Taxonomical and functional diversity dynamics of conspicuous echinoderms in the northeastern tropical Pacific over a decade

Understanding what determines spatio-temporal changes in echinoderm assemblages from an integrative perspective that considers biodiversity, species evenness, and species' niches could permit superior communityscale characterizations of habitat resilience to disturbance. Such an approach was taken herein by tracking a Central Mexican Pacific echinoderm assemblage between 2012 and 2021, and higher richness, diversity, evenness, and functional entity counts were associated with more heterogeneous benthic assemblages. Echinoderm taxonomic composition was influenced by ENSO events, with higher functional diversity found during La Nin & SIM;a events. Conservation strategies should focus on species with unique functional traits to maintain the balance of coral community functionality.

Automated summary

Understanding the factors that determine spatio-temporal changes in echinoderm assemblages and their implications for habitat resilience requires considering biodiversity, species evenness, and species' niches. In this study tracking a Central Mexican Pacific echinoderm assemblage from 2012 to 2021, it was found that more heterogeneous benthic assemblages were associated with higher richness, diversity, evenness, and functional entity counts. Echinoderm taxonomic composition was influenced by ENSO events, with higher functional diversity observed during La Niña and SIM;a events. Conservation strategies should prioritize species with unique functional traits to maintain coral community functionality.