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Luan J, Li S, Liu S, Wang Y, Ding L, Lu H, Chen L, Zhang J, Zhou W, Han S, Zhang Y, Hättenschwiler S. Biodiversity mitigates drought effects in the decomposer system across biomes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2313334121. [PMID: 38498717 PMCID: PMC10990129 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2313334121] [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: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiple facets of global change affect the earth system interactively, with complex consequences for ecosystem functioning and stability. Simultaneous climate and biodiversity change are of particular concern, because biodiversity may contribute to ecosystem resistance and resilience and may mitigate climate change impacts. Yet, the extent and generality of how climate and biodiversity change interact remain insufficiently understood, especially for the decomposition of organic matter, a major determinant of the biosphere-atmosphere carbon feedbacks. With an inter-biome field experiment using large rainfall exclusion facilities, we tested how drought, a common prediction of climate change models for many parts of the world, and biodiversity in the decomposer system drive decomposition in forest ecosystems interactively. Decomposing leaf litter lost less carbon (C) and especially nitrogen (N) in five different forest biomes following partial rainfall exclusion compared to conditions without rainfall exclusion. An increasing complexity of the decomposer community alleviated drought effects, with full compensation when large-bodied invertebrates were present. Leaf litter mixing increased diversity effects, with increasing litter species richness, which contributed to counteracting drought effects on C and N loss, although to a much smaller degree than decomposer community complexity. Our results show at a relevant spatial scale covering distinct climate zones that both, the diversity of decomposer communities and plant litter in forest floors have a strong potential to mitigate drought effects on C and N dynamics during decomposition. Preserving biodiversity at multiple trophic levels contributes to ecosystem resistance and appears critical to maintain ecosystem processes under ongoing climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junwei Luan
- Sanya Research Base, International Centre for Bamboo and Rattan, Sanya572022, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Resources and Environment, Key Laboratory of Bamboo and Rattan Science and Technology of State Forestry and Grassland Administration, International Centre for Bamboo and Rattan, Beijing100102, People’s Republic of China
| | - Siyu Li
- Sanya Research Base, International Centre for Bamboo and Rattan, Sanya572022, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Resources and Environment, Key Laboratory of Bamboo and Rattan Science and Technology of State Forestry and Grassland Administration, International Centre for Bamboo and Rattan, Beijing100102, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shirong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Forest Ecology and Environment of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Ecology and Nature Conservation Institute, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing100091, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi Wang
- Institute of Resources and Environment, Key Laboratory of Bamboo and Rattan Science and Technology of State Forestry and Grassland Administration, International Centre for Bamboo and Rattan, Beijing100102, People’s Republic of China
| | - Liping Ding
- Institute of Resources and Environment, Key Laboratory of Bamboo and Rattan Science and Technology of State Forestry and Grassland Administration, International Centre for Bamboo and Rattan, Beijing100102, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haibo Lu
- Key Laboratory of Forest Ecology and Environment of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Ecology and Nature Conservation Institute, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing100091, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Geography, Faculty of Arts and Sciences and Zhuhai Branch of State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai519087, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lin Chen
- Experimental Center of Tropical Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Pingxiang532600, People’s Republic of China
| | - Junhui Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu273165, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenjun Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, Yunnan666303, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shijie Han
- School of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu273165, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yiping Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, Yunnan666303, People’s Republic of China
| | - Stephan Hättenschwiler
- Centre d’Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Montpellier34293, France
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2
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Díaz-Morales DM, Khosravi M, Grabner DS, Nahar N, Bommarito C, Wahl M, Sures B. The trematode Podocotyle atomon modulates biochemical responses of Gammarus locusta to thermal stress but not its feeding rate or survival. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 858:159946. [PMID: 36343811 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159946] [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: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Although parasitism is one of the most common species interactions in nature, the role of parasites in their hosts' thermal tolerance is often neglected. This study examined the ability of the trematode Podocotyle atomon to modulate the feeding and stress response of Gammarus locusta towards temperature. To accomplish this, infected and uninfected females and males of Gammarus locusta were exposed to temperatures (2, 6, 10, 14, 18, 22, 26, 30 °C) for six days. Shredding (change in food biomass) and defecation rates (as complementary measure to shredding rate) were measured as proxies for feeding activity. Lipid and glycogen concentrations (energy reserves), catalase (oxidative stress indicator), and phenoloxidase (an immunological response in invertebrates) were additionally measured. Gammarid survival was optimal at 10 °C as estimated by the linear model and was unaffected by trematode infection. Both temperature and sex influenced the direction of infection effect on phenoloxidase. Infected females presented lower phenoloxidase activity than uninfected females at 14 and 18 °C, while males remained unaffected by infection. Catalase activity increased at warmer temperatures for infected males and uninfected females. Higher activity of this enzyme at colder temperatures occurred only for infected females. Infection decreased lipid content in gammarids by 14 %. Infected males had significantly less glycogen than uninfected, while infected females showed the opposite trend. The largest infection effects were observed for catalase and phenoloxidase activity. An exacerbation of catalase activity in infected males at warmer temperatures might indicate (in the long-term) unsustainable, overwhelming, and perhaps lethal conditions in a warming sea. A decrease in phenoloxidase activity in infected females at warmer temperatures might indicate a reduction in the potential for fighting opportunistic infections. Results highlight the relevance of parasites and host sex in organismal homeostasis and provide useful insights into the organismal stability of a widespread amphipod in a warming sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dakeishla M Díaz-Morales
- Aquatic Ecology and Centre for Water and Environmental Research, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitaetsstr. 5, Essen 45141, Germany.
