1
|
Cooney C, Sommer B, Marzinelli EM, Figueira WF. The role of microbial biofilms in range shifts of marine habitat-forming organisms. Trends Microbiol 2024; 32:190-199. [PMID: 37633773 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2023.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
Marine species, such as corals and kelp, are responding to climate change by altering their distributions. Microbial biofilms underpin key processes that affect the establishment, maintenance, and function of these dominant habitat-formers. Climate-mediated changes to microbial biofilms can therefore strongly influence species' range shifts. Here, we review emerging research on the interactions between benthic biofilms and habitat-formers and identify two key areas of interaction where climate change can impact this dynamic: (i) via direct effects on biofilm composition, and (ii) via impacts on the complex feedback loops which exist between the biofilm microbes and habitat-forming organisms. We propose that these key interactions will be fundamental in driving the speed and extent of tropicalisation of coastal ecosystems under climate change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Cooney
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
| | - Brigitte Sommer
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Ezequiel M Marzinelli
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Will F Figueira
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Stelling‐Wood TP, Poore AGB, Hughes AR, Everett JD, Gribben PE. Habitat traits and predation interact to drive abundance and body size patterns in associated fauna. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10771. [PMID: 38053789 PMCID: PMC10694384 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Habitat-forming organisms provide three-dimensional structure that supports abundant and diverse communities. Variation in the morphological traits of habitat formers will therefore likely influence how they facilitate associated communities, either via food and habitat provisioning, or by altering predator-prey interactions. These mechanisms, however, are typically studied in isolation, and thus, we know little of how they interact to affect associated communities. In response to this, we used naturally occurring morphological variability in the alga Sargassum vestitum to create habitat units of distinct morphotypes to test whether variation in the morphological traits (frond size and thallus size) of S. vestitum or the interaction between these traits affects their value as habitat for associated communities in the presence and absence of predation. We found morphological traits did not interact, instead having independent effects on epifauna that were negligible in the absence of predation. However, when predators were present, habitat units with large fronds were found to host significantly lower epifaunal abundances than other morphotypes, suggesting that large frond alga provided low-value refuge from predators. The presence of predators also influenced the size structure of epifaunal communities from habitat units of differing frond size, suggesting that the refuge value of S. vestitum was also related to epifauna body size. This suggests that habitat formers may chiefly structure associated communities by mediating size-selective predation, and not through habitat provisioning. Furthermore, these results also highlight that habitat traits cannot be considered in isolation, for their interaction with biotic processes can have significant implications for associated communities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Talia P. Stelling‐Wood
- Evolution & Ecology Research CentreUNSW SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Centre of Marine Science and InnovationUNSW SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Alistair G. B. Poore
- Evolution & Ecology Research CentreUNSW SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Centre of Marine Science and InnovationUNSW SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | | | - Jason D. Everett
- Centre of Marine Science and InnovationUNSW SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- School of Mathematics and PhysicsThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueenslandAustralia
| | - Paul E. Gribben
