The database contains 47 traits which are subdivided into 252 sub-categories (called "modalities"). They cover mainly reproductive and behavioural traits of both adult and larval stages, as well as information on environmental preferences and a few morphological traits.
Traits were chosen, defined and amended according to the needs of each analysis for which data was collected, thus they are a compilation of various sources. As a consequence several traits currently included have been recognised as inadequate to reflect polychaetes life histories and are likely to be changed (e.g. "Migration of adults", "Sociability", partly overlapping modalities of “Habitat” and “Physiographic feature”). Furthermore, the initial focus on European marine species has resulted in certain traits being defined appropriately for these taxa, but requiring an expansion of modalities if terrestrial and freshwater species, as well as species from other regions are included (e.g. expansion / refinement of salinity ranges, additional habitat terms). Future versions of this database will include a revised set of traits and the already existing data, but old versions will be available for download and changes to traits and their
definitions will be properly documented.
A full list of the traits, modalities and their definitions are listed below. Where existing ontology concepts are used, the respective URI is provided, otherwise the literature references used to define the trait/modality are given. For each trait, at least a definition and a list of its modalities is given. By clicking on the arrow in front of each modality name, additional information can be displayed.
For both traits and modalities, the following information might be provided:
- Definition: Definition of the trait or modality
- Identifier: Identifier of the term in form of a URL. Where definitions correspond to terms in existing ontologies, these are used, otherwise polytraits identifiers are provided
- Related terms: Related or similar terms that are often associated with this trait or modality in the literature
- Additional explanations: Any additional explanations to clarify the scope of the term, by providing examples or additional literature references.
References to literature are given as numbers in square brackets, by hovering over them, the full reference is displayed.
Adult traits
Body size (max) | |
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Definition | A measurement of the longest dimension of a body, typically between two distinct ends of the body. |
Identifier | http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/CMO_0000013 |
Related terms | body length |
Additional explanations | Body size refers to different body length classes that an organism can be classified into. In polychaetes, this is the length from the head to the pygidium without appendages like antennae or cirri. In the polytraits database there are 7 different classes (modalities) for this trait. For the coding of modalities, the maximum body size that is reported in the literature for a species is chosen. |
Modalities | |
<2.5 mm | |
2.5 mm - 10 mm | |
11 mm - 20 mm | |
21 mm - 50 mm | |
51 mm - 80 mm | |
81 mm - 100 mm | |
>100 mm |
Complex species | |
---|---|
Definition | A group of species which satisfy the biological definition of species, that is, they are reproductively isolated from each other, but they are not morphologically distinguishable (or at least are not readily or reliably distinguishable on a morphological basis) [1324]. |
Identifier | http://polytraits.lifewatchgreece.eu/terms/CPLX |
Related terms | sibling species; cryptic species; species complex; cryptic species complex |
Additional explanations | The individual species within the complex can usually only be separated using non-morphological data, such as from DNA sequence analysis, bioacoustics, or thorough life history studies. They can, but need not be, parapatric, quite often are sympatric, and sometimes allopatric [1324]. |
Modalities | |
yes | |
no |
Depth zonation (benthos) | |
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Definition | The depth at which an organism occurs in the water column. Commonly defined based on ecological features of the zonation. |
Identifier | http://polytraits.lifewatchgreece.eu/terms/DZ |
Related terms | maximum bottom depth |
Additional explanations | |
Modalities | |
supralittoral zone | |
littoral zone | |
sublittoral zone | |
bathyal zone | |
abyssal zone | |
hadal zone |
Depth zonation (pelagic) | |
---|---|
