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Lopez LK, Gil MA, Crowley PH, Trimmer PC, Munson A, Ligocki IY, Michelangeli M, Sih A. Integrating animal behaviour into research on multiple environmental stressors: a conceptual framework. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2023; 98:1345-1364. [PMID: 37004993 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
While a large body of research has focused on the physiological effects of multiple environmental stressors, how behavioural and life-history plasticity mediate multiple-stressor effects remains underexplored. Behavioural plasticity can not only drive organism-level responses to stressors directly but can also mediate physiological responses. Here, we provide a conceptual framework incorporating four fundamental trade-offs that explicitly link animal behaviour to life-history-based pathways for energy allocation, shaping the impact of multiple stressors on fitness. We first address how small-scale behavioural changes can either mediate or drive conflicts between the effects of multiple stressors and alternative physiological responses. We then discuss how animal behaviour gives rise to three additional understudied and interrelated trade-offs: balancing the benefits and risks of obtaining the energy needed to cope with stressors, allocation of energy between life-history traits and stressor responses, and larger-scale escape from stressors in space or time via large-scale movement or dormancy. Finally, we outline how these trade-offs interactively affect fitness and qualitative ecological outcomes resulting from multiple stressors. Our framework suggests that explicitly considering animal behaviour should enrich our mechanistic understanding of stressor effects, help explain extensive context dependence observed in these effects, and highlight promising avenues for future empirical and theoretical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura K Lopez
- Department of Environmental Science & Policy, University of California, 2132 Wickson Hall, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, Kids Research, Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Corner Hawkesbury Road & Hainsworth Street, Westmead, New South Wales, 2145, Australia
| | - Michael A Gil
- Department of Environmental Science & Policy, University of California, 2132 Wickson Hall, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, Ramaley N122/Campus Box 334, Boulder, CO, 80309-0334, USA
| | - Philip H Crowley
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, 195 Huguelet Drive, 101 Thomas Hunt Morgan Building, Lexington, KY, 40506-0225, USA
| | - Pete C Trimmer
- Department of Environmental Science & Policy, University of California, 2132 Wickson Hall, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Warwick, University Road, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Amelia Munson
- Department of Environmental Science & Policy, University of California, 2132 Wickson Hall, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Isaac Y Ligocki
- Department of Biology, Millersville University of Pennsylvania, Roddy Science Hall, PO Box 1002, Millersville, PA, 17551, USA
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, Ohio State University, 318 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Marcus Michelangeli
- Department of Environmental Science & Policy, University of California, 2132 Wickson Hall, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
- Department of Wildlife, Fish & Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Skogsmarksgränd, Umeå, SE-907 36, Sweden
| | - Andrew Sih
- Department of Environmental Science & Policy, University of California, 2132 Wickson Hall, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
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Blake RE, Olin JA. Responses to simultaneous anthropogenic and biological stressors were mixed in an experimental saltmarsh ecosystem. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 179:105644. [PMID: 35696877 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2022.105644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Coastal ecosystems are essential for absorbing and bouncing back from the impacts of climate change, yet accelerating climate change is causing anthropogenically-derived stressors in these ecosystems to grow. The effects of stressors are more difficult to foresee when they act simultaneously, however, predicting these effects is critical for understanding ecological change. Spartina alterniflora (Spartina), a foundational saltmarsh plant key to coastal resilience, is subject to biological stress such as herbivory, as well as anthropogenic stress such as chemical pollution. Using saltmarsh mesocosms as a model system in a fully factorial experiment, we tested whether the effects of herbivory and two chemicals (oil and dispersant) were mediated or magnified in combination. Spartina responded to stressors asynchronously; ecophysiology responded negatively to oil and herbivores in the first 2-3 weeks of the experiment, whereas biomass responded negatively to oil and herbivores cumulatively throughout the experiment. We generally found mixed multi-stressor effects, with slightly more antagonistic effects compared to either synergistic or additive effects, despite significant reductions in Spartina biomass and growth from both chemical and herbivore treatments. We also observed an indirect positive effect of oil on Spartina, via a direct negative effect on insect herbivores. Our findings suggest that multi-stressor effects in our model system, 1) are mixed but can be antagonistic more often than expected, a finding contrary to previous assumptions of primarily synergistic effects, 2) can vary in duration, 3) can be difficult to discern a priori, and 4) can lead to ecological surprises through indirect effects with implications for coastal resilience. This leads us to conclude that understanding the simultaneous effects of multiple stressors is critical for predicting foundation-species persistence, discerning ecosystem resilience, and managing and mitigating impacts on ecosystem services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael E Blake
- Department of Oceanography & Coastal Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA; DataKind, 419 McDonald Ave Unit 180184, Brooklyn, NY, USA.
