A targeted phylogenetic approach helps explain New World functional diversity patterns of two eudicot lineages

Aim: Large-scale functional diversity studies typically examine isolated traits, often without phylogenetic context. Here, we integrate data from five life-history traits with phylogeny and occurrence records to assess: (1) correlated latitudinal gradients of trait combinations; (2) which traits show phylogenetic conservatism; (3) quantitative, clade-specific differences in trait syndromes, illustrating the phylogenetic scale of observable variation in ecological strategies.

Location: The Americas

Taxon: Ericales (Asterids) and Fabales (Rosids)

Methods: We used publicly-available trait data sets on height, seed mass, wood density, leaf mass per area (LMA), and growth form, an open-source phylogeny, and georeferenced occurrence records to investigate functional diversity patterns. We employed phylogenetic generalized least squares and phylogenetic principal components analyses (pPCA) to assess correlated trait evolution and quantify the trait syndrome, respectively. We employed ...