1
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Armitage P, Burrows MT, Rimmer JEV, Blight AJ, Paterson DM. Multidecadal changes in coastal benthic species composition and ecosystem functioning occur independently of temperature-driven community shifts. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2024; 30:e17482. [PMID: 39189596 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.17482] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
Rising global temperatures are often identified as the key driver impacting ecosystems and the services they provide by affecting biodiversity structure and function. A disproportionate amount of our understanding of biodiversity and function is from short-term experimental studies and static values of biodiversity indices, lacking the ability to monitor long-term trends and capture community dynamics. Here, we analyse a biennial dataset spanning 32 years of macroinvertebrate benthic communities and their functional response to increasing temperatures. We monitored changes in species' thermal affinities to examine warming-related shifts by selecting their mid-point global temperature distribution range and linking them to species' traits. We employed a novel weighted metric using Biological Trait Analysis (BTA) to gain better insights into the ecological potential of each species by incorporating species abundance and body size and selecting a subset of traits that represent five ecosystem functions: bioturbation activity, sediment stability, nutrient recycling and higher and lower trophic production. Using biodiversity indices (richness, Simpson's diversity and vulnerability) and functional indices (richness, Rao's Q and redundancy), the community structure showed no significant change over time with a narrow range of variation. However, we show shifts in species composition with warming and increases in the abundance of individuals, which altered ecosystem functioning positively and/or non-linearly. Yet, when higher taxonomic groupings than species were excluded from the analysis, there was only a weak increase in the measured change in community-weighted average thermal affinities, suggesting changes in ecosystem functions over time occur independently of temperature increase-related shifts in community composition. Other environmental factors driving species composition and abundance may be more important in these subtidal macrobenthic communities. This challenges the prevailing emphasis on temperature as the primary driver of ecological response to climate change and emphasises the necessity for a comprehensive understanding of the temporal dynamics of complex systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phoebe Armitage
- Scottish Oceans Institute, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
- Åbo Akademi University, Environmental and Marine Biology, Turku, Finland
| | | | - James E V Rimmer
- Scottish Oceans Institute, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - Andrew J Blight
- Scottish Oceans Institute, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - David M Paterson
- Scottish Oceans Institute, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
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2
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Williams TJ, Blockley D, Cundy AB, Godbold JA, Howman RM, Solan M. Dilute concentrations of maritime fuel can modify sediment reworking activity of high-latitude marine invertebrates. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e11702. [PMID: 38966246 PMCID: PMC11222169 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.11702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiple expressions of climate change, in particular warming-induced reductions in the type, extent and thickness of sea ice, are opening access and providing new viable development opportunities in high-latitude regions. Coastal margins are facing these challenges, but the vulnerability of species and ecosystems to the effects of fuel contamination associated with increased maritime traffic is largely unknown. Here, we show that low concentrations of the water-accommodated fraction of marine fuel oil, representative of a dilute fuel oil spill, can alter functionally important aspects of the behaviour of sediment-dwelling invertebrates. We find that the response to contamination is species specific, but that the range in response among individuals is modified by increasing fuel concentrations. Our study provides evidence that species responses to novel and/or unprecedented levels of anthropogenic activity associated with the opening up of high-latitude regions can have substantive ecological effects, even when human impacts are at, or below, commonly accepted safe thresholds. These secondary responses are often overlooked in broad-scale environmental assessments and marine planning yet, critically, they may act as an early warning signal for impending and more pronounced ecological transitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J. Williams
- University of Southampton, National Oceanography Centre SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
| | - David Blockley
- PinngortitaleriffikGreenland Institute of Natural ResourcesNuukGreenland
| | - Andrew B. Cundy
- University of Southampton, National Oceanography Centre SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
| | - Jasmin A. Godbold
- University of Southampton, National Oceanography Centre SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
| | - Rebecca M. Howman
- University of Southampton, National Oceanography Centre SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
- Québec Océan, Takuvik Joint International Laboratory CNRSUniversité LavalQuebec CityQuebecCanada
| | - Martin Solan
- University of Southampton, National Oceanography Centre SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
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3
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Williams TJ, Reed AJ, Peck LS, Godbold JA, Solan M. Ocean warming and acidification adjust inter- and intra-specific variability in the functional trait expression of polar invertebrates. Sci Rep 2024; 14:14985. [PMID: 38951669 PMCID: PMC11217501 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65808-5] [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: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Climate change is known to affect the distribution and composition of species, but concomitant alterations to functionally important aspects of behaviour and species-environment relations are poorly constrained. Here, we examine the ecosystem ramifications of changes in sediment-dwelling invertebrate bioturbation behaviour-a key process mediating nutrient cycling-associated with near-future environmental conditions (+ 1.5 °C, 550 ppm [pCO2]) for species from polar regions experiencing rapid rates of climate change. We find that responses to warming and acidification vary between species and lead to a reduction in intra-specific variability in behavioural trait expression that adjusts the magnitude and direction of nutrient concentrations. Our analyses also indicate that species behaviour is not predetermined, but can be dependent on local variations in environmental history that set population capacities for phenotypic plasticity. We provide evidence that certain, but subtle, aspects of inter- and intra-specific variation in behavioural trait expression, rather than the presence or proportional representation of species per se, is an important and under-appreciated determinant of benthic biogeochemical responses to climate change. Such changes in species behaviour may act as an early warning for impending ecological transitions associated with progressive climate forcing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J Williams
- School of Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton, Waterfront Campus, European Way, Southampton, SO14 3ZH, UK.
