CaFeCiCo 04/06/2026: From functional traits to small-scale ecological processes
The research presented is structured around two main themes: understanding vegetation through plant functional traits and investigating ecological processes occurring at fine spatial scales, ranging from a few centimetres to several metres. Both themes are underpinned by a strong methodological focus and the development of innovative approaches for ecological analysis.
The seminar will explore recent research addressing the challenge of measuring functional distances in the presence of intraspecific variation, as well as ongoing work examining the influence of weather conditions on the functional diversity of beech forest understories.
In addition, previous studies on small-scale patterns of functional traits in dry grasslands and on the relationship between forest structure and different components of functional diversity across multiple spatial scales will be presented.
The session will provide an integrative perspective on how trait-based approaches can contribute to a deeper understanding of the processes that shape plant communities and influence ecosystem functioning.
Speaker: Luciano Ludovico Maria De Benedictis. School of Biosciences & Veterinary Medicine - Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management Unit, University of Camerino
Language: The seminar will be held in English
Date: Thursday, 4 June at 11.00 am
Venue: Auditorium of the Valencian Institute of Agricultural Research (IVIA).
Carretera CV-315, km 10.7 – Moncada, Valencia.
CIDE Communication
