify their actual implications and simplify index selection. Several key indices relate to mean trait dissimilarity between species within biological communities. Among them, the most widely used include (a) the mean species pairwise dissimilarity (MPD) and (b) the Rao quadratic entropy (and related indices). These indices are often regarded as redundant and promote the unsubstantiated yet widely held view that Rao is a form of MPD. Worryingly, existing R functions also do not always simplify the use and differentiation of these indices. In this paper, we show various distinctions between these two indices that warrant mathematical and biological consideration. We start by showing an existing form of MPD that considers species abundances and is different from Rao both mathematically and conceptually. We then show that the mathematical relationship between MPD and Rao can be presented simply as Rao = MPD × Simpson, where the Simpson diversity index is defined as 1 - dominance. We further show that this relationship is maintained for both species abundances...Continue Reading

References

Apr 13, 2010·Ecology·Etienne Laliberté, Pierre Legendre
Nov 26, 2010·Proceedings. Biological Sciences·Eoin J O'GormanOwen L Petchey
Dec 16, 2010·Biological Reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society·S Pavoine, M B Bonsall
Mar 23, 2011·Oecologia·Carlo Ricotta, Marco Moretti
Nov 29, 2012·Ecology·Francesco de BelloMeelis Pärtel

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Citations

Mar 1, 2016·Trends in Ecology & Evolution·Carlos P CarmonaJan Lepš
Jun 9, 2017·Systematic Biology·Florent MazelMatthew W Pennell
Aug 16, 2017·Nature Ecology & Evolution·Daniel S MaynardThomas W Crowther
May 8, 2018·American Journal of Botany·Emily B SessaBenjamin Baiser
Dec 14, 2018·The Journal of Ecology·Hugo SaizFernando T Maestre
Jan 12, 2021·Ecological Applications : a Publication of the Ecological Society of America·Tom StatonRobbie D Girling

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