| | - Adam J Reed
- School of Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton, Waterfront Campus, European Way, Southampton, SO14 3ZH, UK
| | - Lloyd S Peck
- British Antarctic Survey, NERC, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ET, UK
| | - Jasmin A Godbold
- School of Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton, Waterfront Campus, European Way, Southampton, SO14 3ZH, UK
| | - Martin Solan
- School of Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton, Waterfront Campus, European Way, Southampton, SO14 3ZH, UK
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4
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Howman RM, Mavrogordato MN, Alverez-Borges F, Solan M. Computed tomography reconstructions of burrow networks for the Opheliid polychaete, Armandia cirrhosa. Sci Data 2024; 11:695. [PMID: 38926417 PMCID: PMC11208594 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-024-03557-w] [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: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The morphology and architecture of structures formed by sediment-dwelling invertebrates, such as excavations or burrows, are often assumed to be characteristic of a given species, consistent across a range of environmental conditions, and used to categorise species contributions to ecosystem functioning. However, very few investigations use non-invasive high-resolution techniques capable of determining fine scale variations in burrow form and complexity, or consider whether or not the form of the burrow is context dependent. Here, we provide replicate high-resolution micro-focus computed tomography data for the complete burrow systems of the Opheliid polychaete, Armandia cirrhosa, across a range of salinity and habitat conditions. These data provide reference models which can be used by ecologists investigating intraspecific variation in species traits and organism-sediment interactions and, more generally, by those tasked with pattern and shape recognition of objects that are morphologically highly variable and which adjust their architecture with changing circumstance or context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca M Howman
- Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, University of Southampton, Waterfront Campus, European Way, Southampton, SO14 3ZH, UK
- Québec Océan, Takuvik Joint International Laboratory CNRS, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Mark N Mavrogordato
- University of Southampton, Engineering and the Environment, Highfield, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Fernando Alverez-Borges
- University of Southampton, Engineering and the Environment, Highfield, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Martin Solan
- University of Southampton, Engineering and the Environment, Highfield, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK.
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5
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Mizuno K, Terayama K, Ishida S, Godbold JA, Solan M. Combining three-dimensional acoustic coring and a convolutional neural network to quantify species contributions to benthic ecosystems. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2024; 11:240042. [PMID: 39092142 PMCID: PMC11293796 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.240042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
The seafloor is inhabited by a large number of benthic invertebrates, and their importance in mediating carbon mineralization and biogeochemical cycles is recognized. However, the majority of fauna live below the sediment surface, so most means of survey rely on destructive sampling methods that are limited to documenting species presence rather than event driven activity and functionally important aspects of species behaviour. We have developed and tested a laboratory-based three-dimensional acoustic coring system that is capable of non-invasively visualizing the presence and activity of invertebrates within the sediment matrix. Here, we present reconstructed three-dimensional acoustic images of the sediment profile, with strong backscatter revealing the presence and position of individual benthic organisms. These data were used to train a three-dimensional convolutional neural network model and, using a combination of data augmentation and data correction techniques, we were able to identify individual species with an 88% accuracy. Combining three-dimensional acoustic coring with deep learning forms an effective and non-invasive means of providing detailed mechanistic information of in situ species-sediment interactions, opening new opportunities to quantify species-specific contributions to ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsunori Mizuno
- Department of Environment Systems, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8561, Japan
| | - Kei Terayama
- Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, 1-7-29, Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan
| | - Shoichi Ishida
- Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, 1-7-29, Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan
| | - Jasmin A. Godbold
- School of Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton, Southampton SO14 3ZH, UK
| | - Martin Solan
- School of Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton, Southampton SO14 3ZH, UK
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6
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Porter A, Godbold JA, Lewis CN, Savage G, Solan M, Galloway TS. Microplastic burden in marine benthic invertebrates depends on species traits and feeding ecology within biogeographical provinces. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8023. [PMID: 38049431 PMCID: PMC10696022 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43788-w] [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: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The microplastic body burden of marine animals is often assumed to reflect levels of environmental contamination, yet variations in feeding ecology and regional trait expression could also affect a species' risk of contaminant uptake. Here, we explore the global inventory of individual microplastic body burden for invertebrate species inhabiting marine sediments across 16 biogeographic provinces. We show that individual microplastic body burden in benthic invertebrates cannot be fully explained by absolute levels of microplastic contamination in the environment, because interspecific differences in behaviour and feeding ecology strongly determine microplastic uptake. Our analyses also indicate a degree of species-specific particle selectivity; likely associated with feeding biology. Highest microplastic burden occurs in the Yellow and Mediterranean Seas and, contrary to expectation, amongst omnivores, predators, and deposit feeders rather than suspension feeding species. Our findings highlight the inadequacy of microplastic uptake risk assessments based on inventories of environmental contamination alone, and the need to understand how species behaviour and trait expression covary with microplastic contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Porter
- Department of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK.
