First trait-based characterization of Arctic ice meiofauna taxa

Abstract Trait-based approaches connect the traits of species to ecosystem functions estimate functional diversity communities and how they may respond environmental change. For first time, we compiled a matrix across 11 for 28 Arctic ice meiofauna, including Copepoda (Subclass), Nematoda (Phylum), Acoela (Order), Rotifera Cnidaria (Phylum). Over 50 years pan-Arctic literature were manually reviewed, trait categories assigned enable future trait–function connections within threatened ice-associated ecosystem. Approximately two-thirds data found at genus or level, ranging from 44% 100% Cnidaria. Ice meiofauna shown possess advantageous adaptations brine channel network sea ice, majority with small body widths < 200 μm, high flexibility, temperature salinity tolerance. Diets be diverse outside algal bloom season, most organisms transitioning ciliate-, omnivore-, detritus-based diets. Eight studied taxa have only been recorded while rest are in mixture sympagic–pelagic–benthic habitats. Twelve all life stages present ice. Body width, tolerance, tolerance identified as largest research gaps suffered low-resolution taxonomic data. Overall, show degree which adapted spending portions their lives