Intraspecific trait variation shows the predominant influence of functional divergence on species co-occurrence

Intraspecific trait variation (ITV) has been recognized as an important source of variation in communities. We separated among-population ITV (differences in mean trait values among populations) from within-population ITV (trait variation within populations) to test three theoretical predictions: i) communities should show greater among-species trait diversity when among-population ITV is accounted for due to trait means shifting away from neighbouring species, ii) the increased differences among species should be greatest in species poor communities, and iii) within-population trait variation should also be greatest in species-poor communities.
We tested these predictions in an experimental old-field metacommunity, measuring four functional traits known to be important for plant function in 1842 individuals across 33 species and 84 patches that varied in size (area), species diversity, and composition.
We found that when among-population ITV was accounted for, species diverged in their..., , # Intraspecific trait variation shows the predominant influence of functional divergence on species co-occurrence

Dataset DOI: [10.5061/dryad.cz8w9gjj8](https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.cz8w9gjj8)

## Description of the data and file structure

This data was collected for our study examining how the distribution of functional traits within a species changes across and within populations in response to neighbouring species. We measured four functional traits across thirty-three species in an experimental old-field meta-community at the Koffler Scientific Reserve in Newmarket, Ontario. 

### Files and variables

#### File: traits_nonflowering_species.csv

**Description:** traits used for species found in our study patches but with no reproductive individuals to provide traits this year. Trait data taken from Forsyth and Gilbert (Journal of Ecology. 2021;109:793ñ805) with transformations done as needed.

##### Variables

* species: species binomial name
* log.height: ln height (cm)
* log.sla...,