1
|
Peller T, Altermatt F. Invasive species drive cross-ecosystem effects worldwide. Nat Ecol Evol 2024; 8:1087-1097. [PMID: 38503866 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-024-02380-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Invasive species are pervasive around the world and have profound impacts on the ecosystem they invade. Invasive species, however, can also have impacts beyond the ecosystem they invade by altering the flow of non-living materials (for example, nutrients or chemicals) or movement of organisms across the boundaries of the invaded ecosystem. Cross-ecosystem interactions via spatial flows are ubiquitous in nature, for example, connecting forests and lakes, grasslands and rivers, and coral reefs and the deep ocean. Yet, we have a limited understanding of the cross-ecosystem impacts invasive species have relative to their local effects. By synthesizing emerging evidence, here we demonstrate the cross-ecosystem impacts of invasive species as a ubiquitous phenomenon that influences biodiversity and ecosystem functioning around the world. We identify three primary ways by which invasive species have cross-ecosystem effects: first, by altering the magnitude of spatial flows across ecosystem boundaries; second, by altering the quality of spatial flows; and third, by introducing novel spatial flows. Ultimately, the strong impacts invasive species can drive across ecosystem boundaries suggests the need for a paradigm shift in how we study and manage invasive species around the world, expanding from a local to a cross-ecosystem perspective.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tianna Peller
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
- Department of Aquatic Ecology, Eawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland.
| | - Florian Altermatt
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
- Department of Aquatic Ecology, Eawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Blanchard G, Munoz F. Revisiting extinction debt through the lens of multitrophic networks and meta‐ecosystems. OIKOS 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.09435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Grégoire Blanchard
- AMAP, Univ. Montpellier, CIRAD, CNRS, INRAE, IRD Montpellier France
- AMAP, IRD, Herbier de Nouvelle Calédonie Nouméa Nouvelle Calédonie
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Quévreux P, Loreau M. Synchrony and Stability in Trophic Metacommunities: When Top Predators Navigate in a Heterogeneous World. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.865398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ecosystem stability strongly depends on spatial aspects since localized perturbations spread across an entire region through species dispersal. Assessing the synchrony of the response of connected populations is fundamental to understand stability at different scales because if populations fluctuate asynchronously, the risk of their simultaneous extinction is low, thus reducing the species' regional extinction risk. Here, we consider a metacommunity model consisting of two food chains connected by dispersal and we review the various mechanisms governing the transmission of small perturbations affecting populations in the vicinity of equilibrium. First, we describe how perturbations propagate vertically (i.e., within food chains through trophic interactions) and horizontally (i.e., between food chains through dispersal) in metacommunities. Then, we discuss the mechanisms susceptible to alter synchrony patterns such as density-depend dispersal or spatial heterogeneity. Density-dependent dispersal, which is the influence of prey or predator abundance on dispersal, has a major impact because the species with the highest coefficient of variation of biomass governs the dispersal rate of the dispersing species and determines the synchrony of its populations, thus bypassing the classic vertical transmission of perturbations. Spatial heterogeneity, which is a disparity between patches of the attack rate of predators on prey in our model, alters the vertical transmission of perturbations in each patch, thus making synchrony dependent on which patch is perturbed. Finally, by combining our understanding of the impact of each of these mechanisms on synchrony, we are able to full explain the response of realistic metacommunities such as the model developed by Rooney et al. (2006). By disentangling the main mechanisms governing synchrony, our metacommunity model provides a broad insight into the consequences of spacial aspects on food web stability.
