Lin, Chieh, Rasheed, Michael A., Coles, Robert, York, Paul, Lewis, Stephen, and Grech, Alana (2026) Environmental influence on intraspecific trait variation in the tropical seagrass Halodule uninervis. Oikos. e11575. (In Press)

Preview

PDF (Publisher Accepted Version) - Accepted Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. Download (1MB) | Preview

Abstract

Intraspecific trait variation (ITV) enhances the precision of applying functional trait approaches in plant ecology. Despite its benefits, ITV is rarely considered in functional trait-based seagrass research. The goal of our research is to measure ITV in the tropical seagrass species Halodule uninervis and assess the environmental factors associated with its variation. We measured eight traits of H. uninervis collected along the Queensland coast. Statistical analyses were conducted to identify the range of ITV, determine the relationship between environmental factors and trait variation, and estimate the potential effect of ITV on ecosystem services supported by these meadows. H. uninervis exhibits a distinct dimorphic pattern of ITV, particularly evident in leaf width and rhizome diameter, with air exposure and mean sediment grain size associated with variation in these traits. These findings highlight the importance of accounting for ITV in seagrass field surveys and suggest that variation within species may influence their ecological responses and functional roles in meadows.

Item ID:	90834
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	1600-0706
Keywords:	ecosystem service, functional trait, Halodule uninervis, intraspecific trait variation, seagrass
Funders:	Australian Research Council (ARC), Australian Government Research Training Program
Projects and Grants:	ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship
Date Deposited:	24 Feb 2026 01:33
FoR Codes:	31 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 3103 Ecology > 310305 Marine and estuarine ecology (incl. marine ichthyology) @ 30% 41 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES > 4102 Ecological applications > 410203 Ecosystem function @ 40% 41 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES > 4102 Ecological applications > 410204 Ecosystem services (incl. pollination) @ 30%
SEO Codes:	18 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT > 1802 Coastal and estuarine systems and management > 180299 Coastal and estuarine systems and management not elsewhere classified @ 100%
Downloads:	Total: 1 Last 12 Months: 1
	More Statistics