| | - Maral Khosravi
- GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research, Benthic Ecology Department, Düsternbrooker Weg 20, Kiel 24105, Germany.
| | - Daniel S Grabner
- Aquatic Ecology and Centre for Water and Environmental Research, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitaetsstr. 5, Essen 45141, Germany.
| | - Nazmun Nahar
- Aquatic Ecology and Centre for Water and Environmental Research, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitaetsstr. 5, Essen 45141, Germany.
| | - Claudia Bommarito
- GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research, Benthic Ecology Department, Düsternbrooker Weg 20, Kiel 24105, Germany.
| | - Martin Wahl
- GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research, Benthic Ecology Department, Düsternbrooker Weg 20, Kiel 24105, Germany.
| | - Bernd Sures
- Aquatic Ecology and Centre for Water and Environmental Research, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitaetsstr. 5, Essen 45141, Germany.
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3
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Hu N, Brönmark C, Bourdeau PE, Hollander J. Marine gastropods at higher trophic level show stronger tolerance to ocean acidification. OIKOS 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.08890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nan Hu
- Dept of Biology ‐ Aquatic Ecology, Lund Univ. Lund Sweden
| | | | | | - Johan Hollander
- Dept of Biology ‐ Aquatic Ecology, Lund Univ. Lund Sweden
- Global Ocean Inst., World Maritime Univ. Malmö Sweden
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5
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Lee J, Hughes BB, Kroeker KJ, Owens A, Wong C, Micheli F. Who wins or loses matters: Strongly interacting consumers drive seagrass resistance under ocean acidification. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 808:151594. [PMID: 34826463 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151594] [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: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Global stressors are increasingly altering ecosystem resistance, resilience, and functioning by reorganizing vital species interactions. However, our predictive understanding of these changes is hindered by failures to consider species-specific functional roles and stress responses within communities. Stressor-driven loss or reduced performance of strongly interacting species may generate abrupt shifts in ecosystem states and functions. Yet, empirical support for this prediction is scarce, especially in marine climate change research. Using a marine assemblage comprising a habitat-forming seagrass (Phyllospadix torreyi), its algal competitor, and three consumer species (algal grazers) with potentially different functional roles and pH tolerance, we investigated how ocean acidification (OA) may, directly and indirectly, alter community resistance. In the field and laboratory, hermit crabs (Pagurus granosimanus and P. hirsutiusculus) and snails (Tegula funebralis) displayed distinct microhabitat use, with hermit crabs more frequently grazing in the area of high algal colonization (i.e., surfgrass canopy). In mesocosms, this behavioral difference led to hermit crabs exerting ~2 times greater per capita impact on algal epiphyte biomass than snails. Exposure to OA variably affected the grazers: snails showed reduced feeding and growth under extreme pH (7.3 and 7.5), whereas hermit crabs (P. granosimanus) maintained a similar grazing rate under all pH levels (pH 7.3, 7.5, 7.7, and 7.95). Epiphyte biomass increased more rapidly under extreme OA (pH 7.3 and 7.5), but natural densities of snails and hermit crabs prevented algal overgrowth irrespective of pH treatments. Finally, grazers and acidification additively increased surfgrass productivity and delayed the shoot senescence. Hence, although OA impaired the function of the most abundant consumers (snails), strongly interacting and pH-tolerant species (hermit crabs) largely maintained the top-down pressure to facilitate seagrass dominance. Our study highlights significant within-community variation in species functional and response traits and shows that this variation has important ecosystem consequences under anthropogenic stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juhyung Lee
- Hopkins Marine Station of Stanford University, 120 Ocean View Blvd, Pacific Grove, CA 93950, USA.
