The functional variation across organisms in traits such as body size, wood anatomy, or beak size has been used as a successful tool since the beginning of the ecology for understanding the mechanisms that structure populations and communities. In the last decade, this functional trait approach has seen an explosion of studies that have build a more realistic predictive framework for natural systems. This course introduces fundamental concepts of the functional ecology and discusses main challenges and potential avenues and applications to be explored in this growing field.
Goals and outcomes: 1) Critically review classical and recent theory and evidence on functional ecology. 2) Identify issues or ideas that remain to be tested. 3) Provide an overview of tools and methodologies of trait-based studies. 4) Discuss applications of functional ecology.Intended Audience:
Students are expected to have a solid background in ecology and biology.