- Centre of Marine Science and InnovationUNSW SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Sydney Institute of Marine ScienceMosmanNew South WalesAustralia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Tumolo BB, Albertson LK, Daniels MD, Cross WF, Sklar LL. Facilitation strength across environmental and beneficiary trait gradients in stream communities. J Anim Ecol 2023; 92:2005-2015. [PMID: 37555442 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Ecosystem engineers modify habitats in ways that facilitate other community members by ameliorating harsh conditions. The strength of such facilitation is predicted to be influenced by both beneficiary traits and abiotic context. One key trait of animals that could control the strength of facilitation is beneficiary body size because it should determine how beneficiaries fit within and exploit stress ameliorating habitat modifications. However, few studies have measured how beneficiary body size relates to facilitation strength along environmental gradients. We examined how the strength of facilitation by net-spinning caddisflies on invertebrate communities in streams varied along an elevation gradient and based on traits of the invertebrate beneficiaries. We measured whether use of silk retreats as habitat concentrated invertebrate density and biomass compared to surrounding rock surface habitat and whether the use of retreat habitat varied across body sizes of community members along the gradient. We found that retreats substantially concentrated the densities of a diversity of taxa including eight different Orders, and this effect was greatest at high elevations. Caddisfly retreats also concentrated invertebrate biomass more as elevation increased. Body size of invertebrates inhabiting retreats was lower than that of surrounding rock habitats at low elevation sites, however, body size between retreats and rocks converged at higher elevation sites. Additionally, the body size of invertebrates found in retreats varied within and across taxa. Specifically, caddisfly retreats functioned as a potential nursery for taxa with large maximal body sizes. However, the patterns of this taxon-specific nursery effect were not influenced by elevation unlike the patterns observed based on community-level body size. Collectively, our results indicate that invertebrates use retreats in earlier life stages or when they are smaller in body size independent of life stage. Furthermore, our analysis suggests that facilitation strength intensifies as elevation increases within stream invertebrate communities. Further consideration of how trait variation and environmental gradients interact to determine the strength and direction of biotic interactions will be important as species ranges and environmental conditions continue to shift.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin B Tumolo
- Department of Ecology, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA
- Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (RMBL), Crested Butte, Colorado, USA
| | - Lindsey K Albertson
- Department of Ecology, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA
- Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (RMBL), Crested Butte, Colorado, USA
| | | | - Wyatt F Cross
- Department of Ecology, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA
| | - Leonard L Sklar
- Department of Geography, Planning and Environment, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ridenour WM, Lortie CJ, Callaway RM. A realized facilitation cascade mediated by biological soil crusts in a sagebrush steppe community. Sci Rep 2023; 13:4803. [PMID: 36959466 PMCID: PMC10036522 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31967-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Biological soil crusts can have strong effects on vascular plant communities which have been inferred from short-term germination and early establishment responses. However, biocrusts are often assumed to function as an "organizing principle" in communities because their effects can "cascade" to interactions among crust-associated plant species. We conducted surveys and experiments to explore these cascades and found that biocrusts were positively associated with large patches (> 10 m diameter) of a dominant shrub Artemisia tridentata. At the smaller scale of individual shrubs and the open matrices between shrubs, biocrusts were negatively associated with Artemisia. Juveniles of Artemisia were found only in biocrusts in intershrub spaces and never under shrubs or in soil without biocrusts. In two-year field experiments, biocrusts increased the growth of Festuca and the photosynthetic rates of Artemisia. Festuca planted under Artemisia were also at least twice as large as those planted in open sites without crusts or where Artemisia were removed. Thus, biocrusts can facilitate vascular plants over long time periods and can contribute to a "realized" cascade with nested negative and positive interactions for a range of species, but unusual among documented cascades in that it includes only autotrophs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wendy M Ridenour
- Department of Biology, University of Montana Western, Dillon, MT, 59725, USA.