Collapse
|
4
|
Theis K, Quévreux P, Loreau M. Nutrient cycling and self‐regulation determine food web stability. Funct Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Theis
- Theoretical and Experimental Ecology Station UPR 2001 CNRS Moulis France
| | - Pierre Quévreux
- Theoretical and Experimental Ecology Station UPR 2001 CNRS Moulis France
| | - Michel Loreau
- Theoretical and Experimental Ecology Station UPR 2001 CNRS Moulis France
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Erdozain M, Kidd KA, Emilson EJS, Capell SS, Luu T, Kreutzweiser DP, Gray MA. Forest management impacts on stream integrity at varying intensities and spatial scales: Do biological effects accumulate spatially? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 763:144043. [PMID: 33383512 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The effects of forest harvesting on headwaters are quite well understood, yet our understanding of whether impacts accumulate or dissipate downstream is limited. To address this, we investigated whether several biotic indicators changed from smaller to larger downstream sites (n = 6) within three basins that had intensive, extensive or minimal forest management in New Brunswick (Canada). Biofilm biomass and grazer abundance significantly increased from upstream to downstream, whereas organic matter decomposition and the autotrophic index of biofilms decreased. However, some spatial trends differed among basins and indicated either cumulative (macroinvertebrate abundance, predator density, sculpin GSI) or dissipative (autotrophic index, cotton decomposition) effects downstream, potentially explained by sediment and nutrient dynamics related to harvesting. No such among-basin differences were observed for leaf decomposition, biofilm biomass, macroinvertebrate richness or sculpin condition. Additionally, results suggest that some of the same biological impacts of forestry observed in small headwaters also occurred in larger systems. Although the intensive and extensive basins had lower macroinvertebrate diversity, there were no other signs of biological impairment, suggesting that, overall, current best management practices protect biological integrity downstream despite abiotic effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maitane Erdozain
- Canadian Rivers Institute and Biology Department, University of New Brunswick, 100 Tucker Park Road, Saint John, New Brunswick E2L 4L5, Canada.
| | - Karen A Kidd
- Canadian Rivers Institute and Biology Department, University of New Brunswick, 100 Tucker Park Road, Saint John, New Brunswick E2L 4L5, Canada; Department of Biology and School of Earth, Environment and Society, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W., Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Erik J S Emilson
- Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service, Great Lakes Forestry Centre, 1219 Queen St. East, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario P6A 2E5, Canada
| | - Scott S Capell
- Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service, Great Lakes Forestry Centre, 1219 Queen St. East, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario P6A 2E5, Canada
| | - Taylor Luu
- Department of Biology and School of Earth, Environment and Society, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W., Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - David P Kreutzweiser
- Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service, Great Lakes Forestry Centre, 1219 Queen St. East, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario P6A 2E5, Canada
| | - Michelle A Gray
- Canadian Rivers Institute and Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Management, University of New Brunswick, 28 Dineen Drive, Fredericton, New Brunswick E3B 5A3, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
From Marine Metacommunities to Meta-ecosystems: Examining the Nature, Scale and Significance of Resource Flows in Benthic Marine Environments. Ecosystems 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10021-020-00580-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
|
7
|
Jacquet C, Altermatt F. The ghost of disturbance past: long-term effects of pulse disturbances on community biomass and composition. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 287:20200678. [PMID: 32635861 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.0678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Current global change is associated with an increase in disturbance frequency and intensity, with the potential to trigger population collapses and to cause permanent transitions to new ecosystem states. However, our understanding of ecosystem responses to disturbances is still incomplete. Specifically, there is a mismatch between the diversity of disturbance regimes experienced by ecosystems and the one-dimensional description of disturbances used in most studies on ecological stability. To fill this gap, we conducted a full factorial experiment on microbial communities, where we varied the frequency and intensity of disturbances affecting species mortality, resulting in 20 different disturbance regimes. We explored the direct and long-term effects of these disturbance regimes on community biomass. While most communities were able to recover biomass and composition states similar to undisturbed controls after a halt of the disturbances, we identified some disturbance thresholds that had long-lasting legacies on communities. Using a model based on logistic growth, we identified qualitatively the sets of disturbance frequency and intensity that had equivalent long-term negative impacts on experimental communities. Our results show that an increase in disturbance intensity is a bigger threat for biodiversity and biomass recovery than the occurrence of more frequent but less intense disturbances.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire Jacquet
- Department of Aquatic Ecology, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Eawag, Dübendorf, Switzerland.,Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Florian Altermatt
