Functional ecology is the branch of ecology that focuses on various functions that species play in the community or ecosystem in which they occur. This accessible guide offers the main concepts and tools in trait-based ecology, and their tricks, covering different trophic levels and organism types. It is designed for students, researchers and practitioners who wish to get a handy synthesis of existing concepts, tools and trends in trait-based ecology, and wish to apply it to their own field of interest. Where relevant, exercises specifically designed to be run in R are included, along with accompanying on-line resources including solutions for exercises and R functions, and updates reflecting current developments in this fast-changing field. Based on more than a decade of teaching experience, the authors developed and improved the way theoretical aspects and analytical tools of trait-based ecology are introduced and explained to readers.

‘… the authors … succeed in framing the topic and ongoing research in a broad context, including compelling examples from across the tree of life and from researchers from around the globe … Handbook of Trait-Based Ecology: From Theory to R Tools is an excellent starting place for readers interested in getting up to speed with trait-based ecology …’

Nathan J. B. Kraft Source: The Quarterly Review of Biology

The Handbook introduces all essential information in sufficient depth to satisfy the most demanding reader ... Highly recommended.'

S. R. Fegley Source: Choice