| | - Jasmin A Godbold
- School of Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton, Waterfront Campus, Southampton, SO14 3ZH, UK
| | - Ceri N Lewis
- Department of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Georgie Savage
- Department of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Martin Solan
- School of Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton, Waterfront Campus, Southampton, SO14 3ZH, UK
| | - Tamara S Galloway
- Department of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK
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7
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Solan M, Spencer T, Paterson DM, Unsworth CA, Christie EK, Blight AJ, Brown J, Brooks H, Lichtman ID, Wei X, Li X, Thorne P, Leyland J, Godbold JA, Thompson C, Williams ME, Plater A, Moller I, Amoudry LO. Biological-physical interactions are fundamental to understanding and managing coastal dynamics. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 10:230155. [PMID: 37448479 PMCID: PMC10336386 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.230155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
There is an urgent need to address coastal dynamics as a fundamental interaction between physical and biological processes, particularly when trying to predict future biological-physical linkages under anticipated changes in environmental forcing. More integrated modelling, support for observational networks and the use of management interventions as controlled experimental exercises should now be vigorously pursued.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Solan
- School of Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton, Waterfront Campus, European Way, Southampton SO14 3ZH, UK
| | - Tom Spencer
- Cambridge Coastal Research Unit, Department of Geography, University of Cambridge, Downing Place, Cambridge CB2 3EN, UK
| | - David M Paterson
- Scottish Oceans Institute, School of Biology, Sediment Ecology Research Group, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Fife KY16 8LB, UK
| | - Christopher A Unsworth
- Marine Physics and Ocean Climate, National Oceanography Centre, Joseph Proudman Building, 6 Brownlow Street, Liverpool L3 5DA, UK
| | - Elizabeth K Christie
- Cambridge Coastal Research Unit, Department of Geography, University of Cambridge, Downing Place, Cambridge CB2 3EN, UK
| | - Andrew J Blight
- Scottish Oceans Institute, School of Biology, Sediment Ecology Research Group, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Fife KY16 8LB, UK
| | - Jenny Brown
- Marine Physics and Ocean Climate, National Oceanography Centre, Joseph Proudman Building, 6 Brownlow Street, Liverpool L3 5DA, UK
| | - Helen Brooks
- Cambridge Coastal Research Unit, Department of Geography, University of Cambridge, Downing Place, Cambridge CB2 3EN, UK
- Environment Agency, Tyneside House, Skinnerburn Road, Newcastle Business Park, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 7AR, UK
| | - I Dougal Lichtman
- Marine Physics and Ocean Climate, National Oceanography Centre, Joseph Proudman Building, 6 Brownlow Street, Liverpool L3 5DA, UK
| | - Xiaoyan Wei
- Marine Physics and Ocean Climate, National Oceanography Centre, Joseph Proudman Building, 6 Brownlow Street, Liverpool L3 5DA, UK
| | - Xiaorong Li
- Department of Geography and Planning, School of Environmental Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZT, UK
- Energy and Environment Research Group, College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Pete Thorne
- Marine Physics and Ocean Climate, National Oceanography Centre, Joseph Proudman Building, 6 Brownlow Street, Liverpool L3 5DA, UK
| | - Julian Leyland
- School of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Jasmin A Godbold
- School of Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton, Waterfront Campus, European Way, Southampton SO14 3ZH, UK
| | - Charlie Thompson
- School of Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton, Waterfront Campus, European Way, Southampton SO14 3ZH, UK
- Channel Coastal Observatory, National Oceanography Centre, University of Southampton, Waterfront Campus, European Way, Southampton SO14 3ZH, UK
| | - Megan E Williams
- Marine Physics and Ocean Climate, National Oceanography Centre, Joseph Proudman Building, 6 Brownlow Street, Liverpool L3 5DA, UK
- Departamento de Ingeniería Hidráulica y Ambiental, Facultad de Ingeniería, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Andrew Plater
- Department of Geography and Planning, School of Environmental Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZT, UK
| | - Iris Moller
- Cambridge Coastal Research Unit, Department of Geography, University of Cambridge, Downing Place, Cambridge CB2 3EN, UK
- Department of Geography, Trinity College Dublin, Museum Building, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Laurent O Amoudry
- Marine Physics and Ocean Climate, National Oceanography Centre, Joseph Proudman Building, 6 Brownlow Street, Liverpool L3 5DA, UK
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Clare DS, Bolam SG, McIlwaine PSO, Garcia C, Murray JM, Eggleton JD. Biological traits of marine benthic invertebrates in Northwest Europe. Sci Data 2022; 9:339. [PMID: 35705559 PMCID: PMC9200785 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-022-01442-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological traits analysis (BTA) provides insight into causes and consequences of biodiversity change that cannot be achieved using traditional taxonomic approaches. However, acquiring information on biological traits (i.e., the behavioural, morphological, and reproductive characteristics of taxa) can be extremely time-consuming, especially for large community datasets, thus hindering the successful application of BTA. Here, we present information on ten key biological traits for over a thousand marine benthic invertebrate taxa surveyed in Northwest Europe (mainly the UK shelf). Scores of 0 to 3 are provided to indicate our confidence that taxa exhibit each possible mode of trait expression. The information was acquired over a decade through an extensive appraisal of relevant sources, including peer-reviewed papers, books, online material and, where necessary, professional judgement. These data may be inspected, used, and augmented by fellow researchers, thus assisting in the wider application of BTA in marine benthic ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S Clare
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, UK.
