FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY

Scope & Guideline

Decoding Ecosystem Dynamics for Tomorrow's Challenges

Introduction

Immerse yourself in the scholarly insights of FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY with our comprehensive guidelines detailing its aims and scope. This page is your resource for understanding the journal's thematic priorities. Stay abreast of trending topics currently drawing significant attention and explore declining topics for a full picture of evolving interests. Our selection of highly cited topics and recent high-impact papers is curated within these guidelines to enhance your research impact.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN0269-8463
PublisherWILEY
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1987 to 2024
AbbreviationFUNCT ECOL / Funct. Ecol.
Frequency6 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ

Aims and Scopes

Functional Ecology is dedicated to advancing our understanding of the functional roles of organisms in their ecosystems, emphasizing the interplay between ecological processes, species interactions, and environmental changes. The journal showcases research that integrates functional traits with ecological dynamics, providing insights into biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, and responses to anthropogenic pressures.
  1. Functional Traits and Ecosystem Processes:
    The journal focuses on how functional traits of organisms influence ecosystem processes, such as nutrient cycling, productivity, and food web dynamics. This includes studies on plant traits, animal behavior, and microbial functions.
  2. Responses to Environmental Change:
    Research published in Functional Ecology often examines how species and ecosystems respond to environmental changes, including climate change, urbanization, and habitat modification. This encompasses physiological, behavioral, and community-level responses.
  3. Inter-species Interactions and Community Dynamics:
    The journal emphasizes studies that explore the interactions among species, such as predation, competition, and mutualism, and how these interactions shape community structure and biodiversity.
  4. Cross-disciplinary Approaches:
    Functional Ecology promotes interdisciplinary research that combines ecology with evolutionary biology, physiology, and biochemistry, fostering a comprehensive understanding of ecological phenomena.
  5. Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning:
    The relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning is a core theme, with articles addressing how species diversity affects ecosystem resilience, stability, and service provision.
Functional Ecology is at the forefront of addressing pressing ecological issues, with several trending and emerging research themes that reflect current scientific interests and societal challenges.
  1. Impact of Climate Change on Ecosystem Dynamics:
    Research focusing on the effects of climate change on ecological interactions, species distribution, and ecosystem functioning is increasingly prevalent. This includes studies on thermal tolerance, phenological shifts, and adaptations to changing climates.
  2. Microbial Ecology and Soil Health:
    There is a growing emphasis on the role of soil microbial communities in ecosystem functioning, particularly in relation to nutrient cycling, carbon storage, and plant-microbe interactions.
  3. Urban Ecology and Anthropogenic Effects:
    Studies examining the ecological impacts of urbanization, including changes in species interactions, functional diversity, and ecosystem services, are gaining traction as urban areas expand.
  4. Functional Trait Variation and Intraspecific Diversity:
    Research is increasingly focusing on intraspecific variation in functional traits and how this diversity affects ecological performance, resilience, and adaptive capacity in changing environments.
  5. Ecosystem Services and Human Well-being:
    There is a rising interest in linking ecological research to ecosystem services and human well-being, emphasizing the importance of biodiversity and ecosystem functioning for sustainable development.

Declining or Waning

While Functional Ecology continues to thrive in many areas, certain themes and methodologies appear to be waning in prominence. This decline may reflect shifts in research focus or changes in the ecological challenges being addressed.
  1. Studies Focused Solely on Taxonomic Diversity:
    There has been a noticeable decline in papers that prioritize taxonomic diversity without considering functional implications. The emphasis has shifted towards understanding functional diversity and its ecological consequences.
  2. Traditional Laboratory Studies:
    Research relying solely on controlled laboratory experiments is less frequent, as there is a growing preference for field studies that address real-world ecological dynamics and incorporate complex environmental interactions.
  3. Static Ecological Models:
    The use of static models that do not account for temporal dynamics or ecological interactions is decreasing. Researchers are increasingly favoring dynamic models that incorporate variability and complexity in ecological systems.
  4. Focus on Single Species Studies:
    There is a reduction in studies that focus on single species in isolation. Instead, there is a trend towards examining multi-species interactions and community-level dynamics.
  5. Descriptive Ecology without Functional Insights:
    Descriptive studies that lack functional insights or implications for ecosystem processes are becoming less common, as the field moves towards integrating functional traits into ecological research.

Similar Journals

Annual Review of Ecology Evolution and Systematics

Pioneering Research in Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics
Publisher: ANNUAL REVIEWSISSN: 1543-592XFrequency: 1 issue/year

The Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics, published by Annual Reviews, is a leading academic journal dedicated to advancing the understanding of ecological and evolutionary processes. With a commendable impact factor and impressive rankings—9th in both the Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics category and the Environmental Science category—this journal is recognized for its rigorous peer-reviewed articles that synthesize research findings across a wide range of topics within the fields of ecology and evolutionary biology. Established in 2003, this annual publication aims to provide researchers, professionals, and students with comprehensive insights into the latest developments and trends within these dynamic disciplines. By facilitating access to high-quality scholarly articles, the Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics continues to play a crucial role in fostering scientific discourse and discovery.

