What does this research mean for the field?

Integrating morphological, molecular, isotopic, and phylogenetic approaches provides a necessary framework for interpreting the functional structure of termite communities, revealing that taxonomic distinctiveness can mask substantial functional redundancy in environmentally constrained ecosystems. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.METHODOLOGICAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

The research aims to evaluate how different ecological approaches can enhance the understanding of termite community composition and organization in mangroves.

March 29, 2026Open Access

Morphological, Molecular, and Isotopic Approaches to Termite Ecology: A Mangrove Case Study

Key Points

The research aims to evaluate how different ecological approaches can enhance the understanding of termite community composition and organization in mangroves.
Utilized transect-based sampling to collect termite species data.
Employed morphological and molecular identification techniques for species classification.
Conducted stable isotope analyses to assess trophic interactions and carbon sources.
Applied phylogenetic community metrics to analyze the relationship between species diversity and community assembly.
Identified six termite species, showing less diversity than typical inland tropical forests.
Stable isotope analyses indicated significant trophic overlap among species, revealing functional redundancy despite distinct species.
Phylogenetic analyses revealed no significant clustering, suggesting stochastic processes influence community assembly in this constrained environment.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Understanding the structure, functional roles, and assembly of termite communities remains challenging because cryptic diversity, overlapping feeding strategies, and methodological limitations often obscure ecological differentiation. Integrating complementary approaches can address these constraints, yet their joint ability to resolve community structure remains poorly evaluated. Here, we examine how morphological, molecular, stable isotope, and phylogenetic approaches contribute, individually and in combination, to understanding termite community composition, trophic organization, and assembly mechanisms. We applied a standardized integrative framework combining transect‐based sampling, morphological and molecular species identification, stable isotope analyses (δ 15 N and δ 13 C), and phylogenetic community metrics. This framework was assessed using a Caribbean mangrove ecosystem as a case study, where strong environmental filters provide a stringent test of methodological resolution. Six termite species were recorded, reflecting markedly lower richness than is typical of inland tropical forests. Although transect‐based sampling proved effective for capturing species composition, taxonomic completeness alone did not translate into functional or structural differentiation within the community. Stable isotope analyses revealed pronounced trophic overlap and a shared reliance on C 3 plant‐derived carbon, indicating substantial functional redundancy despite taxonomic distinctiveness. Phylogenetic analyses showed no significant clustering or overdispersion, suggesting that community assembly is shaped by stochastic colonization operating within a narrow set of viable functional strategies imposed by environmental filtering. Together, these results show that integrating isotopic and phylogenetic tools with standardized sampling protocols is essential for interpreting the functional meaning of diversity patterns. This combined approach provides a transferable framework for studying community assembly in environmentally constrained and low‐diversity ecosystems.

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