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:


References to literature are given as numbers in square brackets, by hovering over them, the full reference is displayed.


Adult traits

Body size (max)
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)
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
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
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
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
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