StoichLife: A Global Dataset of Plant and Animal Elemental Content

The elemental content of life is a key trait shaping ecology and evolution, yet organismal stoichiometry has largely been studied on a case-by-case basis. This limitation has hindered our ability to identify broad patterns and mechanisms across taxa and ecosystems. To address this, we present StoichLife, a global dataset of 28,049 records from 5,876 species spanning terrestrial, freshwater, and marine realms. Compiled from published and unpublished sources, StoichLife documents elemental content and stoichiometric ratios (%C, %N, %P, C:N, C:P, and N:P) for individual plants and animals. The dataset is standardized and, where available, includes information on taxonomy, habitat, body mass (for animals), geography, and environmental conditions such as temperature, solar radiation, and nutrient availability. By providing an unprecedented breadth of organismal stoichiometry, StoichLife enables the exploration of global patterns, ecological and evolutionary drivers, and context-dependent variations. This resource advances our understanding of the chemical makeup of life and its responses to environmental change, supporting progress in ecological stoichiometry and related fields.

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González Angélica L., Merder Julian, Andraczek Karl, Brose Ulrich, Filipiak Michał, Harpole W. Stanley, Hillebrand Helmut, Jackson Michelle C., Jochum Malte, Leroux Shawn J., Nessel Mark P., Onstein Renske E., Paseka Rachel, Perry George L. W., Rugenski Amanda, Sitters Judith, Sperfeld Erik, Striebel Maren, Zandona Eugenia, Aymes Jean-Christophe, Blanckaert Alice, Bluhm Sarah L., Doi Hideyuki, Eisenhauer Nico, Farjalla Vinicius F., Hood James, Kratina Pavel, Labonne Jacques, Lovelock Catherine E., Moody Eric K., Mozsár Attila, Nash Liam, Pollierer Melanie M., Potapov Anton, Romero Gustavo Q., Roussel Jean-Marc, Scheu Stefan, Scheunemann Nicole, Seeber Julia, Steinwandter Michael, Susanti Winda Ika, Tiunov Alexei, Dézerald Olivier (2025). StoichLife: A Global Dataset of Plant and Animal Elemental Content. Scientific Data. 12 (1). 569 (13p.). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-025-04852-w, https://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00946/105821/

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