| | - Jill A Olin
- Department of Oceanography & Coastal Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, USA
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Ledet J, Campbell H, Byrne M, Poore AGB. Differential tolerance of species alters the seasonal response of marine epifauna to extreme warming. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 797:149215. [PMID: 34346350 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Marine heatwaves are occurring with greater frequency and magnitude worldwide and can significantly alter community structure and ecosystem function. Predicting changes in community structure in extreme temperatures requires an understanding of variation among species in their thermal tolerance, and how potential acclimatization to recent temperatures influences survival. To address this, we determined the tolerance to extreme temperatures in a crustacean epifaunal assemblage that inhabits macroalgae in the southeast Australian ocean warming hotspot. Amphipods were the most abundant group and the thermal tolerance of the most abundant species (two in winter and four in summer) was tested to determine their thermal limits and probability of survival in near-future extreme temperatures. Survival, measured as time to immobilization, was compared across species, sexes, life stage and body size. The greatest variation in tolerance to extreme temperatures was among species (not body sizes or life stages), indicating that heatwaves could shift the composition of the macroalgal associated epifaunal assemblage. Comparison of recent thermal history (between 18 °C to 22 °C) revealed greater thermal tolerance of warm acclimatized individuals. Our results indicate that the impacts of a marine heatwave will depend on local species composition and their timing relative to recent climate conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine Ledet
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Hamish Campbell
- School of Medical and Life and School of Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Maria Byrne
- School of Medical and Life and School of Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Alistair G B Poore
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
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4
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Richness of Primary Producers and Consumer Abundance Mediate Epiphyte Loads in a Tropical Seagrass System. DIVERSITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/d12100384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Consumer communities play an important role in maintaining ecosystem structure and function. In seagrass systems, algal regulation by mesograzers provides a critical maintenance function which promotes seagrass productivity. Consumer communities also represent a key link in trophic energy transfer and buffer negative effects to seagrasses associated with eutrophication. Such interactions are well documented in the literature regarding temperate systems, however, it is not clear if the same relationships exist in tropical systems. This study aimed to identify if the invertebrate communities within a tropical, multispecies seagrass meadow moderated epiphyte abundance under natural conditions by comparing algal abundance across two sites at Green Island, Australia. At each site, paired plots were established where invertebrate assemblages were perturbed via insecticide manipulation and compared to unmanipulated plots. An 89% increase in epiphyte abundance was seen after six weeks of experimental invertebrate reductions within the system. Using generalised linear mixed-effect models and path analysis, we found that the abundance of invertebrates was negatively correlated with epiphyte load on seagrass leaves. Habitat species richness was seen to be positively correlated with invertebrate abundance. These findings mirrored those of temperate systems, suggesting this mechanism operates similarly across latitudinal gradients.
