Functional Diversity Measures

This chapter provides an in-depth exploration of functional diversity (FD), focusing on measures to estimate the different components of FD (richness, evenness, divergence) and adding sections for functional redundancy, functional rarity, and functional beta diversity. The critical role of FD in understanding ecological processes, diversity distribution, and conservation biology are emphasized, as well as the significance of including intraspecific trait variability in FD estimations. Considering the functional aspect of biodiversity is essential to uncover the complexities of community assembly, species interactions, and ecosystem functioning and resilience.