Analyzing Seasonal Trait Distributions in Phytoplankton: An Application of Trait-Based Community Ecology

Abstract

In a changing climate, a trait-based perspective is an effective way to consider a multitude of species and how they exist under varying environmental factors. Assessing species fitness through functional traits is particularly effective in diverse environments when looking at a single species could ignore the niche it is filling. This study assessed the effectiveness of a trait-based approach using a novel treatment method (Parallel Trait Assays). We focused on phytoplankton because they are a great model system: they have large population sizes, are easy to manipulate in laboratory settings, and are environmentally important as the basis of aquatic food webs and as major contributors to creating a breathable atmosphere.