Functional trait effects on ecosystem stability: assembling the jigsaw puzzle

Under global change, how biological diversity and ecosystem services are maintained in time is a fundamental question. Ecologists have long argued about multiple mechanisms by which local biodiversity might control the temporal stability of properties. Accumulating theories empirical evidence suggest that, together with different population community parameters, these largely operate through differences functional traits among organisms. We review potential trait-stability underlying tests associated metrics. identify various trait-based components, each accounting for mechanisms, that contribute to buffering, or propagating, effect environmental fluctuations on functioning. This comprehensive picture, obtained combining puzzle pieces effects, will guide future modeling investigations.