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Choosing effect and response traits based on the organizational theory of functions and the new mechanistic philosophy of science
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  • Jeferson Coutinho,
  • Luana Poliseli,
  • Blandina Viana,
  • Charbel El-Hani
Jeferson Coutinho
Federal Institute of Education Science and Technology of Bahia

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Luana Poliseli
Wageningen University & Research
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Blandina Viana
Institute of Biology, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil
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Charbel El-Hani
Federal University of Bahia
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Abstract

The study of functional diversity has been gaining increasing prominence in Ecology, as a way of evaluating how the species traits affect ecosystem processes. Several empirical studies indicate a strong relationship between trait diversity and ecosystem attributes, and high values of functional diversity are an indication of the robustness of a given ecosystem. However, there are important theoretical differences between the studies that evaluated these relationships, which lead to relevant methodological differences. Here we will discuss the need to choose response and effect traits in a theoretically-sound manner, arguing for their choice based on their functional contribution to ecosystem process as conceived by the organizational theory of ecological functions. From this perspective, the contribution of effect traits to the organizational closure of an ecological system can provide a fundamental criterion for their choice in empirical studies. Similarly, we point out criteria for choosing response traits. Furthermore, we will argue that the new mechanistic philosophy of science can be used in studies of functional diversity as a way to robustly establish cause and effect relationships in empirical studies. Finally, we will model an example of the application of the approach proposed in the paper in pollination ecology, indicating its heuristic potential for empirical studies.
21 Sep 2024Submitted to Oikos
22 Sep 2024Submission Checks Completed
22 Sep 2024Assigned to Editor
22 Sep 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
23 Sep 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned