Functional diversity and biogeography using ‘sFDvent’ - the first global trait database for hydrothermal vent species

The taxonomic composition of hydrothermal vent communities differs markedly on a global scale, forming distinct biogeographic provinces. The relative biodiversity of these areas can be assessed using traits as a common, cross-province ‘currency’. First, we used well-studied Juan de Fuca Ridge vents (NE Pacific) to assess trait data availability for vent species and to test the performance of functional diversity metrics given a species-poor system. These investigations highlighted vents as model ‘untouched’ ecosystems for developing ecological theory for conservation, advocating the potential of a vent trait database. Next, we built a global trait database for vent species – ‘sFDvent’. We selected traits that characterized the performance of a species and its contribution to ecosystem function, and best matched with established trait databases to ensure cross-ecosystem consistency. An international pool of experts scored these traits to populate the 14-trait database. Using sFDvent, we: created the first map of functional biogeography for deep-sea hydrothermal vents; assessed global-scale functional biodiversity trends (e.g., the East Pacific has fewer functionally unique species than the West Pacific, based on preliminary analyses); and evaluated the potential roles of large-scale environmental processes on these patterns.