Functional Ecology

Functional ecology is the study of how the traits and behaviors of organisms influence their roles and interactions within ecosystems. It examines how different species contribute to processes like nutrient cycling, pollination, and food webs by assessing their functions rather than just focusing on their identities. For example, understanding how a particular plant species helps stabilize soil or how animals spread seeds can reveal the important roles these organisms play in maintaining ecosystem health and resilience. This field helps us understand the balance of nature and the impact of ecological changes on biodiversity.