<i>GlobalAnts</i>: a new database on the geography of ant traits (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)



Parr, Catherine L ORCID: 0000-0003-1627-763X, Dunn, Robert R, Sanders, Nathan J, Weiser, Michael D, Photakis, Manoli, Bishop, Tom R ORCID: 0000-0001-7061-556X, Fitzpatrick, Matthew C, Arnan, Xavier, Baccaro, Fabricio, Brandao, Carlos RF
et al (show 15 more authors) (2017) <i>GlobalAnts</i>: a new database on the geography of ant traits (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). INSECT CONSERVATION AND DIVERSITY, 10 (1). pp. 5-20.

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Abstract

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p> <jats:list> <jats:list-item><jats:p>In recent years the focus in ecology has shifted from species to a greater emphasis on functional traits. In tandem with this shift, a number of trait databases have been developed covering a range of taxa. Here, we introduce the <jats:italic>GlobalAnts</jats:italic> database.</jats:p></jats:list-item> <jats:list-item><jats:p>Globally, ants are dominant, diverse and provide a range of ecosystem functions. The database represents a significant tool for ecology in that it (i) contributes to a global archive of ant traits (morphology, ecology and life history) which complements existing ant databases and (ii) promotes a trait‐based approach in ant and other insect ecology through a broad set of standardised traits.</jats:p></jats:list-item> <jats:list-item><jats:p>The <jats:italic>GlobalAnts</jats:italic> database is unique in that it represents the largest online database of functional traits with associated georeferenced assemblage‐level data (abundance and/or occupancy) for any animal group with 9056 ant species and morphospecies records for entire local assemblages across 4416 sites.</jats:p></jats:list-item> <jats:list-item><jats:p>We describe the structure of the database, types of traits included and present a summary of data coverage. The value of the database is demonstrated through an initial examination of trait distributions across subfamilies, continents and biomes.</jats:p></jats:list-item> <jats:list-item><jats:p>Striking biogeographic differences in ant traits are highlighted which raise intriguing questions as to the mechanisms generating them.</jats:p></jats:list-item> </jats:list> </jats:p>

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: Assemblages, ecology, functional trait, morphology, online database
Depositing User: Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited: 18 Jan 2017 08:39
Last Modified: 31 Oct 2023 02:58
DOI: 10.1111/icad.12211
Related URLs:
URI: https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3005280