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Vetter VMS, Kreyling J, Dengler J, Apostolova I, Arfin-Khan MAS, Berauer BJ, Berwaers S, De Boeck HJ, Nijs I, Schuchardt MA, Sopotlieva D, von Gillhausen P, Wilfahrt PA, Zimmermann M, Jentsch A. Invader presence disrupts the stabilizing effect of species richness in plant community recovery after drought. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2020; 26:3539-3551. [PMID: 32011046 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.15025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Higher biodiversity can stabilize the productivity and functioning of grassland communities when subjected to extreme climatic events. The positive biodiversity-stability relationship emerges via increased resistance and/or recovery to these events. However, invader presence might disrupt this diversity-stability relationship by altering biotic interactions. Investigating such disruptions is important given that invasion by non-native species and extreme climatic events are expected to increase in the future due to anthropogenic pressure. Here we present one of the first multisite invader × biodiversity × drought manipulation experiment to examine combined effects of biodiversity and invasion on drought resistance and recovery at three semi-natural grassland sites across Europe. The stability of biomass production to an extreme drought manipulation (100% rainfall reduction; BE: 88 days, BG: 85 days, DE: 76 days) was quantified in field mesocosms with a richness gradient of 1, 3, and 6 species and three invasion treatments (no invader, Lupinus polyphyllus, Senecio inaequidens). Our results suggest that biodiversity stabilized community productivity by increasing the ability of native species to recover from extreme drought events. However, invader presence turned the positive and stabilizing effects of diversity on native species recovery into a neutral relationship. This effect was independent of the two invader's own capacity to recover from an extreme drought event. In summary, we found that invader presence may disrupt how native community interactions lead to stability of ecosystems in response to extreme climatic events. Consequently, the interaction of three global change drivers, climate extremes, diversity decline, and invasive species, may exacerbate their effects on ecosystem functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa M S Vetter
- Disturbance Ecology, Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Environmental Research BayCEER, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
- Geoecology/Physical Geography, Institute for Environmental Sciences (iES), University of Koblenz-Landau, Landau, Germany
| | - Juergen Kreyling
- Experimental Plant Ecology, Greifswald University, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Jürgen Dengler
- Plant Ecology, Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Environmental Research BayCEER, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
- Vegetation Ecology Group, Institute of Natural Resource Management (IUNR), Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW), Wädenswil, Switzerland
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Iva Apostolova
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Mohammed A S Arfin-Khan
- Disturbance Ecology, Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Environmental Research BayCEER, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
- Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh
| | - Bernd J Berauer
- Disturbance Ecology, Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Environmental Research BayCEER, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Sigi Berwaers
- Plants and Ecosystems (PLECO), Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Hans J De Boeck
- Plants and Ecosystems (PLECO), Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ivan Nijs
- Plants and Ecosystems (PLECO), Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Max A Schuchardt
- Disturbance Ecology, Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Environmental Research BayCEER, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Desislava Sopotlieva
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Philipp von Gillhausen
- Disturbance Ecology, Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Environmental Research BayCEER, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Peter A Wilfahrt
- Disturbance Ecology, Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Environmental Research BayCEER, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Maja Zimmermann
- Disturbance Ecology, Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Environmental Research BayCEER, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Anke Jentsch
- Disturbance Ecology, Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Environmental Research BayCEER, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
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6
