Abstract
We gathered information on the functional traits of the most representative copepod species in the Mediterranean Sea. Our database includes 191 species described by 7 traits encompassing diverse ecological functions: minimal and maximal body length, trophic group, feeding type, spawning strategy, diel vertical migration and vertical habitat. Cluster analysis in the functional trait space revealed that Mediterranean copepods can be separated into groups with distinct ecological roles.
Highlights
Cluster analysis in the functional trait space revealed that Mediterranean copepods can be separated into groups with distinct ecological roles
Traits can be classified according to ecological functions— feeding, growth/reproduction, survival— and types— morphological, physiological, behavioural, life history (Litchman et al, 2013)
Identifying and describing zooplankton functional groups should increase our understanding of zooplankton ecological roles in marine ecosystems
Summary
We gathered information on the functional traits of the most representative copepod species in the Mediterranean Sea. Our database includes 191 species described by 7 traits encompassing diverse ecological functions: minimal and maximal body length, trophic group, feeding type, spawning strategy, diel vertical migration and vertical habitat. Copepods are relatively well documented in terms of distribution and biology (Razouls et al, 2005– 2015) From this trait database, the aim of this study was to estimate how many functional groups could be identified among Mediterranean copepods, to characterize them and to discuss their ecological significance. The computation of the MCA functional space was performed on four traits: class of maximum body length (Size_1: 0.501.80 mm, Size_2: 1.89 – 2.85 mm, Size_3: 3.00 –5.70 mm, Size_4: 6.10– 11.0 mm), binary trophic group (Carnivore, Omnivore, Herbivore, Detritivore), feeding type and spawning strategy.
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