Skip to main content
WCS
Menu
Library
Library Catalog
eJournals & eBooks
WCS Research
Archives
Research Use
Finding Aids
Digital Collections
WCS History
WCS Research
Research Publications
Science Data
Services for WCS Researchers
Archives Shop
Bronx Zoo
Department of Tropical Research
Browse By Product
About Us
FAQs
Intern or Volunteer
Staff
Donate
Search WCS.org
Search
search
Popular Search Terms
WCS History
Library and Archives
Library and Archives Menu
Library
Archives
WCS Research
Archives Shop
About Us
Donate
en
fr
Title
The Coral Trait Database, a curated database of trait information for coral species from the global oceans
Author(s)
Madin, Joshua S.;Anderson, Kristen D.;Andreasen, Magnus Heide;Bridge, Tom C. L.;Cairns, Stephen D.;Connolly, Sean R.;Darling, Emily S.;Diaz, Marcela;Falster, Daniel S.;Franklin, Erik C.;Gates, Ruth D.;Hoogenboom, Mia O.;Huang, Danwei;Keith, Sally A.;Kosnik, Matthew A.;Kuo, Chao-Yang;Lough, Janice M.;Lovelock, Catherine E.;Luiz, Osmar;Martinelli, Julieta;Mizerek, Toni;Pandolfi, John M.;Pochon, Xavier;Pratchett, Morgan S.;Putnam, Hollie M.;Roberts, T. Edward;Stat, Michael;Wallace, Carden C.;Widman, Elizabeth;Baird, Andrew H.
Published
2016
Publisher
Scientific Data
Published Version DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/sdata.2016.17
Abstract
Trait-based approaches advance ecological and evolutionary research because traits provide a strong link to an organism’s function and fitness. Trait-based research might lead to a deeper understanding of the functions of, and services provided by, ecosystems, thereby improving management, which is vital in the current era of rapid environmental change. Coral reef scientists have long collected trait data for corals; however, these are difficult to access and often under-utilized in addressing large-scale questions. We present the Coral Trait Database initiative that aims to bring together physiological, morphological, ecological, phylogenetic and biogeographic trait information into a single repository. The database houses species- and individual-level data from published field and experimental studies alongside contextual data that provide important framing for analyses. In this data descriptor, we release data for 56 traits for 1547 species, and present a collaborative platform on which other trait data are being actively federated. Our overall goal is for the Coral Trait Database to become an open-source, community-led data clearinghouse that accelerates coral reef research.
Access Full Text
A full-text copy of this article may be available. Please email the
WCS Library
to request.
Back
PUB19146