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Contrary to their terrestrial counterparts, freshwater plants are linked to flooding dynamics associated with their habitats in or around water. Gas diffusivity, light availability, nutrient concentrations, and flow velocity select not only on freshwater eco-physiological adaptive traits but also on general plant functional traits, such as plant height or specific leaf area. Emerging stressors under global change impact freshwater plant functions at different temporal and spatial scales via both trait–trait and trait–environment relationships. Predicting how freshwater plant communities are changing and the reciprocal relationships between freshwater plant functions and the environment will require a focus on the specific conditions and traits important for a life in water. Freshwater ecosystems are of worldwide importance for maintaining biodiversity and sustaining the provision of a myriad of ecosystem services to modern societies. Plants, one of the most important components of these ecosystems, are key to water nutrient removal, carbon storage, and food provision. Understanding how the functional connection between freshwater plants and ecosystems is affected by global change will be key to our ability to predict future changes in freshwater systems. Here, we synthesize global plant responses, adaptations, and feedbacks to present-day and future freshwater environments through trait-based approaches, from single individuals to entire communities. We outline the transdisciplinary knowledge benchmarks needed to further understand freshwater plant biodiversity and the fundamental services they provide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functional biogeography has advanced the field of functional ecology into a more spatially predictive science. However, freshwater plants are still underrepresented in these trait based advancements. Here, we argue that there is a need for developing a functional biogeographical framework for freshwater plants and initiate global mapping efforts focusing on the form and function of freshwater plants. Specific attention should be given to (1) the placement of freshwater plants in the global plant trait space and show how this placement links to global trait environment relationships; (2) the theoretical framework for major structural trait trait correlations based on the physical constraints in aquatic ecosystems; (3) the evolutionary and environmental drivers underlying the global distribution of inter and intra specific variation in different life forms; and (4) the level of equilibrium between spatial and temporal trait environment relationships in freshwater plants. By putting freshwater plants in the context of these spatial aspects, we could advance our understanding of freshwater plant adaptations and responses to environmental gradients, and thereby facilitate predicting the consequences of global changes for freshwater ecosystem functions and services. [Display omitted] • Freshwater plants have been underexamined in the context of functional biogeography. • Global mapping efforts focusing on their form and function are needed. • This will help advance our understanding of freshwater plant unique adaptations. • Such an exercise will be accomplished by the MAP Project (www.lifeinmud.com/map). • We are recruiting collaborators from around the world, starting in late 2021. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]