Despite the low values of functional uniqueness and specialization in some reef assemblages, reef functioning can still be compromised due to species’ extinctions. Our study reveals that functional richness patterns of vertebrate assemblages differ across Atlantic Ocean reefs. Despite the large proportion of threatened top predator species (53.1%), mainly large-bodied sharks, it is the loss of mesopredator species that will severely impact (up to 94% of functional loss) the functional space of vertebrate assemblages in Atlantic Ocean reefs. While functional richness peaks in the Caribbean (a “ functional hotspot”), this region depicts low-to-intermediate functional uniqueness and functional specialization levels. The functional structure of vertebrate assemblages is not homogeneous across the Atlantic. Sharks, rays and bony fish species had the highest overlap in functional space (30.94%), while turtles overlapped mainly with bony fishes (1.76%). Additionally, we simulate the effects of marine vertebrate species’ extinction on functional diversity metrics. We compiled six species-level traits and investigated geographical patterns of functional richness (FRic), functional uniqueness (FUn) and specialization (FSpe) in 83 assemblages. We provide the first comprehensive assessment of the functional structure and inventory of ecosystem functions delivered by 224 vertebrates-marine mammals, sea turtles, sharks, rays and bony fish-in Atlantic Ocean reefs. Despite their phylogenetic distance, different vertebrate lineages could play similar functions on reefs, which has been overlooked by current research on marine functional biogeography. Marine vertebrates play key functional roles on reef ecosystems.
0 kommentar(er)