| | - Stefan G Bolam
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, UK
| | - Paul S O McIlwaine
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, UK
| | - Clement Garcia
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, UK
| | - Joanna M Murray
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, UK
| | - Jacqueline D Eggleton
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, UK
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Crespo D, Leston S, Rato LD, Martinho F, Novais SC, Pardal MA, Lemos MFL. Does an Invasive Bivalve Outperform Its Native Congener in a Heat Wave Scenario? A Laboratory Study Case with Ruditapes decussatus and R. philippinarum. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10121284. [PMID: 34943199 PMCID: PMC8698865 DOI: 10.3390/biology10121284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Global climate change is responsible for more frequent heat waves, which offers opportunities for invasive species to expand their range. Two congener bivalves, the native Ruditapes decussatus and the invasive R. philippinarum, were exposed to a heat wave aquaria simulation and analysed for ecological and subcellular biomarkers responses. Despite reduced responses on the ecological level (bioturbation and nutrient concentration), there were differential responses to the heat wave at the subcellular level, where the invasive species seems to be less impacted than the native by the heat wave. This reinforces the common notion that climate change events may provide opportunities for biological invasions. Abstract Global warming and the subsequent increase in the frequency of temperature anomalies are expected to affect marine and estuarine species’ population dynamics, latitudinal distribution, and fitness, allowing non-native opportunistic species to invade and thrive in new geographical areas. Bivalves represent a significant percentage of the benthic biomass in marine ecosystems worldwide, often with commercial interest, while mediating fundamental ecological processes. To understand how these temperature anomalies contribute to the success (or not) of biological invasions, two closely related species, the native Ruditapes decussatus and the introduced R. philippinarum, were exposed to a simulated heat wave. Organisms of both species were exposed to mean summer temperature (~18 °C) for 6 days, followed by 6 days of simulated heat wave conditions (~22 °C). Both species were analysed for key ecological processes such as bioturbation and nutrient generation—which are significant proxies for benthic function and habitat quality—and subcellular biomarkers—oxidative stress and damage, and energetic metabolism. Results showed subcellular responses to heat waves. However, such responses were not expressed at the addressed ecological levels. The subcellular responses to the heat wave in the invasive R. philippinarum pinpoint less damage and higher cellular energy allocation to cope with thermal stress, which may further improve its fitness and thus invasiveness behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Crespo
- MARE—Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ESTM, Polytechnic of Leiria, 2520-641 Peniche, Portugal; (L.D.R.); (S.C.N.)
- CFE—Centre for Functional Ecology—Science for People & the Planet, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal; (S.L.); (F.M.); (M.A.P.)
- CIIMAR—Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos, S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
- Correspondence: (D.C.); (M.F.L.L.)
| | - Sara Leston
- CFE—Centre for Functional Ecology—Science for People & the Planet, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal; (S.L.); (F.M.); (M.A.P.)
| | - Lénia D. Rato
- MARE—Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ESTM, Polytechnic of Leiria, 2520-641 Peniche, Portugal; (L.D.R.); (S.C.N.)
| | - Filipe Martinho
- CFE—Centre for Functional Ecology—Science for People & the Planet, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal; (S.L.); (F.M.); (M.A.P.)
| | - Sara C. Novais
- MARE—Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ESTM, Polytechnic of Leiria, 2520-641 Peniche, Portugal; (L.D.R.); (S.C.N.)
| | - Miguel A. Pardal
- CFE—Centre for Functional Ecology—Science for People & the Planet, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal; (S.L.); (F.M.); (M.A.P.)
| | - Marco F. L. Lemos
- MARE—Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ESTM, Polytechnic of Leiria, 2520-641 Peniche, Portugal; (L.D.R.); (S.C.N.)
- Correspondence: (D.C.); (M.F.L.L.)
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10
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Dolbeth M, Babe O, Costa DA, Mucha AP, Cardoso PG, Arenas F. Benthic estuarine communities' contribution to bioturbation under the experimental effect of marine heatwaves. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11422. [PMID: 34075082 PMCID: PMC8169769 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90720-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Marine heatwaves are increasing worldwide, with several negative impacts on biological communities and ecosystems. This 24-day study tested heatwaves' effect with distinct duration and recovery periods on benthic estuarine communities' diversity and contribution to ecosystem functioning experimentally. The communities were obtained from a temperate estuary, usually subjected to high daily thermal amplitudes. Our goal was to understand the communities' response to the thermal change, including the community descriptors and behavioural changes expected during heat extremes. We measured community composition and structural changes and the bioturbation process and nutrient release as ecosystem functioning measurements. Overall, our findings highlight the potential tolerance of studied estuarine species to the temperature ranges tested in the study, as community composition and structure were similar, independently of the warming effect. We detected a slight trend for bioturbation and nutrient release increase in the communities under warming, yet these responses were not consistent with the heatwaves exposure duration. Overall, we conclude on the complexity of estuarine communities' contribution to functioning under warming, and the importance of scalable experiments with benthic organisms' responses to climate variability, accommodating longer time scales and replication. Such an approach would set more efficient expectations towards climate change mitigation or adaptation in temperate estuarine ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Dolbeth
- CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Novo Edifício Do Terminal de Cruzeiros Do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos S/N, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal.
