Why we should not necessarily expect life history strategies to inform
on sensitivity to environmental change
Abstract
Speed of life and reproductive strategy form the two major axes that
organise variation in life history strategies across plant and animal
species. This cross-taxonomical structuring can inform on the
sensitivity of species to environmental change. However, predictions
based on broad cross-taxonomical patterns do not necessarily align with
those from detailed research on a smaller range of species. Here, we use
Dynamic Energy Budget Integral Projection Models (DEB-IPMs) to quantify
the extent to which patterns in the life history strategies of a large
and diverse taxonomic class of fish (Actinopterygii) inform on their
sensitivity to environmental change. By accounting for additional
complexity in individual life histories, the classical association
between life history strategies and sensitivity to environmental change
breaks down. We discuss which trait-based approach is best suited to
tackle challenges in linking life histories to population responses to
change, and summarise our perspective in a conceptual framework