| | - Brent B Hughes
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Beaufort, NC 28516, USA
| | - Kristy J Kroeker
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Ava Owens
- Santa Catalina School, Monterey, CA 93940, USA
| | | | - Fiorenza Micheli
- Hopkins Marine Station of Stanford University, 120 Ocean View Blvd, Pacific Grove, CA 93950, USA; Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions, 120 Ocean View Blvd, Pacific Grove, CA 93950, USA
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6
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Araújo-Silva CL, Sarmento VC, Santos PJP. Climate change scenarios of increased CO 2 and temperature affect a coral reef peracarid (Crustacea) community. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 173:105518. [PMID: 34763317 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2021.105518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Revised: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The effects of applying scenarios of increasing CO2 and temperature, using a mesocosm experiment, on the structure of a macrofaunal coral reef peracarid community were investigated for the first time. Samples were taken from artificial substrate units (ASUs), colonized by macrofauna from the coral reef subtidal zone of Serrambi beach (Brazil). In the laboratory, the ASUs were exposed to a Control (Ctrl) treatment and three climate change Scenarios (Sc) (increase of T° of 0.6, 2, and 3 °C, and pH drop of 0.1, 0.3, and 0.7 units for Sc I, II and III respectively), and were collected after 15 and 29 days of exposure. Our results showed that the effect of different temperature and acidity levels under experimental climate change scenarios significantly impacted density, diversity and community structure. Major differences were observed when applying Sc II and III. Peracarida also showed a reduction in specimen number when comparing both exposure times. Overall, Amphipoda, Tanaidacea and Isopoda communities all displayed a reduction in the number of individuals for both scenarios and exposure time factors, while Cumacea responded negatively in all scenarios, suggesting that these individuals were more sensitive to the experimental conditions. Dissimilarities were greatest between the Ctrl and Sc III, particularly after 29 days. Two species, Elasmopus longipropodus (Amphipoda) and Chondrochelia dubia (Tanaidacea), greatly contributed to these dissimilarities. This study demonstrates that even an intermediate level of increasing ocean temperature and acidification will negatively impact the structure of the Peracarida macrofaunal community on coral reefs. Also demonstrates that different species of Peracarida exhibit divergent response patterns, highlighting the specific responses of these taxa to the impacts of environmental stressors. These outcomes highlight the importance of studying the effects of climate change on benthic peracarids, especially because they incubate their eggs. This characteristic can reduce migration potential and thereby reduces the individual's ability to disperse in response to a changing environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina L Araújo-Silva
- Departamento de Zoologia, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Animal, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego s/n, Recife, Pernambuco, 50670-420, Brazil.
| | - Visnu C Sarmento
- Departamento de Zoologia, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Animal, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego s/n, Recife, Pernambuco, 50670-420, Brazil
| | - Paulo J P Santos
- Departamento de Zoologia, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Animal, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego s/n, Recife, Pernambuco, 50670-420, Brazil.
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Biodiversity of coral reef cryptobiota shuffles but does not decline under the combined stressors of ocean warming and acidification. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2103275118. [PMID: 34544862 PMCID: PMC8488634 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2103275118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Ocean-warming and acidification are predicted to reduce coral reef biodiversity, but the combined effects of these stressors on overall biodiversity are largely unmeasured. Here, we examined the individual and combined effects of elevated temperature (+2 °C) and reduced pH (-0.2 units) on the biodiversity of coral reef communities that developed on standardized sampling units over a 2-y mesocosm experiment. Biodiversity and species composition were measured using amplicon sequencing libraries targeting the cytochrome oxidase I (COI) barcoding gene. Ocean-warming significantly increased species richness relative to present-day control conditions, whereas acidification significantly reduced richness. Contrary to expectations, species richness in the combined future ocean treatment with both warming and acidification was not significantly different from the present-day control treatment. Rather than the predicted collapse of biodiversity under the dual stressors, we find significant changes in the relative abundance but not in the occurrence of species, resulting in a shuffling of coral reef community structure among the highly species-rich cryptobenthic community. The ultimate outcome of altered community structure for coral reef ecosystems will depend on species-specific ecological functions and community interactions. Given that most species on coral reefs are members of the understudied cryptobenthos, holistic research on reef communities is needed to accurately predict diversity-function relationships and ecosystem responses to future climate conditions.
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8
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Impacts of hypoxic events surpass those of future ocean warming and acidification. Nat Ecol Evol 2021; 5:311-321. [PMID: 33432134 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-020-01370-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Over the past decades, three major challenges to marine life have emerged as a consequence of anthropogenic emissions: ocean warming, acidification and oxygen loss. While most experimental research has targeted the first two stressors, the last remains comparatively neglected. Here, we implemented sequential hierarchical mixed-model meta-analyses (721 control-treatment comparisons) to compare the impacts of oxygen conditions associated with the current and continuously intensifying hypoxic events (1-3.5 O2 mg l-1) with those experimentally yielded by ocean warming (+4 °C) and acidification (-0.4 units) conditions on the basis of IPCC projections (RCP 8.5) for 2100. In contrast to warming and acidification, hypoxic events elicited consistent negative effects relative to control biological performance-survival (-33%), abundance (-65%), development (-51%), metabolism (-33%), growth (-24%) and reproduction (-39%)-across the taxonomic groups (mollusks, crustaceans and fish), ontogenetic stages and climate regions studied. Our findings call for a refocus of global change experimental studies, integrating oxygen concentration drivers as a key factor of ocean change. Given potential combined effects, multistressor designs including gradual and extreme changes are further warranted to fully disclose the future impacts of ocean oxygen loss, warming and acidification.
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9
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A spatial regime shift from predator to prey dominance in a large coastal ecosystem. Commun Biol 2020; 3:459. [PMID: 32855431 PMCID: PMC7452892 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-01180-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Regime shifts in ecosystem structure and processes are typically studied from a temporal perspective. Yet, theory predicts that in large ecosystems with environmental gradients, shifts should start locally and gradually spread through space. Here we empirically document a spatially propagating shift in the trophic structure of a large aquatic ecosystem, from dominance of large predatory fish (perch, pike) to the small prey fish, the three-spined stickleback. Fish surveys in 486 shallow bays along the 1200 km western Baltic Sea coast during 1979–2017 show that the shift started in wave-exposed archipelago areas near the open sea, but gradually spread towards the wave-sheltered mainland coast. Ecosystem surveys in 32 bays in 2014 show that stickleback predation on juvenile predators (predator–prey reversal) generates a feedback mechanism that appears to reinforce the shift. In summary, managers must account for spatial heterogeneity and dispersal to better predict, detect and confront regime shifts within large ecosystems. Eklöf et al. report a spatially propagating shift in the trophic structure along the western Baltic Sea coast. The authors use fish surveys from 1979–2017 to show a shift from dominance of large predatory fish to the small prey fish, the three-spined stickleback, starting in wave-exposed areas and gradually moving to the wave-sheltered coast.
