Abstract
De Bello et al. contemplate the usefulness of phylogenetic corrections in ecological studies involving species traits. They conclude that it is necessary to consider phylogeny when focusing on the evolution of a trait as an adaptation to the environment, but unnecessary when assessing how the composition of traits across a community of species changes along an environmental gradient or under short-term environmental change.
Although I agree with their points, the ultimate aim is often to make predictions for new conditions. I therefore suggest putting more effort into exploring the mechanisms behind variation in trait values along environmental gradients.
Understanding which functional traits evolved as adaptations is thus a necessary baseline for predicting changes in species functional composition and ecosystem processes in the near future.