Systematics and functional traits: connecting plant diversity and ecosystem services
Studies on systematic and applied botany focusing on plant traits aim to explore the link between plant diversity and plant-environment interactions. By examining morphological and functional traits—such as leaf morphology, root and stem structure, pollen features, pollination strategies, tree canopy and photosynthetic efficiency—research in this field seeks to understand how plants adapt to various environmental conditions and how these traits influence ecosystem processes. Systematic approaches are used to investigate the evolutionary relationships between plant species, while applied aspects focus on how this knowledge can guide practical applications as biodiversity conservation and the assessment of the main ecosystem services provided by plants: microclimate mitigation, improvement of air quality, and carbon storage and sequestration. The research contributes to a deeper understanding of plant functionality, helping to address challenges related to climate change, habitat loss, and sustainable resource use.
Researchers: Anna Maria Mercuri, Assunta Florenzano, Elisabetta Sgarbi