Definition | The depth at which an organism occurs in the water column. Usually defined based on ecological features of the zonation. |
Identifier | http://polytraits.lifewatchgreece.eu/terms/DZP |
Related terms | |
Additional explanations | |
Modalities | |
epipelagic | |
mesopelagic | |
bathypelagic | |
abyssopelagic | |
hadalpelagic zone |
Ecosystem engineering | |
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Definition | Organisms can be considered as ecosystem engineers when they directly or indirectly modulate the availability of resources to other species, by causing physical state changes in biotic or abiotic materials. In so doing they modify, maintain and/or create habitats [1295]. |
Identifier | http://polytraits.lifewatchgreece.eu/terms/RW |
Related terms | Bioturbation; habitat modification; biomixing; sediment reworking; ventilation; bioirrigation |
Additional explanations | A critical characteristic of ecosystem engineers is that they must change the quality, quantity and distribution of resources used by other species. |
Modalities | |
yes | |
no | |
biodiffusor | |
upward conveyor | |
downward conveyour | |
regenerator | |
blind-ended ventilation | |
open-ended ventilation | |
habitat-building |
Environmental position | |
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Definition | Living location of the organism in relation to the water column, the sea floor and other organisms. |
Identifier | http://polytraits.lifewatchgreece.eu/terms/EP |
Related terms | |
Additional explanations | |
Modalities | |
Epibenthic | |
Endobenthic | |
Interstitial | |
Hyperbenthic | |
Pelagic | |
Epilithic | |
Endolithic | |
Lithotomous | |
Boring in biogenic substrate | |
Epizoic | |
Epiphytic | |
Parasitic |
Feeding structure | |
---|---|
Definition | The feeding structures of the polychaetes vary, reflecting the diversity of feeding types. There are two major anatomical/morphological features involved in the polychaetes feeding: the pharynx and the feeding structures of the prostomium (e.g. palps) [544] |
Identifier | http://polytraits.lifewatchgreece.eu/terms/STRUCT |
Related terms | feeding type |
Additional explanations | |
Modalities | |
simple axial pharynx | |
ventral buccal organ (simple) | |
ventral muscular pharynx | |
muscular axial pharynx | |
buccal organ absent or occluded | |
accessory feeding structures |
Feeding type | |
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Definition | The common diet of an organism that includes the food items that it is enzymatically and behaviourally capable of using. |
Identifier | http://polytraits.lifewatchgreece.eu/terms/FEED |
Related terms | feeding behaviour; feeding guild |
Additional explanations | |
Modalities | |
predator | |
suspension feeder | |
non-selective deposit feeder | |
selective deposit feeder | |
deposit feeder (selective or non-selective) | |
omnivore | |
scavenger | |
herbivore |
Habitat type | |
---|---|
Definition | The place in which an organism lives. It is defined for the marine environment according to geographical location, physiographic features and the physical and chemical environment (including salinity, wave exposure, strength of tidal streams, geology, biological zone, substratum, 'features' (e.g. crevices, overhangs, rockpools) and 'modifiers' (e.g. sand-scour, wave-surge, substratum mobility) [1292]. |
Identifier | http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/habitat |
Related terms | Environment; Habitat type of settlement/ early development |
Additional explanations | The modalities of this trait might be expanded in the future and/or merged with the trait "Physiographic feature". |
Modalities | |
algae | |
biogenic reef | |
caves | |
crevices/ fissures | |
maerl/ coralligenous habitats | |
other species | |
overhangs | |
rockpools | |
salt marsh | |
seagrass | |
strandline | |
under boulders | |
water column | |
soft sediments |
Intra- and interspecific competition | |
---|---|
Definition | The simultaneous demand by two or more organisms or populations or species for an essential common resource that is actually or potentially in limited supply or the detrimental interaction between two or more organisms or species seeking a common resource that is not limited [1293]. |
Identifier | http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/GO_0044402 |
Related terms | exploitation competition; interference competition |
Additional explanations | |
Modalities | |
annelida (adults) | |
crustacea (adults) | |
annelida (larvae) | |
crustacea (larvae) | |
mollusca |
Lifespan | |
---|---|
Definition | Maximum length of time that any particular organism can be expected to live. |
