Habitat-builders complexity boosts associated fauna functional trait diversity (Zostera marina meadows, Baltic Sea)

This dataset was used to investigate if macrofauna faunal standing stocks and richness (both taxonomic and functional) are related to the habitat-builders presence and structural characteristics (density, biomass, diversity) in temperate Zostera marina meadows. Samples were collected by scuba divers and analyzed in the laboratory for species composition. Univariate and multivariate data were statistically analyzed for species diversity, composition, and functional diversity. Macrofauna density and biomass responded positively to seagrass presence despite the differences in meadows characteristics. Effects of vegetation differed between species richness (enhanced at all vegetated sites regardless of meadow development) and trait richness (enhanced only in a meadow with the greatest macrophyte diversity).