- Department of Aquatic Ecology, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Eawag, Dübendorf, Switzerland.,Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Jacquet C, Gounand I, Altermatt F. How pulse disturbances shape size-abundance pyramids. Ecol Lett 2020; 23:1014-1023. [PMID: 32282125 DOI: 10.1111/ele.13508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Ecological pyramids represent the distribution of abundance and biomass of living organisms across body-sizes. Our understanding of their expected shape relies on the assumption of invariant steady-state conditions. However, most of the world's ecosystems experience disturbances that keep them far from such a steady state. Here, using the allometric scaling between population growth rate and body-size, we predict the response of size-abundance pyramids within a trophic guild to any combination of disturbance frequency and intensity affecting all species in a similar way. We show that disturbances narrow the base of size-abundance pyramids, lower their height and decrease total community biomass in a nonlinear way. An experimental test using microbial communities demonstrates that the model captures well the effect of disturbances on empirical pyramids. Overall, we demonstrate both theoretically and experimentally how disturbances that are not size-selective can nonetheless have disproportionate impacts on large species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire Jacquet
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland.,Department of Aquatic Ecology, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Eawag, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Isabelle Gounand
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland.,Department of Aquatic Ecology, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Eawag, Dübendorf, Switzerland.,Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UPEC, CNRS, IRD, INRA, Institut d'écologie et des sciences de l'environnement, IEES,, Paris, France
| | - Florian Altermatt
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland.,Department of Aquatic Ecology, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Eawag, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Harvey E, Gounand I, Fronhofer EA, Altermatt F. Metaecosystem dynamics drive community composition in experimental, multi‐layered spatial networks. OIKOS 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.07037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Harvey
- Dept of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, Univ. of Zurich Winterthurerstrasse 190 CH‐8057 Zürich Switzerland
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Inst. of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dept of Aquatic Ecology Überlandstrasse 133 CH‐8600 Dübendorf Switzerland
- Dépt de Sciences Biologiques, Univ. de Montréal Canada
| | - Isabelle Gounand
- Dept of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, Univ. of Zurich Winterthurerstrasse 190 CH‐8057 Zürich Switzerland
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Inst. of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dept of Aquatic Ecology Überlandstrasse 133 CH‐8600 Dübendorf Switzerland
| | - Emanuel A. Fronhofer
- Dept of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, Univ. of Zurich Winterthurerstrasse 190 CH‐8057 Zürich Switzerland
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Inst. of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dept of Aquatic Ecology Überlandstrasse 133 CH‐8600 Dübendorf Switzerland
| | - Florian Altermatt
- Dept of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, Univ. of Zurich Winterthurerstrasse 190 CH‐8057 Zürich Switzerland
- Dépt de Sciences Biologiques, Univ. de Montréal Canada
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Harvey E, Gounand I, Fronhofer EA, Altermatt F. Disturbance reverses classic biodiversity predictions in river-like landscapes. Proc Biol Sci 2019; 285:20182441. [PMID: 30963914 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2018.2441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Global analyses of biodiversity consistently reveal recurrent patterns of species distributions worldwide. However, unveiling the specific mechanisms behind those patterns remains logistically challenging, yet necessary for reliable biodiversity forecasts. Here, we combine theory and experiments to investigate the processes underlying spatial biodiversity patterns in dendritic, river-like landscapes, iconic examples of highly threatened ecosystems. We used geometric scaling properties, common to all rivers, to show that the distribution of biodiversity in these landscapes fundamentally depends on how ecological selection is modulated across space: while uniform ecological selection across the network leads to higher diversity in downstream confluences, this pattern can be inverted by disturbances when population turnover (i.e. local mortality) is higher upstream than downstream. Higher turnover in small headwater patches can slow down ecological selection, increasing local diversity in comparison to large downstream confluences. Our results show that disturbance-mediated slowing down of competitive exclusion can generate a specific transient signature in terms of biodiversity distribution when applied over a spatial gradient of disturbance, which is a common feature of many river landscapes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Harvey
- 1 Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich , Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zürich , Switzerland.,2 Department of Aquatic Ecology, Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology , Überlandstrasse 133, CH-8600 Dübendorf , Switzerland.,3 Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto , Toronto , Canada M5S 3B2
| | - Isabelle Gounand
- 1 Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich , Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zürich , Switzerland.,2 Department of Aquatic Ecology, Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology , Überlandstrasse 133, CH-8600 Dübendorf , Switzerland
| | - Emanuel A Fronhofer
