The use of species traits in invasive seaweed research: a systematic review

Species traits have been used extensively in invasion science, providing common metrics across taxa and ecosystems that enable comparisons based on the functional responses effects of biota. However, most work science has focused terrestrial plants, despite vulnerability aquatic to invasive species, such as seaweeds. Research focuses individual species seaweeds intensified recent years, yet few studies synthesised information learned identify commonalities or knowledge gaps science. Through a systematic review 322 papers investigate seaweed from globe, here we ask – what are trends research investigates seaweeds? To address this question, aimed to: (1) publication rates characteristics examining seaweeds; (2) clarify which how many investigated; (3) assess measured those used. Our revealed study regions for were concentrated Europe North America. In addition, found total 158 investigated, with large proportion (35%) focusing just two Sargassum muticum Undaria pinnatifida . researched morphological, wide range questions. Key included relatively Africa, Asia South America, lack researching more than one measurements biomechanical traits. Altogether, provides thorough overview progress highlights existing may lead new ways can be answer important ecological