Functional and Taxonomic Diversity is Associated With Resource Use Efficiency in Epilithic Algae of Subtropical Qinhuai River, China

IF 2.8 2区生物学 Q2 ECOLOGY

Freshwater Biology Pub Date : 2025-04-10 DOI:10.1111/fwb.70029

Beryl Ochieng, Ming Chen, Abonyi András, Song Bai, Yifan Cui, Jinfu Liu, Peixuan Zhang, Jing Hu, Shun Zhou, Jianjun Wang

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

The effects of biodiversity on ecosystem functioning comprise a central ecological theorem (BEF), because more diverse communities are expected to perform better, for example, in terms of resource use efficiency (RUE). Although biodiversity affects ecosystem functioning, it is seriously constrained by global environmental change. Epilithic algae are a crucial benthic functional group in aquatic food webs, but the effect of their biodiversity on ecosystem functioning is yet to be understood.
Here, we compared the capacity of taxonomic versus functional richness and evenness to predict RUE in a dataset on epilithic algae from the Qinhuai River, Nanjing, China. We examined associations between environmental variables and taxonomic and functional diversity (response and ecological indication), and assessed whether taxonomic and functional diversity measures predicted RUE (quantified as total algal biomass standardised by total phosphorus (RUE_TP), and total nitrogen (RUE_TN)).
Taxonomic and functional diversity varied more across seasons than space, peaking in spring and summer in association with pronounced environmental changes. Water temperature and nutrient concentrations positively and significantly predicted taxonomic and functional diversity measures. Taxonomic and functional richness positively associated with RUE, while functional evenness negatively associated. However, taxonomic evenness was not related to RUE. Structural equation modelling showed that taxonomic and functional diversity were positively associated with RUE_TP and RUE_TN. However, taxonomic diversity was more strongly predictive of RUE than functional diversity.
Our results suggest that RUE is closely linked to species diversity, and functional diversity provides a complementary approach for better understanding of mechanisms underlying the BEF relationship for benthic algae in large rivers.
We suggest using taxonomic and functional approaches in a complementary way to gain a deeper understanding of the interplay among environmental factors, community diversity and ecosystem functioning.

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来源期刊

Freshwater Biology 生物-海洋与淡水生物学

CiteScore

5.90

自引率

3.70%

发文量

162

审稿时长

2 months

期刊介绍： Freshwater Biology publishes papers on all aspects of the ecology of inland waters, including rivers and lakes, ground waters, flood plains and other freshwater wetlands. We include studies of micro-organisms, algae, macrophytes, invertebrates, fish and other vertebrates, as well as those concerning whole systems and related physical and chemical aspects of the environment, provided that they have clear biological relevance. Studies may focus at any level in the ecological hierarchy from physiological ecology and animal behaviour, through population dynamics and evolutionary genetics, to community interactions, biogeography and ecosystem functioning. They may also be at any scale: from microhabitat to landscape, and continental to global. Preference is given to research, whether meta-analytical, experimental, theoretical or descriptive, highlighting causal (ecological) mechanisms from which clearly stated hypotheses are derived. Manuscripts with an experimental or conceptual flavour are particularly welcome, as are those or which integrate laboratory and field work, and studies from less well researched areas of the world. Priority is given to submissions that are likely to interest a wide range of readers. We encourage submission of papers well grounded in ecological theory that deal with issues related to the conservation and management of inland waters. Papers interpreting fundamental research in a way that makes clear its applied, strategic or socio-economic relevance are also welcome. Review articles (FRESHWATER BIOLOGY REVIEWS) and discussion papers (OPINION) are also invited: these enable authors to publish high-quality material outside the constraints of standard research papers.