Spatial and temporal patterns in echinoderm species and trait composition in the subtropical-to-temperate transition of eastern Australia

Subtropical biogeographic transition zones are undergoing large-scale marine community re-assembly due to ocean warming. These zones host a dynamic combination of tropical, subtropical and temperate taxa, many of which exist at their range limits. However, only some of these taxa undergo range shifts, making it difficult to predict future ecosystem change. Traits associated with life-history, biology, and ecology may aid in predicting which taxa are likely to redistribute. Considering the importance of echinoderms on reefs globally, we present the first study of echinoderm trait composition and diversity on reefs in a subtropical biogeographic transition zone. Focusing on coral-dominated habitats in eastern Australia (28°S to 31°S) over a decade (2010-2019) of significant warming and marine heatwaves, we show that echinoderm diversity (31 taxa) varied spatially, with tropical taxa more prevalent at lower latitudes and subtropical taxa more abundant offshore. Functional richness and dive..., , # Data from: Spatial and temporal patterns in echinoderm species and trait composition in the subtropical-to-temperate transition of eastern Australia

Dataset DOI: [10.5061/dryad.0k6djhbcx](10.5061/dryad.0k6djhbcx)

## Description of the data and file structure

##### **File:** traits.csv

**Description:** The traits used for trait analysis and functional diversity metrics. 

***Variables***

* Name of the taxa

- Planktonic larval duration (continuous; in days): Planktonic duration mediates the dispersal capacity of echinoids
- Larval Type (categorical):  planktotrophic (feeding), lecithotrophic (non-feeding). Planktotrophic larvae can feed in the water column and disperse long distances. Lecithotrophic larvae do not feed and survive due to maternally provisioned energy. Non-feeding larvae generally do not disperse far. 
- Habitat preference (categorical): Open, enclosed. Habitat preference can dictate defensive traits and predation risk. 
- type of asexual reproduction
- Spawning per..., ,