| | - O Babe
- CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Novo Edifício Do Terminal de Cruzeiros Do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos S/N, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - D A Costa
- CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Novo Edifício Do Terminal de Cruzeiros Do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos S/N, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
- Center of Exact and Nature Sciences (CCEN), Department of Systematics and Ecology (DSE), UFPB - Federal University of Paraíba, Jardim Cidade Universitária s/n, João Pessoa, 58051-090, Brazil
| | - A P Mucha
- CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Novo Edifício Do Terminal de Cruzeiros Do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos S/N, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - P G Cardoso
- CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Novo Edifício Do Terminal de Cruzeiros Do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos S/N, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - F Arenas
- CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Novo Edifício Do Terminal de Cruzeiros Do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos S/N, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
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Solan M, Ward ER, Wood CL, Reed AJ, Grange LJ, Godbold JA. Climate-driven benthic invertebrate activity and biogeochemical functioning across the Barents Sea polar front. PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS. SERIES A, MATHEMATICAL, PHYSICAL, AND ENGINEERING SCIENCES 2020; 378:20190365. [PMID: 32862817 PMCID: PMC7481672 DOI: 10.1098/rsta.2019.0365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Arctic marine ecosystems are undergoing rapid correction in response to multiple expressions of climate change, but the consequences of altered biodiversity for the sequestration, transformation and storage of nutrients are poorly constrained. Here, we determine the bioturbation activity of sediment-dwelling invertebrate communities over two consecutive summers that contrasted in sea-ice extent along a transect intersecting the polar front. We find a clear separation in community composition at the polar front that marks a transition in the type and amount of bioturbation activity, and associated nutrient concentrations, sufficient to distinguish a southern high from a northern low. While patterns in community structure reflect proximity to arctic versus boreal conditions, our observations strongly suggest that faunal activity is moderated by seasonal variations in sea ice extent that influence food supply to the benthos. Our observations help visualize how a climate-driven reorganization of the Barents Sea benthic ecosystem may be expressed, and emphasize the rapidity with which an entire region could experience a functional transformation. As strong benthic-pelagic coupling is typical across most parts of the Arctic shelf, the response of these ecosystems to a changing climate will have important ramifications for ecosystem functioning and the trophic structure of the entire food web. This article is part of the theme issue 'The changing Arctic Ocean: consequences for biological communities, biogeochemical processes and ecosystem functioning'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Solan
- School of Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton, Waterfront Campus, European Way, Southampton SO14 3ZH, UK
- e-mail:
| | - Ellie R. Ward
- School of Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton, Waterfront Campus, European Way, Southampton SO14 3ZH, UK
| | - Christina L. Wood
- School of Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton, Waterfront Campus, European Way, Southampton SO14 3ZH, UK
| | - Adam J. Reed
- School of Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton, Waterfront Campus, European Way, Southampton SO14 3ZH, UK
| | - Laura J. Grange
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2DG, UK
| | - Jasmin A. Godbold
- School of Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton, Waterfront Campus, European Way, Southampton SO14 3ZH, UK
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12
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Sea-level rise and the emergence of a keystone grazer alter the geomorphic evolution and ecology of southeast US salt marshes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:17891-17902. [PMID: 32661151 PMCID: PMC7395507 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1917869117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Human disturbances, climate change, and their combined effects on species distributions and environmental conditions are increasingly modifying the organization of our world’s oceans, forests, grasslands, wetlands, tundras, and reefs. Here, we reveal that these contemporary conditions can trigger the emergence of novel keystone species. Across the southeastern US coastal plain, sea-level rise is outpacing salt marsh vertical accretion, causing these grasslands to be tidally inundated for longer and softening marsh substrates to levels optimal for crab burrowing. Using field experiments, measurements, surveys, and models, we show that these conditions amplify the burrowing and grazing effects of a previously inconspicuous crab, enabling it to redefine predator–prey interactions, eco-geomorphic feedbacks, and the mechanisms by which salt marshes are responding to climate change. Keystone species have large ecological effects relative to their abundance and have been identified in many ecosystems. However, global change is pervasively altering environmental conditions, potentially elevating new species to keystone roles. Here, we reveal that a historically innocuous grazer—the marsh crab Sesarma reticulatum—is rapidly reshaping the geomorphic evolution and ecological organization of southeastern US salt marshes now burdened by rising sea levels. Our analyses indicate that sea-level rise in recent decades has widely outpaced marsh vertical accretion, increasing tidal submergence of marsh surfaces, particularly where creeks exhibit morphologies that are unable to efficiently drain adjacent marsh platforms. In these increasingly submerged areas, cordgrass decreases belowground root:rhizome ratios, causing substrate hardness to decrease to within the optimal range for Sesarma burrowing. Together, these bio-physical changes provoke Sesarma to aggregate in high-density grazing and burrowing fronts at the heads of tidal creeks (hereafter, creekheads). Aerial-image analyses reveal that resulting “Sesarma-grazed” creekheads increased in prevalence from 10 ± 2% to 29 ± 5% over the past <25 y and, by tripling creek-incision rates relative to nongrazed creekheads, have increased marsh-landscape drainage density by 8 to 35% across the region. Field experiments further demonstrate that Sesarma-grazed creekheads, through their removal of vegetation that otherwise obstructs predator access, enhance the vulnerability of macrobenthic invertebrates to predation and strongly reduce secondary production across adjacent marsh platforms. Thus, sea-level rise is creating conditions within which Sesarma functions as a keystone species that is driving dynamic, landscape-scale changes in salt-marsh geomorphic evolution, spatial organization, and species interactions.