Fungal Ecology

Illuminating the Role of Fungi in Ecosystems
Publisher: ELSEVIER SCI LTDISSN: 1754-5048Frequency: 4 issues/year

Fungal Ecology, published by Elsevier Science Ltd, is a leading international journal dedicated to the exploration and advancement of our understanding of fungal biology and its ecological significance. With an impressive impact factor and recognized in the second quartile (Q2) across various categories such as Ecological Modeling, Ecology, Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics, and Plant Science, this journal offers a critical platform for researchers and professionals to disseminate and discuss innovations in fungal ecology. Since its inception in 2008, the journal has built a solid reputation, particularly highlighted by its impressive Scopus rankings, including a top percentile status in ecological fields. Researchers are encouraged to submit their findings that contribute to the understanding of the ecological roles of fungi, their interactions within ecosystems, and their applications in environmental science. Although the journal does not offer open access, it remains a vital resource for academics and practitioners aiming to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving fields of fungal research and ecology. Located in the vibrant heart of the Netherlands, the journal continues to foster scholarly engagement and collaboration among scientists globally.

COMMUNITY ECOLOGY

Advancing Understanding of Community Dynamics
Publisher: SPRINGER HEIDELBERGISSN: 1585-8553Frequency: 2 issues/year

COMMUNITY ECOLOGY is a distinguished journal published by Springer Heidelberg that focuses on the intricate dynamics of ecological interactions within communities. Established in 2000 and continuing robustly through to 2024, this journal aims to disseminate significant research findings that contribute to the understanding of ecological processes, species interactions, and community structures. With an ISSN of 1585-8553 and an E-ISSN of 1588-2756, the journal holds a commendable position in the academic sphere, reflected in its Q2 quartile rankings in the categories of Ecology and Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics. It boasts an impressive Scopus ranking within the 57th percentile for both Agricultural and Biological Sciences and Environmental Science fields, attesting to its relevance and influence. Though it does not currently operate under an open access model, COMMUNITY ECOLOGY remains a vital resource for researchers, professionals, and students eager to advance their knowledge in community ecology, highlighting the importance of collaborative research in addressing ecological challenges globally.

ACTA OECOLOGICA-INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY

Pioneering Research for Ecological Understanding
Publisher: ELSEVIERISSN: 1146-609XFrequency: 6 issues/year

ACTA OECOLOGICA-INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY, published by Elsevier, stands as a prominent platform for disseminating innovative research in the diverse field of ecology. Operating since 1983 and continuing to make significant contributions into 2024, this journal features critical studies that advance our understanding of ecological systems, behaviors, and conservation efforts. With an impressive Q2 ranking in both the ecology and nature conservation categories, it exemplifies high-quality scholarship, reflected in its Scopus rankings—#74 in Environmental Science and #254 in Agricultural and Biological Sciences. Researchers, professionals, and students in the field are invited to explore the latest findings and methodologies that address pivotal ecological issues. As a journal committed to fostering academic collaboration, ACTA OECOLOGICA is essential for anyone dedicated to enhancing their comprehension of ecological dynamics and advancing sustainability practices globally.

Revista Mexicana de Biodiversidad

Fostering Global Dialogue on Biodiversity and Conservation
Publisher: INST BIOLOGIA, UNIV NACIONAL AUTONOMA MEXICOISSN: 1870-3453Frequency: 4 issues/year

Revista Mexicana de Biodiversidad is a prominent academic journal dedicated to the field of biodiversity and conservation, published by the prestigious Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Since its inception as an Open Access publication in 2005, it has aimed to disseminate high-quality research that advances the understanding of biological diversity in Mexico and beyond. With an ISSN of 1870-3453 and an E-ISSN of 2007-8706, the journal caters to a diverse audience, including researchers, professionals, and students, by providing vital insights into ecological studies, conservation strategies, and the sustainable management of natural resources. The journal is committed to fostering scientific collaboration and promoting the significance of biodiversity in addressing contemporary environmental challenges. By publishing innovative and impactful research, the Revista Mexicana de Biodiversidad plays an essential role in the global discourse on biodiversity conservation.

ECOSCIENCE

Exploring the intersection of ecology and environmental science.
Publisher: TAYLOR & FRANCIS INCISSN: 1195-6860Frequency: 4 issues/year

ECOSCIENCE, published by Taylor & Francis Inc, stands as a prominent journal in the fields of Ecology and Environmental Science, recognized for its commitment to advancing knowledge since its inception in 1994. With an ISSN of 1195-6860 and an E-ISSN of 2376-7626, the journal caters to a diverse audience of researchers, professionals, and students passionate about ecological and environmental issues. In 2023, it achieved Q2 and Q3 rankings in the Scopus category of Ecology and Evolution, Behavior and Systematics, reflecting its significance within the academic community. Moreover, ECOSCIENCE occupies notable positions in Scopus rankings, including Rank #324 in Agricultural and Biological Sciences and Rank #210 in Environmental Science, symbolizing its role as a catalyst for disseminating high-quality research. Although currently not open access, the journal's multifaceted scope encourages in-depth discussions on ecological diversity, conservation strategies, and sustainable practices, making it an invaluable resource for those engaged in ecological research and practice.