| | - C J Lortie
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ragan M Callaway
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, 59812, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sanmartí N, Ontoria Y, Ricart AM, Arthur R, Alcoverro T, Pérez M, Romero J. Exploring coexistence mechanisms in a three-species assemblage. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 178:105647. [PMID: 35605380 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2022.105647] [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: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Interactions among species are essential in shaping ecological communities, although it is not always clear under what conditions they can persist when the number of species involved is higher than two. Here we describe a three-species assemblage involving the seagrass Cymodocea nodosa, the pen shell Pinna nobilis and the herbivore sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus, and we explore the mechanisms allowing its persistence through field observations and manipulative experiments. The abundance of pen shells was higher in seagrass beds than in bare sand, suggesting a recruitment facilitation. The presence of sea urchins, almost exclusively attached or around pen shells, indicated habitat facilitation for sea urchins, which overgrazed the meadow around the pen shells forming seagrass-free halos. Our results suggest that this system persists thanks to: (i) the behavioral reluctance of sea urchins to move far from pen shells, making their impact on seagrass strictly local, (ii) the sparse distribution of pen shells and (iii) the plant's resistance mechanisms to herbivory. Unpacking these mechanisms allows a better understanding of how ecological communities are assembled.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neus Sanmartí
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Yaiza Ontoria
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aurora M Ricart
- Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, 60 Bigelow Dr, East Boothbay, ME, 04544, USA
| | - Rohan Arthur
- Centre d'Estudis Avançats de Blanes (CEAB-CSIC), Accés a la cala Sant Francesc, 14, 17300, Blanes, Spain; Nature Conservation Foundation, 3076/5, 4th Cross, Gokulam Park, 570 002, Mysore, Karnataka, India
| | - Teresa Alcoverro
- Centre d'Estudis Avançats de Blanes (CEAB-CSIC), Accés a la cala Sant Francesc, 14, 17300, Blanes, Spain; Nature Conservation Foundation, 3076/5, 4th Cross, Gokulam Park, 570 002, Mysore, Karnataka, India
| | - Marta Pérez
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Javier Romero
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Thomsen MS, Altieri AH, Angelini C, Bishop MJ, Bulleri F, Farhan R, Frühling VMM, Gribben PE, Harrison SB, He Q, Klinghardt M, Langeneck J, Lanham BS, Mondardini L, Mulders Y, Oleksyn S, Ramus AP, Schiel DR, Schneider T, Siciliano A, Silliman BR, Smale DA, South PM, Wernberg T, Zhang S, Zotz G. Heterogeneity within and among co-occurring foundation species increases biodiversity. Nat Commun 2022; 13:581. [PMID: 35102155 PMCID: PMC8803935 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28194-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Habitat heterogeneity is considered a primary causal driver underpinning patterns of diversity, yet the universal role of heterogeneity in structuring biodiversity is unclear due to a lack of coordinated experiments testing its effects across geographic scales and habitat types. Furthermore, key species interactions that can enhance heterogeneity, such as facilitation cascades of foundation species, have been largely overlooked in general biodiversity models. Here, we performed 22 geographically distributed experiments in different ecosystems and biogeographical regions to assess the extent to which variation in biodiversity is explained by three axes of habitat heterogeneity: the amount of habitat, its morphological complexity, and capacity to provide ecological resources (e.g. food) within and between co-occurring foundation species. We show that positive and additive effects across the three axes of heterogeneity are common, providing a compelling mechanistic insight into the universal importance of habitat heterogeneity in promoting biodiversity via cascades of facilitative interactions. Because many aspects of habitat heterogeneity can be controlled through restoration and management interventions, our findings are directly relevant to biodiversity conservation. Species interactions that can enhance habitat heterogeneity such as facilitation cascades of foundation species have been overlooked in biodiversity models. This study conducted 22 geographically distributed experiments in different ecosystems and biogeographical regions to assess the extent to which biodiversity is explained by three axes of habitat heterogeneity in facilitation cascades.