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Brooks PR, Crowe TP. Combined Effects of Multiple Stressors: New Insights Into the Influence of Timing and Sequence. Front Ecol Evol 2019. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2019.00387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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White L, Donohue I, Emmerson MC, O'Connor NE. Combined effects of warming and nutrients on marine communities are moderated by predators and vary across functional groups. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2018; 24:5853-5866. [PMID: 30246490 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.14456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Revised: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Warming, nutrient enrichment and biodiversity modification are among the most pervasive components of human-induced global environmental change. We know little about their cumulative effects on ecosystems; however, even though this knowledge is fundamental to predicting and managing their consequences in a changing world. Here, we show that shifts in predator species composition can moderate both the individual and combined effects of warming and nutrient enrichment in marine systems. However, all three aspects of global change also acted independently to alter different functional groups in our flow-through marine rock-pool mesocosms. Specifically, warming reduced macroalgal biomass and assemblage productivity, whereas enrichment led to increased abundance of meso-invertebrate consumers, and loss of predator species led to increased gastropod grazer biomass. This disparity in responses, both across trophic levels (macroalgae and intermediate consumers), and between detecting additive effects on aggregate measures of ecosystem functioning, yet interactive effects on community composition, illustrates that our forecasting ability depends strongly on the level of ecological complexity incorporated within global change experiments. We conclude that biodiversity change-and loss of predator species in particular-plays a critical and overarching role in determining how ecological communities respond to stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia White
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Ian Donohue
- Department of Zoology, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mark C Emmerson
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Nessa E O'Connor
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
- Department of Zoology, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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8
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Ragagnin MN, McCarthy ID, Fernandez WS, Tschiptschin AP, Turra A. Vulnerability of juvenile hermit crabs to reduced seawater pH and shading. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 142:130-140. [PMID: 30316461 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2018.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Revised: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Multiple simultaneous stressors induced by anthropogenic activities may amplify their impacts on marine organisms. The effects of ocean acidification, in combination with other anthropogenic impacts (apart from temperature) are poorly understood, especially in coastal regions. In these areas, shading caused by infrastructure development, such as harbor construction, may potentially interact with CO2-induced pH reduction and affect invertebrate populations. Here, we evaluated the effects of reduced pH (7.6) and shading (24h in darkness) on mortality, growth, calcification and displacement behavior to live predator (danger signal) and dead gastropod (resource availability signal) odors using juveniles of the hermit crab Pagurus criniticornis collected in Araçá Bay (São Paulo state, Southeastern Brazil). After a 98 day experimental period, both stressors had a significant interaction effect on mortality, and an additive effect on total growth. No difference in calcification was recorded among treatments, indicating that individuals were able to maintain calcification under reduced pH conditions. When exposed to odor of live predators, crab responses were only affected by shading. However, an interactive effect between both stressors was observed in response to gastropod odor, leading to reduced displacement behavior. This study shows how local disturbance impacts may enhance the effects of global environmental change on intertidal crustacean populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilia Nagata Ragagnin
- Instituto Oceanográfico, Universidade de São Paulo, Praça do Oceanográfico, 191, 05508-120, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Ian Donald McCarthy
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Askew St, Menai Bridge LL59 5AB, Anglesey, United Kingdom.
| | - Wellington Silva Fernandez
- Instituto Oceanográfico, Universidade de São Paulo, Praça do Oceanográfico, 191, 05508-120, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - André Paulo Tschiptschin
- Departamento de Engenharia Metalúrgica e de Materiais, Escola Politécnica, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Professor Mello Moraes, 2463, 05508-030, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Alexander Turra
- Instituto Oceanográfico, Universidade de São Paulo, Praça do Oceanográfico, 191, 05508-120, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Momota K, Nakaoka M. Influence of different types of sessile epibionts on the community structure of mobile invertebrates in an eelgrass bed. PeerJ 2017; 5:e2952. [PMID: 28168116 PMCID: PMC5289102 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.2952] [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: 11/11/2016] [Accepted: 12/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Eelgrass (Zostera marina) beds are known to have high ecological and economical values within coastal ecosystems of the temperate northern hemisphere although their biodiversity and functions varied greatly from sites to sites. The variation in the biomass, abundance and diversity of mobile invertebrates in eelgrass beds has been examined in relation to various abiotic and biotic factors, such as water temperature, salinity, eelgrass biomass and epiphytic microalgae presence. However, the importance of sessile epibionts, such as macroalgae and calcific spirorbid polychaetes attached to eelgrass blades, has