- 1 Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich , Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zürich , Switzerland.,2 Department of Aquatic Ecology, Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology , Überlandstrasse 133, CH-8600 Dübendorf , Switzerland.,4 ISEM, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, EDPHE , Montpellier , France
| | - Florian Altermatt
- 1 Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich , Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zürich , Switzerland.,2 Department of Aquatic Ecology, Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology , Überlandstrasse 133, CH-8600 Dübendorf , Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Massé Jodoin J, Guichard F. Non‐resource effects of foundation species on meta‐ecosystem stability and function. OIKOS 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.06506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Julien Massé Jodoin
- Dept of Biology, McGill Univ., 1205 Avenue du Docteur Penfield Montreal QC H3A 1B1 Canada
| | - Frédéric Guichard
- Dept of Biology, McGill Univ., 1205 Avenue du Docteur Penfield Montreal QC H3A 1B1 Canada
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Marleau JN, Guichard F. Meta-ecosystem processes alter ecosystem function and can promote herbivore-mediated coexistence. Ecology 2019; 100:e02699. [PMID: 30932180 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.2699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2018] [Revised: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Herbivory and dispersal play roles in the coexistence of primary producers with shared resource limitation by imposing trade-offs either through apparent competition or dispersal limitation. These mechanisms of coexistence can further interact with meta-ecosystem effects, which results in spatial heterogeneity through the movement of herbivores and nutrients. Here, we investigate how herbivores influence autotroph coexistence through a meta-ecosystem effect, and how this effect couples mechanisms of coexistence to ecosystem structure and functioning. We articulate this framework through a parameterized one resource-k producer-one herbivore meta-ecosystem model. The results show that herbivore movement with nutrient recycling can generate spatial heterogeneity to allow coexistence where the well-mixed system predicts competitive exclusion. Furthermore, the presence of movement alters local and regional ecosystem functioning even when coexistence would occur without movement. These results highlight how meta-ecosystem theory can provide a mechanistic context for the observed complexity of biodiversity-ecosystem function relationships.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justin N Marleau
- Department of Biology, McGill University, 1205 Avenue Docteur Penfield, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1B1, Canada
| | - Frederic Guichard
- Department of Biology, McGill University, 1205 Avenue Docteur Penfield, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1B1, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
De Raedt J, Baert JM, Janssen CR, De Laender F. Stressor fluxes alter the relationship between beta‐diversity and regional productivity. OIKOS 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.05191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan De Raedt
- Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Applied Ecology, Dept of Applied Ecology and Environmental Biology, Ghent Univ Coupure Links 653 BE‐9000 Ghent Belgium
- Res. in Environmental and Evolutionary Biology, Univ. of Namur Namur Belgium
| | - Jan M. Baert
- Biology Dept, Ghent Univ., Ghent, Belgium, and: Biology Dept, Univ. of Antwerp Antwerp Belgium
| | - Colin R. Janssen
- Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Applied Ecology, Dept of Applied Ecology and Environmental Biology, Ghent Univ Coupure Links 653 BE‐9000 Ghent Belgium
| | - Frederik De Laender
- Res. in Environmental and Evolutionary Biology, Univ. of Namur Namur Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Gülzow N, Wahlen Y, Hillebrand H. Metaecosystem Dynamics of Marine Phytoplankton Alters Resource Use Efficiency along Stoichiometric Gradients. Am Nat 2018; 193:35-50. [PMID: 30562039 DOI: 10.1086/700835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Metaecosystem theory addresses the link between local (within habitats) and regional (between habitats) dynamics by simultaneously analyzing spatial community ecology and abiotic matter flow. Here we experimentally address how spatial resource gradients and connectivity affect resource use efficiency (RUE) and stoichiometry in marine phytoplankton as well as the community composition at local and regional scales. We created gradostat metaecosystems consisting of five linearly interconnected patches, which were arranged either in countercurrent gradients of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) supply or with a uniform spatial distribution of nutrients and which had either low or high connectivity. Gradient metaecosystems were characterized by higher remaining N and P concentrations (and N∶P ratios) than uniform ones, a difference reduced by higher connectivity. The position of the patch in the gradient strongly constrained elemental stoichiometry, local biovolume production, and RUE. As expected, algal carbon (C)∶N, biovolume, and N-specific RUE decreased toward the N-rich end of the gradient metaecosystem, whereas the opposite was observed for most of the gradient for C∶P, N∶P, and P-specific RUE. However, at highest N∶P supply, unexpectedly low C∶P, N∶P, and P-specific RUE values were found, indicating that the low availability of P inhibited efficient use of N and biovolume production. Consequently, gradient metaecosystems had lower overall biovolume at the regional scale. Whereas treatment effects on local richness were weak, gradients were characterized by higher dissimilarity in species composition. Thus, the stoichiometry of resource supply and spatial connectivity between patches appeared as decisive elements constraining phytoplankton composition and functioning in metaecosystems.
