Recent studies have shown that accounting for intraspecific trait variation (ITV) may better
address major questions in community ecology. However, a general picture of the relative …

Background Investigating the causes and consequences of intraspecific trait variation (ITV)
in plants is not novel, as it has long been recognized that such variation shapes biotic and …

The leaf economics spectrum (LES) provides a useful framework for examining species
strategies as shaped by their evolutionary history. However, that spectrum, as originally …

We present unresolved questions in plant abiotic stress biology as posed by 15 research
groups with expertise spanning eco-physiology to cell and molecular biology. Common …

Limitation of grain crop productivity by phosphorus (P) is widespread and will probably
increase in the future. Enhanced P efficiency can be achieved by improved uptake of …

Root exudation stimulates microbial decomposition and enhances nutrient availability to
plants. It remains difficult to measure and predict this carbon flux in natural conditions …

Biodiversity is defined by trait differences between organisms, and biologists have long
sought to predict associations among ecologically important traits. Why do some traits trade …

Contents Summary 669 I. Model clades for the study and integration of ecology and
evolution 670 II. Oaks: an important model clade 671 III. Insights from the history of the …

Fine‐root traits play key roles in ecosystem processes, but the drivers of fine‐root trait
diversity remain poorly understood. The plant economic spectrum (PES) hypothesis predicts …

Trait‐based approaches have taken an increasingly dominant role in community ecology.
Although trait‐based strategy dimensions such as the leaf economic spectrum (LES) have …