AlgaeTraits: a trait database for (European) seaweeds (dataset)

The macroalgae traits project started in 2014 as one of the pilot projects for collecting traits under EMODnet Biology. During this pilot project, Sofie Vranken (UGent) started compiling several traits for European marine algal genera in a database. This was in collaboration with Olivier De Clerck (UGent). In 2017, Sofie and Olivier reaeched out to Marine Robuchon and Line Le Gall of MNHN in Paris, since they had the idea to develop a similar traits database on species level, as the traits might slightly differ between the species in the same genus. The spreadsheets at the genus level and species level were compared and inconsistencies were fixed. The trait information for European macroalgae was uploaded to Aphia/WoRMS in spring 2020.

Additional information:The dataset contains the following traits for European Macroalgae

1. Biogeography : Distribution
2. Ecology : Blooming
3. Ecology: Environment
4. Ecology : Habitat
5. Ecology : Substrate
6. Ecology: Thallus seasonality
7. Ecology : Tolerance to pollutants
8. Ecology : Zonation
9. Morphofunctional growth form : Calcification
10. Morphofunctional growth form : Thallus life span
11. Morphofunctional growth form : Thallus shape
12. Morphofunctional growth form : Thallus vertical space used
13. Reproductive biology: Arrangement gametophytes
14. Reproductive biology : Asexual reproduction
15. Reproductive biology : Dispersion mode
16. Reproductive biology : Fertility period
17. Reproductive biology: Form gametes
18. Reproductive biology : Generation time
19. Reproductive biology: Life cycle
20. Reproductive biology : Life phase resemblance
21. Reproductive biology : Spawning method

Publication year:2022

Accessibility:open

License:CC-BY-4.0

Format:xlsx, zip

Keywords: Traits, Chlorophyta, Ochrophyta, Rhodophyta, Europe, Macroalgae