Collapse
|
15
|
Spatiotemporal disturbance characteristics determine functional stability and collapse risk of simulated microbial ecosystems. Sci Rep 2018; 8:9488. [PMID: 29934540 PMCID: PMC6015006 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-27785-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2017] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Terrestrial microbial ecosystems are exposed to many types of disturbances varying in their spatial and temporal characteristics. The ability to cope with these disturbances is crucial for maintaining microbial ecosystem functions, especially if disturbances recur regularly. Thus, understanding microbial ecosystem dynamics under recurrent disturbances and identifying drivers of functional stability and thresholds for functional collapse is important. Using a spatially explicit ecological model of bacterial growth, dispersal, and substrate consumption, we simulated spatially heterogeneous recurrent disturbances and investigated the dynamic response of pollutant biodegradation – exemplarily for an important ecosystem function. We found that thresholds for functional collapse are controlled by the combination of disturbance frequency and spatial configuration (spatiotemporal disturbance regime). For rare disturbances, the occurrence of functional collapse is promoted by low spatial disturbance fragmentation. For frequent disturbances, functional collapse is almost inevitable. Moreover, the relevance of bacterial growth and dispersal for functional stability also depends on the spatiotemporal disturbance regime. Under disturbance regimes with moderate severity, microbial properties can strongly affect functional stability and shift the threshold for functional collapse. Similarly, networks facilitating bacterial dispersal can delay functional collapse. Consequently, measures to enhance or sustain bacterial growth/dispersal are promising strategies to prevent functional collapses under moderate disturbance regimes.
Collapse
|
16
|
Yang H, Chen J. Integrating landscape system and meta-ecosystem frameworks to advance the understanding of ecosystem function in heterogeneous landscapes: An analysis on the carbon fluxes in the Northern Highlands Lake District (NHLD) of Wisconsin and Michigan. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0192569. [PMID: 29415066 PMCID: PMC5802935 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0192569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 01/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The successful integration of ecosystem ecology with landscape ecology would be conducive to understanding how landscapes function. There have been several attempts at this, with two main approaches: (1) an ecosystem-based approach, such as the meta-ecosystem framework and (2) a landscape-based approach, such as the landscape system framework. These two frameworks are currently disconnected. To integrate these two frameworks, we introduce a protocol, and then demonstrate application of the protocol using a case study. The protocol includes four steps: 1) delineating landscape systems; 2) classifying landscape systems; 3) adjusting landscape systems to meta-ecosystems and 4) integrating landscape system and meta-ecosystem frameworks through meta-ecosystems. The case study is the analyzing of the carbon fluxes in the Northern Highlands Lake District (NHLD) of Wisconsin and Michigan using this protocol. The application of this protocol revealed that one could follow this protocol to construct a meta-ecosystem and analyze it using the integrative framework of landscape system and meta-ecosystem frameworks. That is, one could (1) appropriately describe and analyze the spatial heterogeneity of the meta-ecosystem; (2) understand the emergent properties arising from spatial coupling of local ecosystems in the meta-ecosystem. In conclusion, this protocol is a useful approach for integrating the meta-ecosystem framework and the landscape system framework, which advances the describing and analyzing of the spatial heterogeneity and ecosystem function of interconnected ecosystems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haile Yang
- Institute of Biodiversity Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiakuan Chen
- Institute of Biodiversity Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Centre for Watershed Ecology, Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Harvey E, Gounand I, Ganesanandamoorthy P, Altermatt F. Spatially cascading effect of perturbations in experimental meta-ecosystems. Proc Biol Sci 2017; 283:rspb.2016.1496. [PMID: 27629038 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2016.1496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ecosystems are linked to neighbouring ecosystems not only by dispersal, but also by the movement of subsidy. Such subsidy couplings between ecosystems have important landscape-scale implications because perturbations in one ecosystem may affect community structure and functioning in neighbouring ecosystems via increased/decreased