3D habitat structure drives avian functional and trait diversity across
North America
Abstract
Understanding how 3D habitat structure drives biodiversity patterns is
key to predicting how habitat alteration and loss will affect species
and community-level patterns in the future. To date, few studies have
contrasted the effects of three-dimensional (3D) habitat composition
with those of 3D habitat configuration on biodiversity, with existing
investigations often limited to measures of taxonomic diversity (i.e.,
species richness). Here, we examined the influence of Light Detecting
and Ranging (LiDAR)-derived 3D habitat structure–both its composition
and configuration–on multiple facets of bird diversity. Specifically,
we used data from the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) to
test the associations between eleven measures of 3D habitat structure
and avian species richness, functional and trait diversity, and
phylogenetic diversity. We found that 3D habitat structure was the most
consistent predictor of avian functional and trait diversity, with
little to no effect on species richness or phylogenetic diversity.
Functional diversity and individual trait characteristics were strongly
associated with both 3D habitat composition and configuration, but the
magnitude and the direction of the effects varied across the canopy,
subcanopy, midstory, and understory vertical strata. Our findings
suggest that 3D habitat structure influences avian diversity through its
effects on traits. By examining the effects of multiple aspects of
habitat structure on multiple facets of avian diversity, we provide a
broader framework for future investigations on habitat structure.