OECOLOGIA

Unraveling the Mysteries of Life Through Interdisciplinary Science
Publisher: SPRINGERISSN: 0029-8549Frequency: 12 issues/year

OECOLOGIA is a prestigious journal dedicated to the interdisciplinary fields of ecology, evolution, behavior, and systematics, published by Springer. Established in 1968, this journal has consistently contributed to the scientific community, maintaining a strong impact factor reflected in its Q1 ranking within its category for 2023, and an impressive 79th percentile among 721 journals in the Scopus rank for Agricultural and Biological Sciences. With a commitment to advancing ecological knowledge and fostering innovative research, OECOLOGIA serves as a vital platform for researchers, professionals, and students exploring complex ecological dynamics and evolutionary processes. Although it does not offer open access, the journal remains dedicated to high-quality, peer-reviewed publications that inspire and inform the next generation of ecological science. For those interested in the latest trends and significant findings in biology and ecology, OECOLOGIA is an essential resource that continues to shape the discourse and understanding in these critical fields.

Fundamental and Applied Limnology

Connecting Theory and Practice: Your Resource for Freshwater Research
Publisher: E SCHWEIZERBARTSCHE VERLAGSBUCHHANDLUNGISSN: 1863-9135Frequency: 12 issues/year

Fundamental and Applied Limnology is an esteemed academic journal dedicated to the exploration of freshwater ecosystems, bridging the gap between fundamental research and practical applications. Published by E Schweizerbart'sche Verlagsbuchhandlung in Germany, this journal has been a vital resource in the fields of aquatic science and ecology since its inception in 2007. With its ISSN 1863-9135 and E-ISSN 1863-9135, it provides a platform for researchers to disseminate significant findings related to limnology, contributing to a rich understanding of freshwater biodiversity, water quality, and ecological interactions. Although currently rated in the Q3 quartile for aquatic sciences and ecology as per the 2023 rankings, it remains a valuable outlet for interdisciplinary research and practical insights, facilitating critical advancements in environmental management. Open access options enhance its visibility and accessibility, making it indispensable for researchers, professionals, and students alike who are committed to advancing the scholarship in freshwater studies. Engaging with this journal not only opens doors to the latest research findings but also fosters collaboration and innovation in the ecological community.

BASIC AND APPLIED ECOLOGY

Exploring the intricate connections of nature and science.
Publisher: ELSEVIER GMBHISSN: 1439-1791Frequency: 8 issues/year

BASIC AND APPLIED ECOLOGY, published by Elsevier GmbH in Germany, stands out as a premier journal in the field of ecology, evolution, behavior, and systematics. With its ISSN 1439-1791 and E-ISSN 1618-0089, the journal enjoys a distinguished reputation, evidenced by its classification in the Q1 category for Ecology in 2023 and impressively ranking #89 out of 721 in this domain according to Scopus. Since its inception in 2000, it has served as a vital platform for disseminating high-quality research that bridges theoretical insights and practical applications in ecology. Researchers, professionals, and students alike can look forward to the latest findings that not only foster a deeper understanding of ecological processes but also inform sustainable practices crucial for our environment. As the journal continues its journey through to 2024, it remains committed to advancing ecological knowledge and supporting innovative research in an ever-evolving field.

FOLIA GEOBOTANICA

Bridging the gap between ancient ecosystems and modern plant science.
Publisher: SPRINGERISSN: 1211-9520Frequency: 4 issues/year

FOLIA GEOBOTANICA, published by Springer, is a distinguished journal dedicated to advancing the fields of Paleontology and Plant Science through the dissemination of high-quality research. With an ISSN of 1211-9520 and an E-ISSN of 1874-9348, this journal has been pivotal in providing a platform for innovative studies from 1994 to 2024. Notably, FOLIA GEOBOTANICA holds a Q3 ranking in Paleontology and a Q2 ranking in Plant Science as of 2023, affirming its relevance and contribution to the scholarly community. The journal is located in the Netherlands at VAN GODEWIJCKSTRAAT 30, 3311 GZ DORDRECHT, and is not an Open Access publication, ensuring comprehensive review processes and scholarly integrity. With Scopus rankings that place it in the 50th percentile for Plant Science and 46th for Paleontology, FOLIA GEOBOTANICA continues to attract researchers, professionals, and students who are keen to explore the intricacies of plant ecology and fossil records, thereby fostering a deeper understanding of ecological and evolutionary patterns.