subsidies. Here, we combine a general theoretical approach based on harvesting theory and a two-patch protist meta-ecosystem experiment to test the effect of regional perturbations on local community dynamics. We first characterized the relationship between the perturbation regime and local population demography on detritus production using a mathematical model. We then experimentally simulated a perturbation gradient affecting connected ecosystems simultaneously, thus altering cross-ecosystem subsidy exchanges. We demonstrate that the perturbation regime can interact with local population dynamics to trigger unexpected temporal variations in subsidy pulses from one ecosystem to another. High perturbation intensity initially led to the highest level of subsidy flows; however, the level of perturbation interacted with population dynamics to generate a crash in subsidy exchange over time. Both theoretical and experimental results show that a perturbation regime interacting with local community dynamics can induce a collapse in population levels for recipient ecosystems. These results call for integrative management of human-altered landscapes that takes into account regional dynamics of both species and resource flows.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Harvey
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland Department of Aquatic Ecology, Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 133, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Isabelle Gounand
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland Department of Aquatic Ecology, Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 133, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Pravin Ganesanandamoorthy
- Department of Aquatic Ecology, Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 133, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Florian Altermatt
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland Department of Aquatic Ecology, Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 133, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Santschi F, Gounand I, Harvey E, Altermatt F. Leaf litter diversity and structure of microbial decomposer communities modulate litter decomposition in aquatic systems. Funct Ecol 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.12980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fabienne Santschi
- Department of Aquatic EcologyEawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology Dübendorf Switzerland
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental StudiesUniversity of Zurich Zürich Switzerland
| | - Isabelle Gounand
- Department of Aquatic EcologyEawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology Dübendorf Switzerland
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental StudiesUniversity of Zurich Zürich Switzerland
| | - Eric Harvey
- Department of Aquatic EcologyEawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology Dübendorf Switzerland
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental StudiesUniversity of Zurich Zürich Switzerland
| | - Florian Altermatt
- Department of Aquatic EcologyEawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology Dübendorf Switzerland
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental StudiesUniversity of Zurich Zürich Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Harvey E, Gounand I, Little CJ, Fronhofer EA, Altermatt F. Upstream trophic structure modulates downstream community dynamics via resource subsidies. Ecol Evol 2017; 7:5724-5731. [PMID: 29085622 PMCID: PMC5655794 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2016] [Revised: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In many natural systems, the physical structure of the landscape dictates the flow of resources. Despite mounting evidence that communities' dynamics can be indirectly coupled by reciprocal among ecosystem resource flows, our understanding of how directional resource flows might indirectly link biological communities is limited. We here propose that differences in community structure upstream should lead to different downstream dynamics, even in the absence of dispersal of organisms. We report an experimental test of the effect of upstream community structure on downstream community dynamics in a simplified but highly controlled setting, using protist microcosms. We implemented directional flows of resources, without dispersal, from a standard resource pool into upstream communities of contrasting interaction structure and then to further downstream communities of either one or two trophic levels. Our results demonstrate that different types of species interactions in upstream habitats may lead to different population sizes and levels of biomass in these upstream habitats. This, in turn, leads to varying levels of detritus transfer (dead biomass) to the downstream communities, thus influencing their population densities and trophic interactions in predictable ways. Our results suggest that the structure of species interactions in directionally structured ecosystems can be a key mediator of alterations to downstream habitats. Alterations to upstream habitats can thus cascade down to downstream communities, even without dispersal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Harvey