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Nakagawa S, Lagisz M, O'Dea RE, Rutkowska J, Yang Y, Noble DWA, Senior AM. The orchard plot: Cultivating a forest plot for use in ecology, evolution, and beyond. Res Synth Methods 2020; 12:4-12. [PMID: 32445243 DOI: 10.1002/jrsm.1424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2019] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
"Classic" forest plots show the effect sizes from individual studies and the aggregate effect from a meta-analysis. However, in ecology and evolution, meta-analyses routinely contain over 100 effect sizes, making the classic forest plot of limited use. We surveyed 102 meta-analyses in ecology and evolution, finding that only 11% use the classic forest plot. Instead, most used a "forest-like plot," showing point estimates (with 95% confidence intervals [CIs]) from a series of subgroups or categories in a meta-regression. We propose a modification of the forest-like plot, which we name the "orchard plot." Orchard plots, in addition to showing overall mean effects and CIs from meta-analyses/regressions, also include 95% prediction intervals (PIs), and the individual effect sizes scaled by their precision. The PI allows the user and reader to see the range in which an effect size from a future study may be expected to fall. The PI, therefore, provides an intuitive interpretation of any heterogeneity in the data. Supplementing the PI, the inclusion of underlying effect sizes also allows the user to see any influential or outlying effect sizes. We showcase the orchard plot with example datasets from ecology and evolution, using the R package, orchard, including several functions for visualizing meta-analytic data using forest-plot derivatives. We consider the orchard plot as a variant on the classic forest plot, cultivated to the needs of meta-analysts in ecology and evolution. Hopefully, the orchard plot will prove fruitful for visualizing large collections of heterogeneous effect sizes regardless of the field of study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinichi Nakagawa
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Malgorzata Lagisz
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rose E O'Dea
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Joanna Rutkowska
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Yefeng Yang
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Daniel W A Noble
- Division of Ecology and Evolution, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Alistair M Senior
- Charles Perkins Centre, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
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Perry D, Hammar L, Linderholm HW, Gullström M. Spatial risk assessment of global change impacts on Swedish seagrass ecosystems. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0225318. [PMID: 31978099 PMCID: PMC6980605 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0225318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Improved knowledge on the risk in ecologically important habitats on a regional scale from multiple stressors is critical for managing functioning and resilient ecosystems. This risk assessment aimed to identify seagrass ecosystems in southern Sweden that will be exposed to a high degree of change from multiple global change stressors in mid- and end-of-century climate change conditions. Risk scores were calculated from the expected overlap of three stressors: sea surface temperature increases, ocean acidification and wind driven turbid conditions. Three high-risk regions were identified as areas likely to be exposed to a particularly high level of pressure from the global stressors by the end of the century. In these areas it can be expected that there will be a large degree of stressor change from the current conditions. Given the ecological importance of seagrass meadows for maintaining high biodiversity and a range of other ecosystem services, these risk zones should be given high priority for incorporation into management strategies, which can attempt to reduce controllable stressors in order to mitigate the consequences of some of the impending pressures and manage for maintained ecosystem resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Perry
- Seagrass Ecology and Physiology Research Group, Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Aquatic Resources, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Lysekil, Sweden
- * E-mail:
| | - Linus Hammar
- Octopus Ink Research & Analysis, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Hans W. Linderholm
- Regional Climate Group, Department of Earth Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Martin Gullström
- Seagrass Ecology and Physiology Research Group, Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
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12
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Perry D, Staveley T, Deyanova D, Baden S, Dupont S, Hernroth B, Wood H, Björk M, Gullström M. Global environmental changes negatively impact temperate seagrass ecosystems. Ecosphere 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.2986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Diana Perry
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences Stockholm University Stockholm Sweden
- Department of Aquatic Resources Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Lysekil Sweden
| | - Thomas Staveley
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences Stockholm University Stockholm Sweden
- AquaBiota Water Research Stockholm Sweden
| | - Diana Deyanova
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences Stockholm University Stockholm Sweden
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences University of Gothenburg Kristineberg Fiskebäckskil Sweden
| | - Susanne Baden
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences University of Gothenburg Kristineberg Fiskebäckskil Sweden
| | - Sam Dupont
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences University of Gothenburg Kristineberg Fiskebäckskil Sweden
| | - Bodil Hernroth
- The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences Kristineberg Fiskebäckskil Sweden
- Department of Natural Science Kristianstad University Kristianstad Sweden
| | - Hannah Wood
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences University of Gothenburg Kristineberg Fiskebäckskil Sweden
| | - Mats Björk
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences Stockholm University Stockholm Sweden
| | - Martin Gullström
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences Stockholm University Stockholm Sweden
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences University of Gothenburg Kristineberg Fiskebäckskil Sweden
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13
