Predicted influence of selection processes on trait community structure, assuming that the community includes only one habitat.

Random patterns are expected in all cases when focal traits are not under selection. Adapted from [4], [10], [14], [15].
aEnvironmental tolerance and resource use strategy traits: allow species to establish themselves and thrive in a community due to compatibility with environmental conditions and resources [4], [10]. In the case of this study, examples include type and cellular levels of active pigments [18].
bEnemy resistance or resource acquisition traits that provide an advantage over competitors, predators or parasites: they drive competitive exclusion through the ability of exploiting common limiting resources or convey resistance to grazers, predators and parasites [1], [4], [10]. In the case of this study, examples include size, coloniality, shape and cell volume [17], [18].