Identifier | http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/PATO_0000050 |
Related terms | longevity |
Additional explanations | |
Modalities | |
≤ 1 year | |
1-3 years | |
3-5 years | |
≥ 5 years |
Migrations of adult | |
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Definition | Movement of an organism or group from one habitat or location to another [1292]. |
Identifier | http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/IDOMAL_0002084 |
Related terms | |
Additional explanations | This trait is poorly defined for invertebrates. Within the context of this database it will likely be redefined or become obsolete. |
Modalities | |
yes | |
no |
Mobility of adult | |
---|---|
Definition | The capability of an organism to move spontaneously and freely [1292]. |
Identifier | http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/GO_0040011 |
Related terms | Juvenile mobility |
Additional explanations | |
Modalities | |
crawler | |
burrower | |
swimmer | |
non-motile / semi-motile |
Physiographic feature | |
---|---|
Definition | The general physical characteristics of the marine environment in which an organism lives [1292]. |
Identifier | http://polytraits.lifewatchgreece.eu/terms/PHF |
Related terms | |
Additional explanations | |
Modalities | |
open coast | |
offshore seabed | |
strait | |
fjord | |
ria | |
estuary | |
enclosed coast / embayment | |
lagoon | |
Hydrothermal vents |
Predated by | |
---|---|
Definition | Organism categories that feed by preying on the present species |
Identifier | http://polytraits.lifewatchgreece.eu/terms/PRED |
Related terms | |
Additional explanations | |
Modalities | |
annelids | |
crustaceans | |
fish | |
birds | |
mollusks | |
echinoderms |
Sociability | |
---|---|
Definition | “Umbrella term”. Is used to capture information that an organism, population or species is living alone or interacting with others forming groups/communities or colonies (through asexual reproduction). |
Identifier | http://polytraits.lifewatchgreece.eu/terms/SOC |
Related terms | Solitary; Gregarious; Colonial |
Additional explanations | This term and its modalities are poorly defined and will likely be re-defined within the context of this database. |
Modalities | |
algae | |
seagrasses | |
annelids | |
bacteria | |
crustaceans | |
fish | |
mollusks | |
nematodes | |
branchiostomids | |
echinoderms | |
cnidarians | |
poriferans | |
bryozoans | |
entoproctans |
Substrate type | |
---|---|
Definition | The surface on which an organism lives. The substrate may simply provide structural support, or may provide nutrients [1292]. |
Identifier | http://polytraits.lifewatchgreece.eu/terms/SUBST |
Related terms | Substrate type of settlement |
Additional explanations | |
Modalities | |
bedrock | |
large to very large boulders | |
small boulders | |
cobbles | |
pebbles | |
gravel | |
sandy gravel | |
muddy gravel | |
muddy sandy gravel | |
coarse clean sand | |
fine clean sand | |
gravelly sand | |
muddy gravelly sand | |
muddy sand | |
sandy mud | |
sandy gravelly mud | |
gravelly mud | |
mud | |
silt | |
clay | |
mixed | |
artificial |
Survival salinity | |
---|---|
Definition | The range of salinities in which an organism is capable to survive and grow [1292]. |
Identifier | http://purl.bioontology.org/ontology/MSH/D054712 |
Related terms | euhaline; euryhaline; polyhaline; mesohaline; oligohaline; limnetic |
Additional explanations | The modalities of this trait will be refined in the future to capture also hypersaline and freshwater species. |
Modalities | |
full salinity | |
variable salinity | |
reduced salinity | |
low salinity |
Survival temperature | |
---|---|
Definition | The range of temperatures in which an organism is capable to survive and grow. |
Identifier | http://polytraits.lifewatchgreece.eu/terms/TEMP |
Related terms | stenothermal; eurythermal |
Additional explanations | |
Modalities | |
cold waters | |
warm/ temperate/ subtropical waters | |
tropical waters |
Tolerance (AMBI index) | |
---|---|
Definition | The sensitivity of an organism to organic enrichment, classified through the AMBI index [41]. |
Identifier | http://polytraits.lifewatchgreece.eu/terms/TOL |
Related terms | |
Additional explanations | |
Modalities | |
group I | |
group II | |
group III | |
group IV | |
group V |
Tube/ burrow material | |
---|---|
Definition | Materials used for the construction of an organism’s tube or burrow (if present). |
Identifier | http://polytraits.lifewatchgreece.eu/terms/TUBE |
Related terms | |
Additional explanations | |
Modalities | |
clay | |
gravel | |
sand | |
biogenic detritus | |