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Havenhand JN, Filipsson HL, Niiranen S, Troell M, Crépin AS, Jagers S, Langlet D, Matti S, Turner D, Winder M, de Wit P, Anderson LG. Ecological and functional consequences of coastal ocean acidification: Perspectives from the Baltic-Skagerrak System. AMBIO 2019; 48:831-854. [PMID: 30506502 PMCID: PMC6541583 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-018-1110-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Revised: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Ocean temperatures are rising; species are shifting poleward, and pH is falling (ocean acidification, OA). We summarise current understanding of OA in the brackish Baltic-Skagerrak System, focussing on the direct, indirect and interactive effects of OA with other anthropogenic drivers on marine biogeochemistry, organisms and ecosystems. Substantial recent advances reveal a pattern of stronger responses (positive or negative) of species than ecosystems, more positive responses at lower trophic levels and strong indirect interactions in food-webs. Common emergent themes were as follows: OA drives planktonic systems toward the microbial loop, reducing energy transfer to zooplankton and fish; and nutrient/food availability ameliorates negative impacts of OA. We identify several key areas for further research, notably the need for OA-relevant biogeochemical and ecosystem models, and understanding the ecological and evolutionary capacity of Baltic-Skagerrak ecosystems to respond to OA and other anthropogenic drivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan N. Havenhand
- Department of Marine Sciences, Tjärnö Marine Laboratory, University of Gothenburg, Strömstad, 45296 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Susa Niiranen
- Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, Kräftriket 2B, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Max Troell
- Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, Kräftriket 2B, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
- Beijer Institute of Ecological Economics, Royal Swedish Academy of Science, Lilla Frescativägen 4, 10405 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anne-Sophie Crépin
- Beijer Institute of Ecological Economics, Royal Swedish Academy of Science, Lilla Frescativägen 4, 10405 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sverker Jagers
- Department of Political Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Box 711, Sprängkullsgatan 19, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - David Langlet
- Department of Law, University of Gothenburg, Box 650, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Simon Matti
- Department of Political Sciences, Luleå University of Technology, 97187 Luleå, Sweden
| | - David Turner
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Box 461, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Monika Winder
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pierre de Wit
- Department of Marine Sciences, Tjärnö Marine Laboratory, University of Gothenburg, Strömstad, 45296 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Leif G. Anderson
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Box 461, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
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14
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Miranda RJ, Coleman MA, Tagliafico A, Rangel MS, Mamo LT, Barros F, Kelaher BP. Invasion-mediated effects on marine trophic interactions in a changing climate: positive feedbacks favour kelp persistence. Proc Biol Sci 2019; 286:20182866. [PMID: 30900532 PMCID: PMC6452063 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2018.2866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The interactive effects of ocean warming and invasive species are complex and remain a source of uncertainty for projecting future ecological change. Climate-mediated change to trophic interactions can have pervasive ecological consequences, but the role of invasion in mediating trophic effects is largely unstudied. Using manipulative experiments in replicated outdoor mesocosms, we reveal how near-future ocean warming and macrophyte invasion scenarios interactively impact gastropod grazing intensity and preference for consumption of foundation macroalgae ( Ecklonia radiata and Sargassum vestitum). Elevated water temperature increased the consumption of both macroalgae through greater grazing intensity. Given the documented decline of kelp ( E. radiata) growth at higher water temperatures, enhanced grazing could contribute to the shift from kelp-dominated to Sargassum-dominated reefs that is occurring at the low-latitude margins of kelp distribution. However, the presence of a native invader ( Caulerpa filiformis) was related to low consumption by the herbivores on dominant kelp at warmer temperatures. Thus, antagonistic effects between climate change and a range expanding species can favour kelp persistence in a warmer future. Introduction of species should, therefore, not automatically be considered unfavourable under climate change scenarios. Climatic changes are increasing the need for effective management actions to address the interactive effects of multiple stressors and their ecological consequences, rather than single threats in isolation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo J. Miranda
- National Marine Science Centre, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales 2450, Australia
- Laboratório de Ecologia Bentônica, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia, Instituto de Biologia, Centro Interdisciplinar em Energia e Meio Ambiente, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, BA 40170-290, Brazil
| | - Melinda A. Coleman
- National Marine Science Centre, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales 2450, Australia
- Department of Primary Industries, New South Wales Fisheries, National Marine Science Centre, 2 Bay Drive, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales 2450, Australia
| | - Alejandro Tagliafico
- National Marine Science Centre, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales 2450, Australia
| | - Maria S. Rangel
- National Marine Science Centre, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales 2450, Australia
| | - Lea T. Mamo
- National Marine Science Centre, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales 2450, Australia
| | - Francisco Barros
- Laboratório de Ecologia Bentônica, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia, Instituto de Biologia, Centro Interdisciplinar em Energia e Meio Ambiente, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, BA 40170-290, Brazil
| | - Brendan P. Kelaher
- National Marine Science Centre, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales 2450, Australia
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15
