O uso de atributos funcionais de invertebrados terrestres na ecologia: O que, como e por quê?

Abstract

Taking into account the need for monitoring biodiversity in face of disturbances, and the understanding of how these responses can interfere in ecosystem functionality, we suggest using a functional trait-based approach. With emphasis on terrestrial invertebrates, which are mega-diverse and important providers of ecosystem services, we review what functional traits are, how to use them in community monitoring, and why. This approach clearly represents a complement to the traditional taxonomic descriptors, bringing benefits to the understanding of community organization patterns and their relation to ecosystem services