An example highlighting the different interpretations of FD and PD patterns when traits are labile.

When traits used to calculate FD are not phylogenetically conserved, PD values will not necessarily reflect FD. In this example, the trait represented by shape is labile across the phylogeny. As a result, a community that is clustered in PD (Community D) is overdispersed in FD. Similarly, a community that is overdispersed in PD (Community E) could be clustered in FD.