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White L, Donohue I, Emmerson MC, O'Connor NE. Combined effects of warming and nutrients on marine communities are moderated by predators and vary across functional groups. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2018; 24:5853-5866. [PMID: 30246490 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.14456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Revised: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Warming, nutrient enrichment and biodiversity modification are among the most pervasive components of human-induced global environmental change. We know little about their cumulative effects on ecosystems; however, even though this knowledge is fundamental to predicting and managing their consequences in a changing world. Here, we show that shifts in predator species composition can moderate both the individual and combined effects of warming and nutrient enrichment in marine systems. However, all three aspects of global change also acted independently to alter different functional groups in our flow-through marine rock-pool mesocosms. Specifically, warming reduced macroalgal biomass and assemblage productivity, whereas enrichment led to increased abundance of meso-invertebrate consumers, and loss of predator species led to increased gastropod grazer biomass. This disparity in responses, both across trophic levels (macroalgae and intermediate consumers), and between detecting additive effects on aggregate measures of ecosystem functioning, yet interactive effects on community composition, illustrates that our forecasting ability depends strongly on the level of ecological complexity incorporated within global change experiments. We conclude that biodiversity change-and loss of predator species in particular-plays a critical and overarching role in determining how ecological communities respond to stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia White
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Ian Donohue
- Department of Zoology, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mark C Emmerson
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Nessa E O'Connor
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
- Department of Zoology, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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16
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Sullivan BK, Trevathan-Tackett SM, Neuhauser S, Govers LL. Review: Host-pathogen dynamics of seagrass diseases under future global change. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2018; 134:75-88. [PMID: 28965923 PMCID: PMC6445351 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2017] [Revised: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Human-induced global change is expected to amplify the disease risk for marine biota. However, the role of disease in the rapid global decline of seagrass is largely unknown. Global change may enhance seagrass susceptibility to disease through enhanced physiological stress, while simultaneously promoting pathogen development. This review outlines the characteristics of disease-forming organisms and potential impacts of global change on three groups of known seagrass pathogens: labyrinthulids, oomycetes and Phytomyxea. We propose that hypersalinity, climate warming and eutrophication pose the greatest risk for increasing frequency of disease outbreaks in seagrasses by increasing seagrass stress and lowering seagrass resilience. In some instances, global change may also promote pathogen development. However, there is currently a paucity of information on these seagrass pathosystems. We emphasise the need to expand current research to better understand the seagrass-pathogen relationships, serving to inform predicative modelling and management of seagrass disease under future global change scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke K Sullivan
- School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville Campus, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia; Victorian Marine Science Consortium, 2A Bellarine Highway, Queenscliff, Victoria 3225, Australia.
| | - Stacey M Trevathan-Tackett
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Sigrid Neuhauser
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 2, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Laura L Govers
- Conservation Ecology Group, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Post Office Box 11103, 9700 CC Groningen, The Netherlands; Department of Aquatic Ecology and Environmental Biology, Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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17
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Pires APF, Srivastava DS, Marino NAC, MacDonald AAM, Figueiredo‐Barros MP, Farjalla VF. Interactive effects of climate change and biodiversity loss on ecosystem functioning. Ecology 2018; 99:1203-1213. [DOI: 10.1002/ecy.2202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Revised: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Aliny P. F. Pires
- Departamento de Ecologia Instituto de Biologia Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro Brazil
- Fundação Brasileira para o Desenvolvimento Sustentável Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro Brazil
- Brazilian Research Network on Climate Change ‐ Rede Clima Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais São José dos Campos Sao Paulo Brazil
| | - Diane S. Srivastava
- Department of Zoology and Biodiversity Research Centre University of British Columbia 6270 University Boulevard Vancouver British Columbia V6T1Z4 Canada
| | - Nicholas A. C. Marino
- Departamento de Ecologia Instituto de Biologia Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro Brazil
| | - A. Andrew M. MacDonald
- Department of Zoology and Biodiversity Research Centre University of British Columbia 6270 University Boulevard Vancouver British Columbia V6T1Z4 Canada
| | - Marcos Paulo Figueiredo‐Barros
- Núcleo em Ecologia e Desenvolvimento Socio‐Ambiental de Macaé (NUPEM/UFRJ) Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Macaé Rio de Janeiro Brazil
| | - Vinicius F. Farjalla
- Departamento de Ecologia Instituto de Biologia Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro Brazil
- Brazilian Research Network on Climate Change ‐ Rede Clima Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais São José dos Campos Sao Paulo Brazil
- Laboratorio Internacional en Cambio Global – LINCGlobal Sunnyvale California USA
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18
