Data from: Template for using biological trait groupings when exploring large-scale variation in seafloor multifunctionality

Understanding large-scale spatial variation in ecosystem properties and associated functionality is key for successful conservation of ecosystems. This study provides a template for how to estimate differences in ecosystem functionality over large spatial scales by using groupings of biological traits. We focus on trait groupings that describe three important benthic ecosystem properties, namely bioturbation, community stability and juvenile dispersal. Recognizing that groups of traits interact and are constrained within an organism, we statistically define important functional trait subgroups that describe each ecosystem property. The sub-groups are scored according to their weighted ecological impact to gain an overall estimation of the cumulative expression of each ecosystem property at individual sites. Furthermore, by assigning each property a value relative to its observed maximum, and by summing up the individual property values, we offer an estimate of benthic ecosystem multifunctionality. Based on a spatially extensive benthic data set, we were able to identify coastal areas with high and low potential for the considered benthic ecosystem properties and the measure of ecosystem multifunctionality. Importantly, we show that a large part of the spatial variation in functional trait sub-groups and in benthic ecosystem multifunctionality was explained by environmental change. Our results indicate that through this simplification it is possible to estimate the functionality of the seafloor. Such information is vital in marine spatial planning efforts striving to balance the utilization with the preservation of natural resources.

解析生态系统属性及其关联功能的大规模空间变异，是实现生态系统有效保护的核心前提。本研究构建了一套标准化研究框架，可通过生物性状分组的方式，估算大空间尺度下生态系统功能的差异。本研究聚焦三类关键底栖生态系统（benthic ecosystem）属性对应的性状分组，分别为生物扰动（bioturbation）、群落稳定性（community stability）与幼体扩散（juvenile dispersal）。鉴于性状组间存在相互作用且受生物体自身生理约束，本研究通过统计学方法明确了可表征各类生态系统属性的关键功能性状（functional trait）亚组。各性状亚组依据其加权生态影响进行赋分，以此实现对单个采样点处各生态系统属性累积表达量的整体估算。此外，本研究将每项属性的取值归一至其观测最大值的相对比例，再对各属性的归一化值求和，以此得到底栖生态系统多功能性（multifunctionality）的估算值。基于空间覆盖范围广泛的底栖数据集，本研究成功识别出研究涉及的底栖生态系统属性与生态系统多功能性分别具备高低潜能的沿海区域。尤为关键的是，本研究证实：功能性状亚组与底栖生态系统多功能性的空间变异，可在很大程度上由环境变化予以解释。研究结果表明，通过该简化分析框架，可有效估算海底的生态系统功能。该研究成果对于旨在平衡自然资源开发与保护的海洋空间规划（marine spatial planning）工作而言，具有至关重要的指导意义。