secretions | |
calcium carbonate | |
mud |
Typically feeds on | |
---|---|
Definition | The type of food an organism prefers. |
Identifier | http://eol.org/schema/terms/preysUpon |
Related terms | |
Additional explanations | |
Modalities | |
algae | |
bacteria | |
annelids | |
ciliates | |
crustaceans | |
diatoms | |
flagellates | |
foraminiferans | |
mollusks | |
detritus | |
sediment | |
fish | |
ascidians | |
echinoderms | |
cnidarians |
Reproductive traits
Age at first reproduction | |
---|---|
Definition | Beginning of the first sexual reproductive cycle. Defined as the first ripening of gametes. |
Identifier | http://polytraits.lifewatchgreece.eu/terms/MAT |
Related terms | age at maturity |
Additional explanations | |
Modalities | |
≤2 months | |
2 - 6 months | |
6 months - 1year | |
1 - 2 years | |
2 - 3 years | |
3 - 4 years | |
≥4 years |
Developmental mechanism | |
---|---|
Definition | The mechanism of the development of the embryo(s), inside or outside of the parental organism. |
Identifier | http://polytraits.lifewatchgreece.eu/terms/DEV |
Related terms | |
Additional explanations | |
Modalities | |
oviparous | |
viviparous |
Egg size | |
---|---|
Definition | Diameter of the eggs spawned by an organism. |
Identifier | http://polytraits.lifewatchgreece.eu/terms/EGG |
Related terms | |
Additional explanations | |
Modalities | |
0μm -100μm | |
100μm - 200μm | |
>200μm |
Epitoky | |
---|---|
Definition | Form of reproduction of marine polychates in which the new individual arises by modification and separation from the posterior end of the worm in order to leave the bottom and reproduce [1292]. |
Identifier | http://polytraits.lifewatchgreece.eu/terms/EPKY |
Related terms | epitokous metamorphosis; epitokous modification; epitokous transformation; sexual metamorphosis |
Additional explanations | The new individual grows from the posterior segment and upon separation the new animal generates a new head and the mother a new posterior end [1292]. |
Modalities | |
yes | |
no |
Factors triggering reproduction | |
---|---|
Definition | Factors that can initiate or enhance reproduction. |
Identifier | http://polytraits.lifewatchgreece.eu/terms/FAC |
Related terms | |
Additional explanations | |
Modalities | |
lunar cycle | |
pheromones / hormones | |
photoperiod | |
temperature | |
salinity |
Fecundity | |
---|---|
Definition | The potential reproductive capacity of an organism or population, measured by the number of gametes (eggs) or asexual propagules [1292]. |
Identifier | http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/PATO_0000273 |
Related terms | fertility; number of offspring |
Additional explanations | |
Modalities | |
1 - 50 | |
50 - 500 | |
500 - 2500 | |
2500 - 10000 | |
10000 - 20000 | |
20000 - 100000 | |
>100000 |
Fertilization type | |
---|---|
Definition | Location of the union of male and female gametes. |
Identifier | http://polytraits.lifewatchgreece.eu/terms/FER |
Related terms | conception; fecundation; syngamy |
Additional explanations | Fertilization can take place either inside the female's body or outside it. The latter can take various forms, such as broadcast spawning, where large quantities of sexual products are released into the water, or a "pseudocopulation", where the male and the female are in close contact to facilitate the insemination of gametes. |
Modalities | |
internal | |
external (broadcast spawner) | |
external (pseudocopulation) |
Mode of reproduction | |
---|---|
Definition | The production by an organism of new individuals that contain some portion of their genetic material inherited from that organism. |
Identifier | http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/GO_0000003 |
Related terms | |
Additional explanations | |
Modalities | |
gonochoristic | |
simultaneous hermaphrodite | |
sequential hermaphrodite | |
asexual reproduction |
Pattern of oogenesis | |
---|---|
Definition | Process of germ cell development in the female from the primordial germ cells through oogonia to the mature haploid ova. |
Identifier | http://purl.bioontology.org/ontology/CSP/1138-4873 |
Related terms | vitellogenesis; ovary |
Additional explanations | Two patterns of oogenesis have been identified in invertebrates: introvarian and extarovarian [1328], with approximately half the families falling into one pattern or the other[1329]. |
Modalities | |
intraovarian | |
extraovarian |
Population sex ratio | |
---|---|
Definition | The ratio of male to female (or vice versa) in a population. |
Identifier | http://www.ebi.ac.uk/efo/EFO_0004820 |
Related terms | |
Additional explanations | |