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Donadi S, Austin ÅN, Bergström U, Eriksson BK, Hansen JP, Jacobson P, Sundblad G, van Regteren M, Eklöf JS. A cross-scale trophic cascade from large predatory fish to algae in coastal ecosystems. Proc Biol Sci 2018; 284:rspb.2017.0045. [PMID: 28724727 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2017.0045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2017] [Accepted: 06/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Trophic cascades occur in many ecosystems, but the factors regulating them are still elusive. We suggest that an overlooked factor is that trophic interactions (TIs) are often scale-dependent and possibly interact across spatial scales. To explore the role of spatial scale for trophic cascades, and particularly the occurrence of cross-scale interactions (CSIs), we collected and analysed food-web data from 139 stations across 32 bays in the Baltic Sea. We found evidence of a four-level trophic cascade linking TIs across two spatial scales: at bay scale, piscivores (perch and pike) controlled mesopredators (three-spined stickleback), which in turn negatively affected epifaunal grazers. At station scale (within bays), grazers on average suppressed epiphytic algae, and indirectly benefitted habitat-forming vegetation. Moreover, the direction and strength of the grazer-algae relationship at station scale depended on the piscivore biomass at bay scale, indicating a cross-scale interaction effect, potentially caused by a shift in grazer assemblage composition. In summary, the trophic cascade from piscivores to algae appears to involve TIs that occur at, but also interact across, different spatial scales. Considering scale-dependence in general, and CSIs in particular, could therefore enhance our understanding of trophic cascades.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Donadi
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden .,Baltic Sea Centre, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Aquatic Resources, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Å N Austin
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - U Bergström
- Department of Aquatic Resources, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Öregrund, Sweden
| | - B K Eriksson
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life-Sciences GELIFES, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - J P Hansen
- Baltic Sea Centre, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - P Jacobson
- Department of Aquatic Resources, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Öregrund, Sweden
| | - G Sundblad
- Department of Aquatic Resources, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Stockholm, Sweden.,AquaBiota Water Research, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - M van Regteren
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life-Sciences GELIFES, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - J S Eklöf
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
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19
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Hernán G, Ortega MJ, Gándara AM, Castejón I, Terrados J, Tomas F. Future warmer seas: increased stress and susceptibility to grazing in seedlings of a marine habitat-forming species. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2017; 23:4530-4543. [PMID: 28544549 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.13768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2017] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Increases in seawater temperature are expected to have negative consequences for marine organisms. Beyond individual effects, species-specific differences in thermal tolerance are predicted to modify species interactions and increase the strength of top-down effects, particularly in plant-herbivore interactions. Shifts in trophic interactions will be especially important when affecting habitat-forming species such as seagrasses, as the consequences on their abundance will cascade throughout the food web. Seagrasses are a major component of coastal ecosystems offering important ecosystem services, but are threatened by multiple anthropogenic stressors, including warming. The mechanistic understanding of seagrass responses to warming at multiple scales of organization remains largely unexplored, especially in early-life stages such as seedlings. Yet, these early-life stages are critical for seagrass expansion processes and adaptation to climate change. In this study, we determined the effects of a 3 month experimental exposure to present and predicted mean summer SST of the Mediterranean Sea (25°C, 27°C, and 29°C) on the photophysiology, size, and ecology (i.e., plant-herbivore interactions) of seedlings of the seagrass Posidonia oceanica. Warming resulted in increased mortality, leaf necrosis, and respiration as well as lower carbohydrate reserves in the seed, the main storage organ in seedlings. Aboveground biomass and root growth were also limited with warming, which could hamper seedling establishment success. Furthermore, warming increased the susceptibility to consumption by grazers, likely due to lower leaf fiber content and thickness. Our results indicate that warming will negatively affect seagrass seedlings through multiple direct and indirect pathways: increased stress, reduced establishment potential, lower storage of carbohydrate reserves, and increased susceptibly to consumption. This work provides a significant step forward in understanding the major mechanisms that will drive the capacity of seagrass seedlings to adapt and survive to warming, highlighting the potential additive effects that herbivory will have on ultimately determining seedling success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gema Hernán
- Departament of Ecology and Marine Resources, IMEDEA (CSIC-UIB), Esporles, Spain
| | - María J Ortega
- Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Cadiz, Cadiz, Spain
| | - Alberto M Gándara
- Departament of Ecology and Marine Resources, IMEDEA (CSIC-UIB), Esporles, Spain
- Department of Molecular Biology, Grigore Antipa National Museum of Natural History, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Inés Castejón
- Departament of Ecology and Marine Resources, IMEDEA (CSIC-UIB), Esporles, Spain
| | - Jorge Terrados
- Departament of Ecology and Marine Resources, IMEDEA (CSIC-UIB), Esporles, Spain
| | - Fiona Tomas
- Departament of Ecology and Marine Resources, IMEDEA (CSIC-UIB), Esporles, Spain
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
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20