not been the focus of previous studies. In the present study, we examined the effects of three different sessile epibionts, namely, branched red algae, filamentous green algae, and calcific spirorbid polychaetes, on the biomass and diversity of mobile invertebrates in the eelgrass beds of Akkeshi in northeastern Japan. The relationships between seven abiotic and biotic variables including three types of epibionts, and biomass of 11 dominant mobile invertebrate species as well as three community-level variables (the total biomass of mobile invertebrates, species richness and the Shannon-Wiener species diversity index) were analyzed using a linear mixed model. Our results show that branched red algae are correlated with Pontogeneia rostrata, Lacuna spp., Nereis sp., Syllis sp. and the total biomass of mobile invertebrates, filamentous green algae with P. rostrata, Ansola angustata and the species diversity of mobile invertebrates, and spirorbid polychaetes with A. angustata, Lacuna spp., Siphonacmea oblongata, Syllis sp., the species richness and diversity of mobile invertebrates. The effect size of the epibionts was similar or even higher than that of abiotic and eelgrass factors on the total biomass of mobile invertebrates, species richness, species diversity and most of dominant invertebrate populations across the taxonomic groups. Consequently, epibiotic macroalgae and spirorbid polychaetes can be good predictors of the variation in the total biomass, species richness and species diversity of mobile invertebrates and the biomass of major dominant species, especially for species that have a relatively high dependency on eelgrass blades. These results suggest that the different functional groups of sessile epibionts have significant roles in determining the biomass and diversity of mobile invertebrates in eelgrass beds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyosuke Momota
- Graduate School of Environmental Science, Hokkaido University , Akkeshi , Hokkaido , Japan
| | - Masahiro Nakaoka
- Akkeshi Marine Station, Field Science Center for Northern Biosphere, Hokkaido University , Akkeshi , Hokkaido , Japan
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Unsworth RKF, Collier CJ, Waycott M, Mckenzie LJ, Cullen-Unsworth LC. A framework for the resilience of seagrass ecosystems. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2015; 100:34-46. [PMID: 26342389 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2015] [Revised: 08/13/2015] [Accepted: 08/16/2015] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Seagrass ecosystems represent a global marine resource that is declining across its range. To halt degradation and promote recovery over large scales, management requires a radical change in emphasis and application that seeks to enhance seagrass ecosystem resilience. In this review we examine how the resilience of seagrass ecosystems is becoming compromised by a range of local to global stressors, resulting in ecological regime shifts that undermine the long-term viability of these productive ecosystems. To examine regime shifts and the management actions that can influence this phenomenon we present a conceptual model of resilience in seagrass ecosystems. The model is founded on a series of features and modifiers that act as interacting influences upon seagrass ecosystem resilience. Improved understanding and appreciation of the factors and modifiers that govern resilience in seagrass ecosystems can be utilised to support much needed evidence based management of a vital natural resource.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard K F Unsworth
- Seagrass Ecosystem Research Group, College of Science, Swansea University SA2 8PP, UK.
| | - Catherine J Collier
- Centre for Tropical Water & Aquatic Ecosystem Research (TropWATER), James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4870, Australia; College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4870, Australia
| | - Michelle Waycott
- School of Biological Sciences, Environment Institute, Australian Centre for Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity, The University of Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
| | - Len J Mckenzie
- Centre for Tropical Water & Aquatic Ecosystem Research (TropWATER), James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4870, Australia
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Vye SR, Emmerson MC, Arenas F, Dick JTA, O'Connor NE. Stressor intensity determines antagonistic interactions between species invasion and multiple stressor effects on ecosystem functioning. OIKOS 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.01583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Siobhan R. Vye
- School of Biological Sciences, Medical Biology Centre, Queen's Univ. Belfast; 97 Lisburn Road Belfast BT9 7BL UK
- Queen's Univ. Marine Laboratory, 12-13 The Strand, Portaferry, Co. Down; Northern Ireland BT22 1PF UK
| | - Mark C. Emmerson
- School of Biological Sciences, Medical Biology Centre, Queen's Univ. Belfast; 97 Lisburn Road Belfast BT9 7BL UK
- Queen's Univ. Marine Laboratory, 12-13 The Strand, Portaferry, Co. Down; Northern Ireland BT22 1PF UK
- Inst. for Global Food Security, Queen's Univ. Belfast; 18-30 Malone Road Belfast BT9 5BN UK
| | - Francisco Arenas
- CIIMAR, Univ. of Porto; Rua dos Bragas, 289 PT-4050-123 Porto Portugal
| | - Jaimie T. A. Dick
- School of Biological Sciences, Medical Biology Centre, Queen's Univ. Belfast; 97 Lisburn Road Belfast BT9 7BL UK
- Queen's Univ. Marine Laboratory, 12-13 The Strand, Portaferry, Co. Down; Northern Ireland BT22 1PF UK
- Inst. for Global Food Security, Queen's Univ. Belfast; 18-30 Malone Road Belfast BT9 5BN UK
| | - Nessa E. O'Connor
