Description:
<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>Direct gradient analysis describes community change along abiotic gradients. Baastrup‐Spohr et al., in this issue of the <jats:italic>Journal of Vegetation Science</jats:italic>, go beyond description when exploring community assembly by trait selection. Using a system with a single overriding hydrological gradient, combined with functional traits related to these selective pressures, they also explain and predict community assembly through trait‐based filtering.</jats:p>