Linking ecomechanical models and functional traits to understand phenotypic diversity

Physical principles and laws determine the set of possible organismal phenotypes. Constraints arising from development, the environment, and evolutionary history then yield workable, integrated phenotypes. We propose a theoretical and practical framework that considers the role of changing environments. This 'ecomechanical approach' integrates functional organismal traits with the ecological variables. This approach informs our ability to predict species shifts in survival and distribution and provides critical insights into phenotypic diversity. We outline how to use the ecomechanical paradigm using drag-induced bending in trees as an example. Our approach can be incorporated into existing research and help build interdisciplinary bridges. Finally, we identify key factors needed for mass data collection, analysis, and the dissemination of models relevant to this framework.

Automated summary

Physical principles and laws determine organismal phenotypes, while constraints from development, the environment, and evolutionary history shape integrated phenotypes. The 'ecomechanical approach' integrates organismal traits with ecological variables, aiding in predicting species shifts and understanding phenotypic diversity. Incorporating this approach can help build interdisciplinary bridges and improve data collection, analysis, and model dissemination.