Aquatic ecologists face challenges in identifying the general rules of the functioning of ecosystems. A common framework, including freshwater, marine, benthic, and pelagic ecologists, is needed to bridge communication gaps and foster knowledge sharing. This framework should transcend local specificities and taxonomy in order to provide a common ground and shareable tools to address common scientific challenges. Here, we advocate the use of functional trait-based approaches (FTBAs) for aquatic ecologists and propose concrete paths to go forward. Firstly, we propose to unify existing definitions in FTBAs to adopt a common language. Secondly, we list the numerous databases referencing functional traits for aquatic organisms. Thirdly, we present a synthesis on traditional as well as recent promising methods for the study of aquatic functional traits, including imaging and genomics. Finally, we conclude with a highlight on scientific challenges and promising venues for which FTBAs should foster opportunities for future research. By offering practical tools, our framework provides a clear path forward to the adoption of trait-based approaches in aquatic ecology.

中文翻译：

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基于功能特征的方法作为水生生态学家的通用框架

水生生态学家在确定生态系统功能的一般规则方面面临挑战。需要一个共同的框架，包括淡水、海洋、底栖和远洋生态学家，以弥合沟通差距并促进知识共享。该框架应超越当地的特殊性和分类法，以便提供一个共同点和可共享的工具来应对共同的科学挑战。在这里，我们提倡对水生生态学家使用基于功能特征的方法 (FTBA)，并提出具体的前进道路。首先，我们建议统一 FTBA 中的现有定义以采用通用语言。其次，我们列出了大量引用水生生物功能特征的数据库。第三，我们对研究水生功能性状的传统方法和最近有前景的方法进行了综合，包括成像和基因组学。最后，我们重点介绍了科学挑战和 FTBA 应为未来研究创造机会的有前景的场所。通过提供实用工具，我们的框架为在水生生态学中采用基于特征的方法提供了一条清晰的道路。