Modalities | |
1:1 | |
female > male | |
female < male |
Reproduction strategy of the individual | |
---|---|
Definition | Number of times an individual can reproduce during its lifetime. |
Identifier | http://polytraits.lifewatchgreece.eu/terms/STRAT |
Related terms | |
Additional explanations | |
Modalities | |
iteroparous | |
semelparous |
Reproduction temperature | |
---|---|
Definition | Water temperature that initiates or enhances reproduction. |
Identifier | http://polytraits.lifewatchgreece.eu/terms/RT |
Related terms | |
Additional explanations | |
Modalities | |
cold waters | |
warm/ temperate/ subtropical waters | |
tropical waters |
Resorption of eggs | |
---|---|
Definition | Ability to resorb all or part of the gametes instead of spawning them normally. |
Identifier | http://polytraits.lifewatchgreece.eu/terms/RESORP |
Related terms | |
Additional explanations | This mechanism could be a manifestation of a fitness response to low resource availability, one of the “homeostatic mechanisms involved in the tradeoff between reproductive effort and survival”[7]. |
Modalities | |
yes | |
no |
Sexual metamorphosis | |
---|---|
Definition | Conspicuous change in the organism's body structure prior to reproduction. |
Identifier | http://polytraits.lifewatchgreece.eu/terms/SM |
Related terms | epitoky |
Additional explanations | Among some polychaete species this metamorphosis is very complex while in other species the changes are less pronounced and generally comprise histolysis of the body musculature and the digestive tube, as well as development of additional or modified setae. |
Modalities | |
yes | |
no |
Spawning frequency of the population | |
---|---|
Definition | Period and frequency of spawning in a population. |
Identifier | http://polytraits.lifewatchgreece.eu/terms/FREQ |
Related terms | epidemic spawning; synchronized spawning |
Additional explanations | |
Modalities | |
multiple events / year | |
continuous or semi-continuous | |
annually / seasonally |
Sperm type | |
---|---|
Definition | Different types of sperm that occur in organisms and fertilize the eggs. |
Identifier | http://polytraits.lifewatchgreece.eu/terms/SPERM |
Related terms | Fertilization; primitive; modified |
Additional explanations | Annelids have a great range of sperm morphologies and traditionally these have been grouped as either “primitive” or “modified” [1332; 1333; 13334]. The “primitive” type includes a simple acrosome, spherical nuclei, a small number of mitochondria and a free flagellum. Modified sperm were any sperm that deviate from this pattern (wide variety of sperm shapes). The “primitive” types were associated with external fertilization but the “primitive” sperm of some polychaete species have been found that do not fertilize freely spawned eggs. Thus, [1335] proposed a new system of classifying sperm based purely on function. In addition the new terminology ‘ect-aquasperm’, ‘ent-aquasperm’ and ‘introsperm’ have been applied with success across various taxa [400]. |
Modalities | |
ect - aquasperm | |
ent - aquasperm | |
introsperm |
Synchronization of spawning | |
---|---|
Definition | Level of synchronization of the reproductive activity in a population. |
Identifier | http://polytraits.lifewatchgreece.eu/terms/SYNC |
Related terms | epidemic spawning; spawning frequency |
Additional explanations | Refers to an event of synchronized spawning of a local population of a single species. In extreme cases of broadcast spawning all offspring of a species can be released over a period of a few hours or days (epidemic spawning). |
Modalities | |
yes | |
no |
Larval traits
Habitat type of settlement/ early development | |
---|---|
Definition | Habitat type of the larval settlement and early development after metamorphosis. |
Identifier | http://polytraits.lifewatchgreece.eu/terms/HSET |
Related terms | Substrate type of settlement |
Additional explanations | The choice of habitat has a direct effect on the future success and survival of the larvae as it is the place they will metamorphose [1321]. It may depend on several parameters, such as the flow over the sediment e.g. [1307], the total organic content of sediment e.g. [1308], the composition of organic matter e.g. [1309], the grain size distribution of sediment e.g. [1310], the presence of conspecifics e.g. [1311], the presence of halogenated metabolites of sympatric organisms e.g. [1312], and the sediment concentration of ammonium e.g. [1313] or anthropogenic pollutants [1323]. |
Modalities | |
algae | |
biogenic reef | |
caves | |
crevices/ fissures | |
maerl/ coralligenous habitats | |