Collapse
|
7
|
Unravelling facilitation among introduced species, a mechanistic approach. Biol Invasions 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-021-02592-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
|
8
|
Firth LB, Curd A, Hawkins SJ, Knights AM, Blaze JA, Burrows MT, Dubois SF, Edwards H, Foggo A, Gribben PE, Grant L, Harris D, Mieszkowska N, Nunes FLD, Nunn JD, Power AM, O'Riordan RM, McGrath D, Simkanin C, O'Connor NE. On the diversity and distribution of a data deficient habitat in a poorly mapped region: The case of Sabellaria alveolata L. in Ireland. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 169:105344. [PMID: 34015675 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2021.105344] [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: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Data that can be used to monitor biodiversity through time are essential for conservation and management. The reef-forming worm, Sabellaria alveolata (L. 1767) is currently classed as 'Data Deficient' due to an imbalance in the spread of data on its distribution. Little is known about the distribution of this species around Ireland. Using data archaeology, we collated past and present distribution records and discovered that S. alveolata has a discontinuous distribution with large gaps between populations. Many regions lack data and should be targeted for sampling. Biodiversity surveys revealed that S. alveolata supported diverse epibiotic algal communities. Retrograding (declining) reefs supported greater infaunal diversity than prograding (growing) reefs or sand, suggesting that S. alveolata is a dynamic ecosystem engineer that has a lasting legacy effect. Similar research should be carried out for other Data Deficient species, habitats and regions. Such data are invaluable resources for management and conservation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louise B Firth
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK; Zoology, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | | | - Stephen J Hawkins
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK; Marine Biological Association of the UK, Plymouth, UK; School of Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Antony M Knights
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Julie A Blaze
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, USA
| | | | | | - Hugh Edwards
- Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Belfast, UK
| | - Andy Foggo
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Paul E Gribben
- Centre for Marine Innovation, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Sydney, Australia
| | - Lisa Grant
- Zoology, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Daniel Harris
- Estuary & Ocean Science Center, San Francisco State University, California, USA
| | - Nova Mieszkowska
- Marine Biological Association of the UK, Plymouth, UK; Department of Ocean, Earth and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Julia D Nunn
- Centre for Environmental Data & Recording, National Museums Northern Ireland, Holywood, UK; 2 Windmill Lane, Portaferry, UK
| | - Anne Marie Power
- Zoology, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Ruth M O'Riordan
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences and Aquaculture and Fisheries Development Centre, Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - David McGrath
- Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Galway, Ireland
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Yakovis E, Artemieva A. Effects of a trophic cascade on a multi-level facilitation cascade. J Anim Ecol 2021; 90:2462-2470. [PMID: 34143499 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The role of cascades in natural communities has been extensively studied, but interactions between trophic and facilitation cascades are unexplored. In the White Sea (65°N) shallow subtidal, bivalve primary facilitators provide hard substrate for secondary facilitator barnacles, that, in turn, provide substrate for conspecifics, ascidians, red algae and multiple associated organisms, composing a multi-level facilitation cascade. Previous research revealed that predation by the whelk Boreotrophon clathratus accounts for ~7% of adult barnacle mortality. Low whelk abundance limits their effect, with barnacles living on conspecifics several times more vulnerable to predation than those living on primary substrate. Trophic cascades can selectively shield foundation species from consumers, and hence may affect the structure and length of facilitation cascades. We tested the hypothesis that low abundance of the whelks results from mesopredator predation on their juveniles. Depending on the magnitude of the effect, this would mean that a trophic cascade controls the abundance of barnacles on all substrates or only barnacles living on conspecifics. We also suggested that barnacles on primary substrates and conspecifics facilitate different dependent assemblages. We manipulated the presence of crab and shrimp mesopredators in field caging experiments to assess their effect on whelk recruitment. In a field survey, we compared the assemblages of sessile macrobenthic organisms associated with barnacles living on different substrates. Caging experiments evidenced that crab and shrimp mesopredators reduce whelk recruitment by 4.6 times. Field data showed that barnacles on primary substrate and on conspecifics promote different dependent assemblages including secondary facilitator ascidians. Although mesopredators do not shield barnacles from elimination, their absence would restrict them from living on conspecifics. Barnacles on conspecifics are functionally different from barnacles on primary substrate, and can be considered a separate level of the facilitation cascade. Trophic cascades thus can generate community-wide effects on facilitation cascades by affecting their structure and possibly length.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eugeniy Yakovis
