Geographical variation in the trait‐based assembly patterns of multitrophic invertebrate communities

1. It has been argued that the mechanisms structuring ecological communities may be more generalizable when based on traits than species identities. If so, patterns in assembly of community-level along environmental gradients should similar different places world. Alternatively, geographic change pool and regional variation climate might result site-specific relationships between community local environments. These competing hypotheses are particularly untested for animal communities. 2. Here we test constancy trait-based using a widespread multi-trophic community: aquatic macroinvertebrates within bromeliads. We used data 615 invertebrate taxa from 1656 bromeliads 26 field sites Mexico to Argentina. summarized with four orthogonal axes, these trait axes examine convergence divergence three gradients: detrital biomass water volume bromeliads, canopy cover over 3. found no overall signal any gradients. However, individual did show gradients, built predictive models explore site differences. 4. Sites showed were all north Northern Andes. This pattern related phylogeographic differences bromeliad morphology. Bromeliads low detritus dominated by detritivorous collectors filter feeders, where those high had sclerotized predatory invertebrates. 5. strongest regions seasonal precipitation. In such sites, soft-bodied, benthic invertebrates simple life cycles. less associated short-term desiccation resistance, as hard exoskeletons, important. 6. summary, there strong effects this community, driven biogeography their foundational plant well climate. suggest inclusion ecology could help make it truly general theory.