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Vallejos MAV, Padial AA, Vitule JRS, Monteiro-Filho ELDA. Effects of crowding due to habitat loss on species assemblage patterns. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2020; 34:405-415. [PMID: 31773785 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Terrestrial animals are negatively affected by habitat loss, which is assessed on a landscape scale, whereas secondary effects of habitat loss, such as crowding, are usually disregarded. Such impacts are inherently hard to address and poorly understood, and there is a growing concern that they could have dire consequences. We sampled birds throughout a deforestation process to assess crowding stress in an adjacent habitat remnant in the southern Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Crowding is expected of highly mobile taxa, especially given the microhabitat heterogeneity of Neotropical forests, and we hypothesized that the arrival of new individuals or species in refuges shifts assemblage patterns. We used point counts to obtain bird abundances in a before-after-control-impact design sampling of a deforestation event. Temporal changes in taxonomic and functional diversity were examined with metrics used to assess alpha and beta diversity, turnover of taxonomic and functional similarity, and taxonomic and functional composition. Over time increased abundance of some species altered the Simpson index and affected the abundance-distribution of traits in the habitat remnant. Taxonomic composition and functional composition changed in the remnant, and thus bird assemblages changed over time. Taxonomic and functional metrics indicated that fugitives affected resident assemblages in refuges, and effects endured >2 years after the deforestation processes had ceased. Dissimilarity of taxonomic composition between pre- and postdeforestation assemblages increased, whereas functional composition reverted to preimpact conditions. We found that ecological disruptions resulted from crowding and escalated into disruptions of species' assemblages and potentially compromising ecosystem functioning. It is important to consider crowding effects of highly mobile taxa during impact assessments, especially in large-scale infrastructure projects that may affect larger areas than is assumed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - André Andrian Padial
- Laboratório de Análise e Síntese em Biodiversidade, Departamento de Botânica. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Conservação, Setor de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Av. Coronel Francisco Heráclito dos Santos, 100, CEP: 81530-000, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Jean Ricardo Simões Vitule
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação, Departamento de Engenharia Ambiental, Setor de Tecnologia, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Av. Coronel Francisco Heráclito dos Santos, 100, CEP, 81530-000, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Emygdio Leite de Araujo Monteiro-Filho
- Laboratório de Biologia e Ecologia de Vertebrados, Departamento de Zoologia, Setor de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Av. Coronel Francisco Heráclito dos Santos, 100, CEP, 81530-000, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
- Instituto de Pesquisas Cananéia, Av. Nina, 523, CEP, 11990-000, Cananéia, São Paulo, Brazil
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14
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Cassidy C, Grange LJ, Garcia C, Bolam SG, Godbold JA. Species interactions and environmental context affect intraspecific behavioural trait variation and ecosystem function. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 287:20192143. [PMID: 31992167 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2019.2143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Functional trait-based approaches are increasingly adopted to understand and project ecological responses to environmental change; however, most assume trait expression is constant between conspecifics irrespective of context. Using two species of benthic invertebrate (brittlestars Amphiura filiformis and Amphiura chiajei), we demonstrate that trait expression at individual and community levels differs with biotic and abiotic context. We use PERMANOVA to test the effect of species identity, density and local environmental history on individual (righting and burrowing) and community (particle reworking and burrow ventilation) trait expression, as well as associated effects on ecosystem functioning (sediment nutrient release). Trait expression differs with context, with repercussions for the faunal mediation of ecosystem processes; we find increased rates of righting and burial behaviour and greater particle reworking with increasing density that are reflected in nutrient generation. However, the magnitude of effects differed within and between species, arising from site-specific environmental and morphological differences. Our results indicate that traits and processes influencing change in ecosystem functioning are products of both prevailing and historic conditions that cannot be constrained within typologies. Trait-based study must incorporate context-dependent variation, including intraspecific differences from individual to ecosystem scales, to avoid jeopardizing projections of ecosystem functioning and service delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Cassidy
- School of Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton, European Way, Southampton SO14 3ZH, UK
| | - Laura J Grange
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor LL57 2DG, UK
| | - Clement Garcia
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Lowestoft Laboratory, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, UK
| | - Stefan G Bolam
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Lowestoft Laboratory, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, UK
| | - Jasmin A Godbold
- School of Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton, European Way, Southampton SO14 3ZH, UK
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15
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Solan M, Bennett EM, Mumby PJ, Leyland J, Godbold JA. Benthic-based contributions to climate change mitigation and adaptation. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2020; 375:20190107. [PMID: 31983332 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2019.0107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Innovative solutions to improve the condition and resilience of ecosystems are needed to address societal challenges and pave the way towards a climate-resilient future. Nature-based solutions offer the potential to protect, sustainably manage and restore natural or modified ecosystems while providing multiple other benefits for health, the economy, society and the environment. However, the implementation of nature-based solutions stems from a discourse that is almost exclusively derived from a terrestrial and urban context and assumes that risk reduction is resolved locally. We argue that this position ignores the importance of complex ecological interactions across a range of temporal and spatial scales and misses the substantive contribution from marine ecosystems, which are notably absent from most climate mitigation and adaptation strategies that extend beyond coastal disaster management. Here, we consider the potential of sediment-dwelling fauna and flora to inform and support nature-based solutions, and how the ecology of benthic environments can enhance adaptation plans. We illustrate our thesis with examples of practice that are generating, or have the potential to deliver, transformative change and discuss where further innovation might be applied. Finally, we take a reflective look at the realized and potential capacity of benthic-based solutions to contribute to adaptation plans and offer our perspectives on the suitability and shortcomings of past achievements and the prospective rewards from sensible prioritization of future research. This article is part of the theme issue 'Climate change and ecosystems: threats, opportunities and solutions'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Solan