- School of Biological Sciences, Medical Biology Centre, Queen's Univ. Belfast; 97 Lisburn Road Belfast BT9 7BL UK
- Queen's Univ. Marine Laboratory, 12-13 The Strand, Portaferry, Co. Down; Northern Ireland BT22 1PF UK
- Inst. for Global Food Security, Queen's Univ. Belfast; 18-30 Malone Road Belfast BT9 5BN UK
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12
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Rosenblatt AE, Schmitz OJ. Interactive effects of multiple climate change variables on trophic interactions: a meta-analysis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.1186/s40665-014-0008-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Gamfeldt L, Lefcheck JS, Byrnes JEK, Cardinale BJ, Duffy JE, Griffin JN. Marine biodiversity and ecosystem functioning: what's known and what's next? OIKOS 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.01549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lars Gamfeldt
- Dept of Biological and Environmental Sciences; Univ. of Gothenburg; Box 461, SE-40530 Gothenburg Sweden
| | - Jonathan S. Lefcheck
- Dept of Biological Sciences; Virginia Inst. of Marine Science, The College of William and Mary; PO Box 1346, Rt 1208 Greate Rd Gloucester Point VA 23062-1346 USA
| | - Jarrett E. K. Byrnes
- Dept of Biology; Univ. of Massachusetts Boston; 100 Morrissey Blvd. Boston MA 20125 USA
| | - Bradley J. Cardinale
- School of Natural Resources and Environment, Univ. of Michigan; Ann Arbor MI 48109 USA
| | - J. Emmett Duffy
- Tennenbaum Marine Observatories Network, Smithsonian Inst.; Washington WA 20013-7012 USA
| | - John N. Griffin
- Dept of Biosciences; Wallace Building, Swansea Univ.; Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP UK
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14
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Rodil IF, Lohrer AM, Thrush SF. Sensitivity of heterogeneous marine benthic habitats to subtle stressors. PLoS One 2013; 8:e81646. [PMID: 24312332 PMCID: PMC3842950 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0081646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2013] [Accepted: 10/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
It is important to understand the consequences of low level disturbances on the functioning of ecological communities because of the pervasiveness and frequency of this type of environmental change. In this study we investigated the response of a heterogeneous, subtidal, soft-sediment habitat to small experimental additions of organic matter and calcium carbonate to examine the sensitivity of benthic ecosystem functioning to changes in sediment characteristics that relate to the environmental threats of coastal eutrophication and ocean acidification. Our results documented significant changes between key biogeochemical and sedimentary variables such as gross primary production, ammonium uptake and dissolved reactive phosphorus flux following treatment additions. Moreover, the application of treatments affected relationships between macrofauna communities, sediment characteristics (e.g., chlorophyll a content) and biogeochemical processes (oxygen and nutrient fluxes). In this experiment organic matter and calcium carbonate showed persistent opposing effects on sedimentary processes, and we demonstrated that highly heterogeneous sediment habitats can be surprisingly sensitive to subtle perturbations. Our results have important biological implications in a world with relentless anthropogenic inputs of atmospheric CO2 and nutrients in coastal waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iván F. Rodil
- Departamento de Ecología y Biología Animal, Universidad de Vigo, Vigo, Spain
- National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, Hamilton, New Zealand
- * E-mail:
| | - Andrew M. Lohrer
- National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Simon F. Thrush
- National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, Hamilton, New Zealand
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15
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Langenheder S, Bulling MT, Prosser JI, Solan M. Role of functionally dominant species in varying environmental regimes: evidence for the performance-enhancing effect of biodiversity. BMC Ecol 2012; 12:14. [PMID: 22846071 PMCID: PMC3480835 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6785-12-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2012] [Accepted: 06/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Theory suggests that biodiversity can act as a buffer against disturbances and environmental variability via two major mechanisms: Firstly, a stabilising effect by decreasing the temporal variance in ecosystem functioning due to compensatory processes; and secondly, a performance enhancing effect by raising the level of community response through the selection of better performing species. Empirical evidence for the stabilizing effect of biodiversity is readily available, whereas experimental confirmation of the performance-enhancing effect of biodiversity is sparse. Results Here, we test the effect of different environmental regimes (constant versus fluctuating temperature) on bacterial biodiversity-ecosystem functioning relations. We show that positive effects of species richness on ecosystem functioning are enhanced by stronger temperature fluctuations due to the increased performance of individual species. Conclusions Our results provide evidence for the performance enhancing effect and suggest that selection towards functionally dominant species is likely to benefit the maintenance of ecosystem functioning under more variable conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silke Langenheder
- Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB24 UU3, UK.