other species | |
overhangs | |
rockpools | |
salt marsh | |
seagrass | |
strandline | |
under boulders | |
water column | |
soft sediment |
Juvenile mobility | |
---|---|
Definition | The capability of a juvenile to move spontaneously and freely. |
Identifier | http://polytraits.lifewatchgreece.eu/terms/JMOB |
Related terms | mobility; motility |
Additional explanations | |
Modalities | |
crawler | |
burrower | |
swimmer | |
non-motile / semi-motile |
Larval development | |
---|---|
Definition | The mode of development from the larval to the adult stage. |
Identifier | http://polytraits.lifewatchgreece.eu/terms/LDEV |
Related terms | larval mode; larval feeding type |
Additional explanations | |
Modalities | |
direct development | |
indirect development |
Larval feeding type | |
---|---|
Definition | The existence of two distinct larval types, feeding and non-feeding, has established the current paradigm for larval ecology. Feeding larvae are larvae that can capture and use exogenous food, whereas non-feeding larvae are larvae that cannot capture or use exogenous food [1300]. |
Identifier | http://eol.org/schema/terms/MarineLarvalDevelopmentStrategy |
Related terms | Larval development; Larval mode; Egg size |
Additional explanations | |
Modalities | |
planktotrophic | |
maternally derived nutrition |
Larval mode of development | |
---|---|
Definition | Larvae development in the water column or on/in soft- or hard-bottom substrata |
Identifier | http://polytraits.lifewatchgreece.eu/terms/LM |
Related terms | Larval development; Larval feeding type |
Additional explanations | |
Modalities | |
benthic | |
pelagic |
Location of parental care | |
---|---|
Definition | Defines the location of the parental care (if provided), either near the body of the parent or at a distance from it. |
Identifier | http://polytraits.lifewatchgreece.eu/terms/PC |
Related terms | parental care; brood protection |
Additional explanations | |
Modalities | |
outside microenvironment of the parent | |
within microenvironment of the parent |
Metamorphosis type | |
---|---|
Definition | Generally, any anatomical remodelling between opposing life-history periods, i.e. between the larval and the adult stage, can be considered as a form of metamorphosis [291] [1318]. These changes can be rapid and cataclysmic, or can proceed gradually, depending on the particular developmental basis for the juvenile body plan within the body of the larva [1302]. |
Identifier | http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/GO_0007552 |
Related terms | Larval development; Larval mode |
Additional explanations | For all larvae, metamorphosis includes the loss of larva-specific organs and the development of juvenile or adults pecific organs. For sessile marine invertebrates, a firm and often permanent attachment may represent the first stage of metamorphosis [1298]. |
Modalities | |
catastrophic | |
non-catastrophic |
Parental care/ Brood protection | |
---|---|
Definition | Any parental trait that enhances the fitness of a parent’s offspring after the offspring is released from the female body [1317]. Viviparity and other forms of lecitotrophy are excluded here from this definition and not considered as forms of parental care. |
Identifier | http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/GO_0060746 |
Related terms | Location of parental care; Parental expenditure; Parental investment; Parental effort; Parental effect; Parental behaviour |
Additional explanations | Can include e.g. brooding, protective behaviour, active feeding of the offspring or the creation of protective structures (e.g. mucus or jelly masses). |
Modalities | |
yes | |
no |
Substrate type of settlement | |
---|---|
Definition | Settlement is defined as the behavioural performance when pelagic larvae descend from the plankton to the benthos, and move upon the substratum with or without attaching to it. Settlement is reversible: a larva can swim up again from the substrate to resettle at another location [1298]. The surface on which larvae choose to settle is defined as the substrate of settlement. |
Identifier | http://polytraits.lifewatchgreece.eu/terms/SETTL |
Related terms | habitat type of settlement / early development |
Additional explanations | Larvae of some invertebrates settle and metamorphose in response to a specific cue from a unique source [1304; 1305]. Others respond to cues originating from several sources [1306]. |
Modalities | |
hard substrates | |
sand | |
mud | |
clay | |
silt | |
gravel | |
pebbles | |
cobbles | |
boulders | |
bacterial/ organic biofilm |