- School of Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton, Waterfront Campus, European Way, Southampton SO14 3ZH, UK
| | - Elena M Bennett
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences and McGill School of Environment, McGill University-Macdonald Campus, 21,111 Lakeshore Road, St Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, Canada H9X 3 V9
| | - Peter J Mumby
- Marine Spatial Ecology Lab, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Julian Leyland
- School of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Southampton, Highfield Campus, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Jasmin A Godbold
- School of Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton, Waterfront Campus, European Way, Southampton SO14 3ZH, UK.,School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Highfield Campus, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
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16
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Dolbeth M, Crespo D, Leston S, Solan M. Realistic scenarios of environmental disturbance lead to functionally important changes in benthic species-environment interactions. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 150:104770. [PMID: 31421538 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2019.104770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/04/2019] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Changes in community structure concurrent with environmental forcing often form a precursor to changes in species diversity, and can have substantive consequences for ecosystem functioning. Here, we assess the effects of altered levels of evenness that are representative of different levels of eutrophication and changes in salinity associated with altered precipitation patterns, on the mediation of nutrient release by sediment-dwelling invertebrate communities. We find that an adjustment towards a more even distribution of species corresponds with an increase in sediment particle reworking that, in general, translates to increased levels of nutrient release. This response, however, is dependent on the functional role of each species in the community and is influenced by concomitant changes in salinity, especially when salinity extends beyond the range typically experienced by the community. Overall, our findings highlight the dynamic nature of species contributions to functioning and reinforce the importance of understanding when, and how, the mechanistic basis of species-environment interactions are modified as the influence of abiotic and biotic factors flex under periods of directional forcing.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Dolbeth
- CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Novo Edifício do Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; CFE - Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - D Crespo
- CFE - Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal; MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Politécnico de Leiria, Edifício CETEMARES, Av. Porto de Pesca, 2520-630, Peniche, Portugal
| | - S Leston
- CFE - Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal; REQUIMTE/LAQV - Pharmacy Faculty, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - M Solan
- Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, University of Southampton, Waterfront Campus, European, Way, Southampton, SO14 3ZH, United Kingdom
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17
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Infection with behaviour-manipulating parasites enhances bioturbation by key aquatic detritivores. Parasitology 2019; 146:1528-1531. [PMID: 31109386 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182019000635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The ecological ubiquity of parasites and their potential impacts on host behaviour have led to the suggestion that parasites can act as ecosystem engineers, structuring their environment and physical habitats. Potential modification of the relationship between parasites and their hosts by climate change has important implications for how hosts interact with both their biotic and abiotic environment. Here, we show that warming and parasitic infection independently increase rates of bioturbation by a key detritivore in aquatic ecosystems (Gammarus). These findings have important implications for ecosystem structure and functioning in a warming world, as alterations to rates of bioturbation could significantly modify oxygenation penetration and nutrient cycling in benthic sediments of rivers and lakes. Our results demonstrate a need for future ecosystem management strategies to account for parasitic infection when predicting the impacts of a warming climate.
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18
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Solan M, Ward ER, White EL, Hibberd EE, Cassidy C, Schuster JM, Hale R, Godbold JA. Worldwide measurements of bioturbation intensity, ventilation rate, and the mixing depth of marine sediments. Sci Data 2019; 6:58. [PMID: 31086191 PMCID: PMC6513814 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-019-0069-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The activities of a diverse array of sediment-dwelling fauna are known to mediate carbon remineralisation, biogeochemical cycling and other important properties of marine ecosystems, but the contributions that different seabed communities make to the global inventory have not been established. Here we provide a comprehensive georeferenced database of measured values of bioturbation intensity (Db, n = 1281), burrow ventilation rate (q, n = 765, 47 species) and the mixing depth (L, n = 1780) of marine soft sediments compiled from the scientific literature (1864–2018). These data provide reference information that can be used to inform and parameterise global, habitat specific and/or species level biogeochemical models that will be of value within the fields of geochemistry, ecology, climate, and palaeobiology. We include metadata relating to the source, timing and location of each study, the methodology used, and environmental and experimental information. The dataset presents opportunity to interrogate current ecological theory, refine functional typologies, quantify uncertainty and/or test the relevance and robustness of models used to project ecosystem responses to change. Design Type(s) | data integration objective • species comparison design | Measurement Type(s) | Publication | Technology Type(s) | digital curation | Factor Type(s) | temporal_instant • geographic location • depth • Species • season | Sample Characteristic(s) | Polychaeta • Earth (Planet) • marine benthic biome • Malacostraca • Bivalvia • Echinoidea • Ophiuroidea |
Machine-accessible metadata file describing the reported data (ISA-Tab format)
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Solan
- Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton, Waterfront Campus, European Way, Southampton, SO14 3ZH, UK.