- Invertebrate Zoology Department, St.-Petersburg State University, Petersburg, Russia
| | - Anna Artemieva
- Invertebrate Zoology Department, St.-Petersburg State University, Petersburg, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Lanham BS, Poore AGB, Gribben PE. Facilitation cascades create a predation refuge for biodiversity in a novel connected habitat. Ecosphere 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Brendan S. Lanham
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science University of New South Wales Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Alistair G. B. Poore
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science University of New South Wales Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science University of New South Wales Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Paul E. Gribben
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science University of New South Wales Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science 19 Chowder Bay Road Mosman New South Wales 2088 Australia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Gagnon K, Rinde E, Bengil EGT, Carugati L, Christianen MJA, Danovaro R, Gambi C, Govers LL, Kipson S, Meysick L, Pajusalu L, Tüney Kızılkaya İ, Koppel J, Heide T, Katwijk MM, Boström C. Facilitating foundation species: The potential for plant–bivalve interactions to improve habitat restoration success. J Appl Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Karine Gagnon
- Environmental and Marine Biology Åbo Akademi University Turku Finland
| | - Eli Rinde
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research Oslo Norway
| | - Elizabeth G. T. Bengil
- Mediterranean Conservation Society Izmir Turkey
- Girne American UniversityMarine School Girne TRNC via Turkey
| | - Laura Carugati
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences Polytechnic University of Marche Ancona Italy
| | - Marjolijn J. A. Christianen
- Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management Group Wageningen University Wageningen The Netherlands
- Department of Environmental Science Institute for Wetland and Water Research Radboud University Nijmegen Nijmegen The Netherlands
| | - Roberto Danovaro
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences Polytechnic University of Marche Ancona Italy
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn Naples Italy
| | - Cristina Gambi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences Polytechnic University of Marche Ancona Italy
| | - Laura L. Govers
- Department of Environmental Science Institute for Wetland and Water Research Radboud University Nijmegen Nijmegen The Netherlands
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences University of Groningen Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Silvija Kipson
- Faculty of Science Department of Biology University of Zagreb Zagreb Croatia
| | - Lukas Meysick
- Environmental and Marine Biology Åbo Akademi University Turku Finland
| | - Liina Pajusalu
- Estonian Marine Institute University of Tartu Tallinn Estonia
| | - İnci Tüney Kızılkaya
- Mediterranean Conservation Society Izmir Turkey
- Faculty of Science Ege University Izmir Turkey
| | - Johan Koppel
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences University of Groningen Groningen The Netherlands
- Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research and Utrecht University Yerseke The Netherlands
| | - Tjisse Heide
- Department of Environmental Science Institute for Wetland and Water Research Radboud University Nijmegen Nijmegen The Netherlands
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences University of Groningen Groningen The Netherlands
- Department of Coastal Systems Royal Netherlands Institute of Sea Research and Utrecht University Den Burg The Netherlands
| | - Marieke M. Katwijk
- Department of Environmental Science Institute for Wetland and Water Research Radboud University Nijmegen Nijmegen The Netherlands
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
Invertebrate diversity can be a key driver of ecosystem functioning, yet understanding what factors influence local biodiversity remains uncertain. In many marine and terrestrial systems, facilitation cascades where primary foundation and/or autogenic ecosystem engineering species promote the settlement and survival of a secondary foundation/engineering species have been shown to enhance local biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. We experimentally tested if a facilitation cascade occurs among eelgrass (Zostera marina), pen clams (Atrina rigida), and community diversity in temperate seagrass beds in North Carolina, U.S.A., and if this sequence of direct positive interactions created feedbacks that affected various metrics of seagrass ecosystem function and structure. Using a combination of surveys and transplant experiments, we found that pen clam density and survivorship was significantly greater in seagrass beds, indicating that eelgrass facilitates pen clams. Pen clams in turn enhanced local diversity and increased both the abundance and species richness of organisms (specifically, macroalgae and fouling invertebrate fauna)—the effect of which scaled with increasing clam density. However, we failed to detect an impact of pen clams on other seagrass functions and hypothesize that functioning may more likely be enhanced in scenarios where secondary foundation species specifically increase the diversity of key functional groups such as epiphyte grazers and/or when bivalves are infaunal rather than epifaunal. Our findings add to the growing amount of literature that demonstrates that secondary foundation species are important drivers of local biodiversity in marine ecosystems. Further experimentation is needed that directly examines (i) the role of functional versus overall diversity on seagrass functions and (ii) the relative importance of life-history strategy in determining when and where engineering bivalves increase biodiversity and/or functioning of seagrass beds.
Collapse
|