Data from: 3D habitat structure drives avian functional and trait diversity across North America

Understanding how three-dimensional (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 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.