| | - Ellie R Ward
- Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton, Waterfront Campus, European Way, Southampton, SO14 3ZH, UK
| | - Ellen L White
- Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton, Waterfront Campus, European Way, Southampton, SO14 3ZH, UK
| | - Elizabeth E Hibberd
- Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton, Waterfront Campus, European Way, Southampton, SO14 3ZH, UK
| | - Camilla Cassidy
- Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton, Waterfront Campus, European Way, Southampton, SO14 3ZH, UK
| | - Jasmin M Schuster
- Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton, Waterfront Campus, European Way, Southampton, SO14 3ZH, UK.,Department of Ocean Sciences, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, NL, Canada
| | - Rachel Hale
- Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton, Waterfront Campus, European Way, Southampton, SO14 3ZH, UK
| | - Jasmin A Godbold
- Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton, Waterfront Campus, European Way, Southampton, SO14 3ZH, UK
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19
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Barry KE, de Kroon H, Dietrich P, Stanley Harpole W, Roeder A, Schmid B, Clark AT, Mayfield MM, Wagg C, Roscher C. Linking local species coexistence to ecosystem functioning: a conceptual framework from ecological first principles in grassland ecosystems. ADV ECOL RES 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.aecr.2019.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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20
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Sciberras M, Tait K, Brochain G, Hiddink JG, Hale R, Godbold JA, Solan M. Mediation of nitrogen by post-disturbance shelf communities experiencing organic matter enrichment. BIOGEOCHEMISTRY 2017; 135:135-153. [PMID: 32009695 PMCID: PMC6961516 DOI: 10.1007/s10533-017-0370-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Microbes and benthic macro-invertebrates interact in sediments to play a major role in the biogeochemical cycling of organic matter, but the extent to which their contributions are modified following natural and anthropogenic changes has received little attention. Here, we investigate how nitrogen transformations, ascertained from changes in archaeal and bacterial N-cycling microbes and water macronutrient concentrations ([NH4-N], [NO2-N], [NO3-N]), in sand and sandy mud sediments differ when macrofaunal communities that have previously experienced contrasting levels of chronic fishing disturbance are exposed to organic matter enrichment. We find that differences in macrofaunal community structure related to differences in fishing activity affect the capacity of the macrofauna to mediate microbial nitrogen cycling in sand, but not in sandy mud environments. Whilst we found no evidence for a change in ammonia oxidiser community structure, we did find an increase in archaeal and bacterial denitrifier (AnirKa, nirS) and anammox (hzo) transcripts in macrofaunal communities characterized by higher ratios of suspension to deposit feeders, and a lower density but higher biomass of sediment-reworking fauna. Our findings suggest that nitrogen transformation in shelf sandy sediments is dependent on the stimulation of specific nitrogen cycling pathways that are associated with differences in the composition and context-dependent expression of the functional traits that belong to the resident bioturbating macrofauna community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marija Sciberras
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Askew St, Menai Bridge, Anglesey LL59 5AB UK
| | - Karen Tait
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth, PL1 3DH UK
| | - Guillaume Brochain
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth, PL1 3DH UK
| | - Jan G. Hiddink
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Askew St, Menai Bridge, Anglesey LL59 5AB UK
| | - Rachel Hale
- Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton Waterfront Campus, European Way, Southampton, SO14 3ZH UK
| | - Jasmin A. Godbold
- Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton Waterfront Campus, European Way, Southampton, SO14 3ZH UK
| | - Martin Solan
- Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton Waterfront Campus, European Way, Southampton, SO14 3ZH UK
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21
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Hale R, Godbold JA, Sciberras M, Dwight J, Wood C, Hiddink JG, Solan M. Mediation of macronutrients and carbon by post-disturbance shelf sea sediment communities. BIOGEOCHEMISTRY 2017; 135:121-133. [PMID: 32009694 PMCID: PMC6961522 DOI: 10.1007/s10533-017-0350-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Benthic communities play a major role in organic matter remineralisation and the mediation of many aspects of shelf sea biogeochemistry. Few studies have considered how changes in community structure associated with different levels of physical disturbance affect sediment macronutrients and carbon following the cessation of disturbance. Here, we investigate how faunal activity (sediment particle reworking and bioirrigation) in communities that have survived contrasting levels of bottom fishing affect sediment organic carbon content and macronutrient concentrations ([NH4-N], [NO2-N], [NO3-N], [PO4-P], [SiO4-Si]). We find that organic carbon content and [NO3-N] decline in cohesive sediment communities that have experienced an increased frequency of fishing, whilst [NH4-N], [NO2-N], [PO4-P] and [SiO4-Si] are not affected. [NH4-N] increases in non-cohesive sediments that have experienced a higher frequency of fishing. Further analyses reveal that the way communities are restructured by physical disturbance differs between sediment type and with fishing frequency, but that changes in community structure do little to affect bioturbation and associated levels of organic carbon and nutrient concentrations. Our results suggest that in the presence of physical disturbance, irrespective of sediment type, the mediation of macronutrient and carbon cycling increasingly reflects the decoupling of organism-sediment relations. Indeed, it is the traits of the species that reside at the sediment-water interface, or that occupy deeper parts of the sediment profile, that are disproportionately expressed post-disturbance, that are most important for sustaining biogeochemical functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Hale
- School of Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton Waterfront Campus, European Way, Southampton, SO14 3ZH UK
| | - Jasmin A. Godbold
- School of Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton Waterfront Campus, European Way, Southampton, SO14 3ZH UK
- Biological Sciences,Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences, University of Southampton, Highfield Campus, Life Sciences Building 85, Southampton, SO17 1BJ UK
| | - Marija Sciberras
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Bangor, LL59 5AB UK
| | - Jessica Dwight
- School of Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton Waterfront Campus, European Way, Southampton, SO14 3ZH UK
| | - Christina Wood
- School of Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton Waterfront Campus, European Way, Southampton, SO14 3ZH UK
| | - Jan G. Hiddink
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Bangor, LL59 5AB UK
| | - Martin Solan
- School of Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton Waterfront Campus, European Way, Southampton, SO14 3ZH UK
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