DIVERSIDADE FUNCIONAL DE COMUNIDADES DE PEIXES DE RIACHO

Abstract

In the last decade there was a remarkable increase in the number of studies incorporating species functional traits to quantify the diversity of communities (i.e., functional diversity). The functional approach has contributed to advances in theoretical and applied ecology. Studies developed in Brazil represent a significant portion of the world's scientific production on stream fish functional diversity. However, there is a clear bias, with most studies assessing communities' response to natural and anthropogenic environmental gradients. Other research areas such as conservation and the effect of biodiversity on ecosystem functioning are still scarce. Here we highlight the conceptual and methodological bases of the functional approach in ichthyology. We discuss key questions such as functional trait selection for stream fish, the main facets of functional diversity and indices to calculate them, general notions on functional composition, functional beta diversity and null models. We also address the state of the art of functional diversity studies in Brazil and raised the main gaps and perspectives for advancing the knowledge of stream fish functional ecology.