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies University of Zurich Zürich Switzerland.,Department of Aquatic Ecology Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology Dübendorf Switzerland
| | - Isabelle Gounand
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies University of Zurich Zürich Switzerland.,Department of Aquatic Ecology Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology Dübendorf Switzerland
| | - Chelsea J Little
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies University of Zurich Zürich Switzerland.,Department of Aquatic Ecology Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology Dübendorf Switzerland
| | - Emanuel A Fronhofer
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies University of Zurich Zürich Switzerland.,Department of Aquatic Ecology Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology Dübendorf Switzerland
| | - Florian Altermatt
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies University of Zurich Zürich Switzerland.,Department of Aquatic Ecology Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology Dübendorf Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Abstract
Metacommunity theory has provided many insights into the general problem of local versus regional control of species diversity and relative abundance. The metacommunity framework has been extended from competitive interactions to whole food webs that can be described as spatial networks of interaction networks. Trophic metacommunity theory greatly contributed to resolving the community complexity-stability debate by predicting its dependence on the regional spatial context. The meta-ecosystem framework has since been suggested as a useful simplification of complex ecosystems to apply this spatial context to spatial flows of both individuals and matter. Reviewing the recent literature on metacommunity and meta-ecosystem theories suggests the importance of unifying theories of interaction strength into a meta-ecosystem framework that captures how the strength of spatial, species, and ecosystem fluxes are distributed across location and trophic levels. Such integration predicts important feedback between local and regional processes that drive the assembly of species, the stability of community, and the emergence of ecosystem functions, from limited spatial fluxes of individuals and (in)organic matter. These predictions are often mediated by the maintenance of environmental or endogenous fluctuations from local to regional scales that create important challenges and opportunities for the validation of metacommunity and meta-ecosystem theories and their application to conservation.
Collapse
|
21
|
Massol F, Altermatt F, Gounand I, Gravel D, Leibold MA, Mouquet N. How life-history traits affect ecosystem properties: effects of dispersal in meta-ecosystems. OIKOS 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.03893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- François Massol
- CNRS, Univ. de Lille, UMR 8198 Evo-Eco-Paleo, SPICI group; FR-59000 Lille France
| | - Florian Altermatt
- Dept of Aquatic Ecology, Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology; Dübendorf, Switzerland, and: Dept of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, Univ. of Zürich; Zürich Switzerland
| | - Isabelle Gounand
- Dept of Aquatic Ecology, Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology; Dübendorf, Switzerland, and: Dept of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, Univ. of Zürich; Zürich Switzerland
| | - Dominique Gravel
- Dépt de biologie; Univ. de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada, and: Québec Center for Biodiversity Science; Quebec Canada
| | - Mathew A. Leibold
- Dept of Integrative Biology; Univ. of Texas at Austin; Austin TX USA
| | - Nicolas Mouquet
- 7 UMR MARBEC (MARine Biodiversity, Exploitation and Conservation); Univ. de Montpellier; Montpellier France
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Gounand I, Harvey E, Ganesanandamoorthy P, Altermatt F. Subsidies mediate interactions between communities across space. OIKOS 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.03922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Gounand
- Dept of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies; Univ. of Zurich; Winterthurerstrasse 190 CH-8057 Zürich Switzerland
| | - Eric Harvey
- Dept of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies; Univ. of Zurich; Winterthurerstrasse 190 CH-8057 Zürich Switzerland
| | - Pravin Ganesanandamoorthy
- Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology; Dept of Aquatic Ecology; Dübendorf Switzerland
| | - Florian Altermatt
- Dept of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies; Univ. of Zurich; Winterthurerstrasse 190 CH-8057 Zürich Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|