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16
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Johnson JE, Patterson DA, Martins EG, Cooke SJ, Hinch SG. Quantitative methods for analysing cumulative effects on fish migration success: a review. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2012; 81:600-631. [PMID: 22803726 DOI: 10.1111/j.1095-8649.2012.03369.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
It is often recognized, but seldom addressed, that a quantitative assessment of the cumulative effects, both additive and non-additive, of multiple stressors on fish survival would provide a more realistic representation of the factors that influence fish migration. This review presents a compilation of analytical methods applied to a well-studied fish migration, a more general review of quantitative multivariable methods, and a synthesis on how to apply new analytical techniques in fish migration studies. A compilation of adult migration papers from Fraser River sockeye salmon Oncorhynchus nerka revealed a limited number of multivariable methods being applied and the sub-optimal reliance on univariable methods for multivariable problems. The literature review of fisheries science, general biology and medicine identified a large number of alternative methods for dealing with cumulative effects, with a limited number of techniques being used in fish migration studies. An evaluation of the different methods revealed that certain classes of multivariable analyses will probably prove useful in future assessments of cumulative effects on fish migration. This overview and evaluation of quantitative methods gathered from the disparate fields should serve as a primer for anyone seeking to quantify cumulative effects on fish migration survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- J E Johnson
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Cooperative Resource Management Institute, School of Resource and Environmental Management, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada.
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17
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Thompson PL, Shurin JB. Regional zooplankton biodiversity provides limited buffering of pond ecosystems against climate change. J Anim Ecol 2011; 81:251-9. [PMID: 21950456 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2656.2011.01908.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
1. Climate change and other human-driven environmental perturbations are causing reductions in biodiversity and impacting the functioning of ecosystems on a global scale. Metacommunity theory suggests that ecosystem connectivity may reduce the magnitude of these impacts if the regional species pool contains functionally redundant species that differ in their environmental tolerances. Dispersal may increase the resistance of local ecosystems to environmental stress by providing regional species with traits adapted to novel conditions. 2. We tested this theory by subjecting freshwater zooplankton communities in mesocosms that were either connected to or isolated from the larger regional species pool to a factorial manipulation of experimental warming and increased salinity. 3. Compensation by regional taxa depended on the source of stress. Warming tolerant regional taxa partially compensated for reductions in heat sensitive local taxa but similar compensation did not occur under increased salinity. 4. Dispersal-mediated species invasions dampened the effects of warming on summer net ecosystem productivity. However, this buffering effect did not occur in the fall or for periphyton growth, the only other ecosystem function affected by the stress treatments. 5. The results indicate that regional biodiversity can provide insurance in a dynamic environment but that the buffering capacity is limited to some ecosystem processes and sources of stress. Maintaining regional biodiversity and habitat connectivity may therefore provide some limited insurance for local ecosystems in changing environments, but is unable to impart resistance against all sources of environmental stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick L Thompson
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, 6270 University Blvd., Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada.
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