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Bengtsson MM, Bühler A, Brauer A, Dahlke S, Schubert H, Blindow I. Eelgrass Leaf Surface Microbiomes Are Locally Variable and Highly Correlated with Epibiotic Eukaryotes. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:1312. [PMID: 28751881 PMCID: PMC5507959 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.01312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Eelgrass (Zostera marina) is a marine foundation species essential for coastal ecosystem services around the northern hemisphere. Like all macroscopic organisms, it possesses a microbiome (here defined as an associated prokaryotic community) which may play critical roles in modulating the interaction of eelgrass with its environment. For example, its leaf surface microbiome could inhibit or attract eukaryotic epibionts which may overgrow the eelgrass leading to reduced primary productivity and subsequent eelgrass meadow decline. We used amplicon sequencing of the 16S and 18S rRNA genes of prokaryotes and eukaryotes to assess the leaf surface microbiome (prokaryotes) as well as eukaryotic epibionts in- and outside lagoons on the German Baltic Sea coast. Prokaryote microbiomes varied substantially both between sites inside lagoons and between open coastal and lagoon sites. Water depth, leaf area and biofilm chlorophyll a concentration explained a large amount of variation in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic community composition. The prokaryotic microbiome and eukaryotic epibiont communities were highly correlated, and network analysis revealed disproportionate co-occurrence between a limited number of eukaryotic taxa and several bacterial taxa. This suggests that eelgrass leaf surfaces are home to a mosaic of microbiomes of several epibiotic eukaryotes, in addition to the microbiome of the eelgrass itself. Our findings thereby underline that eukaryotic diversity should be taken into account in order to explain prokaryotic microbiome assembly and dynamics in aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mia M Bengtsson
- Institute of Microbiology, University of GreifswaldGreifswald, Germany
| | - Anton Bühler
- Institut für Biowissenschaften, University of RostockRostock, Germany
| | - Anne Brauer
- Institute of Microbiology, University of GreifswaldGreifswald, Germany
| | - Sven Dahlke
- Biological Station of Hiddensee, University of GreifswaldKloster, Germany
| | - Hendrik Schubert
- Institut für Biowissenschaften, University of RostockRostock, Germany
| | - Irmgard Blindow
- Biological Station of Hiddensee, University of GreifswaldKloster, Germany
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21
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Sampaio E, Rodil IF, Vaz-Pinto F, Fernández A, Arenas F. Interaction strength between different grazers and macroalgae mediated by ocean acidification over warming gradients. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 125:25-33. [PMID: 28088495 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2017.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Revised: 12/27/2016] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Since the past century, rising CO2 levels have led to global changes (ocean warming and acidification) with subsequent effects on marine ecosystems and organisms. Macroalgae-herbivore interactions have a main role in the regulation of marine community structure (top-down control). Gradients of warming prompt complex non-linear effects on organism metabolism, cascading into altered trophic interactions and community dynamics. However, not much is known on how will acidification and grazer assemblage composition shape these effects. Within this context, we aimed to assess the combined effects of warming gradients and acidification on macroalgae-herbivore interactions, using three cosmopolitan species, abundant in the Iberian Peninsula and closely associated in nature: the amphipod Melita palmata, the gastropod Gibbula umbilicalis, and the green macroalga Ulva rigida. Under two CO2 treatments (ΔCO2 ≃ 450 μatm) across a temperature gradient (13.5, 16.6, 19.9 and 22.1 °C), two mesocosm experiments were performed to assess grazer consumption rates and macroalgae-herbivore interaction, respectively. Warming (Experiment I and II) and acidification (Experiment II) prompted negative effects in grazer's survival and species-specific differences in consumption rates. M. palmata was shown to be the stronger grazer per biomass (but not per capita), and also the most affected by climate stressors. Macroalgae-herbivore interaction strength was markedly shaped by the temperature gradient, while simultaneous acidification lowered thermal optimal threshold. In the near future, warming and acidification are likely to strengthen top-down control, but further increases in disturbances may lead to bottom-up regulated communities. Finally, our results suggest that grazer assemblage composition may modulate future macroalgae-herbivore interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Sampaio
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/CIMAR), University of Porto, Rua dos Bragas 289, 4050-123 Porto, Portugal; MARE - Marine Environmental Science Centre, Laboratório Marítimo da Guia, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Nossa Senhora do Cabo 939, Cascais 2750-374, Portugal.
| | - I F Rodil
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/CIMAR), University of Porto, Rua dos Bragas 289, 4050-123 Porto, Portugal; Tvärminne Zoological Station, University of Helsinki, Hanko, Finland; Baltic Sea Centre, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - F Vaz-Pinto
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/CIMAR), University of Porto, Rua dos Bragas 289, 4050-123 Porto, Portugal
| | - A Fernández
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/CIMAR), University of Porto, Rua dos Bragas 289, 4050-123 Porto, Portugal
| | - F Arenas
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/CIMAR), University of Porto, Rua dos Bragas 289, 4050-123 Porto, Portugal
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22
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Pajusalu L, Martin G, Paalme T, Põllumäe A. The effect of CO 2 enrichment on net photosynthesis of the red alga Furcellaria lumbricalis in a brackish water environment. PeerJ 2016; 4:e2505. [PMID: 27761318 PMCID: PMC5068446 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.2505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions to the atmosphere are causing reduction in the global ocean pH, also known as ocean acidification. This change alters the equilibrium of different forms of dissolved inorganic carbon in seawater that macroalgae use for their photosynthesis. In the Baltic Sea, benthic macroalgae live in a highly variable environment caused by seasonality and rapid changes in meteorological conditions. The effect of increasing water CO2 concentration on the net photosynthesis of the red macroalgae Furcellaria lumbricalis (Hudson) Lamouroux was tested in short-term mesocosm experiments conducted in Kõiguste Bay (N Gulf of Riga) in June–July 2012 and 2013. Separate mesocosms were maintained at different pCO2 levels: ca. 2,000, ca. 1,000 and ca. 200 µatm. In parallel, different environmental factors were measured such as nutrients, light and water temperature. Thus, the current study also investigated whether elevated pCO2 and different environmental factors exerted interactive effects on the photosynthetic rate of F. lumbricalis. In addition, laboratory experiments were carried out to determine the optimal temperature for photosynthesis of F. lumbricalis. The results of our field experiments demonstrated that elevated pCO2 levels may remarkably enhance the photosynthetic rate of F. lumbricalis. However, the magnitude of this effect is altered by different environmental factors, mainly by changes in water temperature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liina Pajusalu
- Department of Marine Biology, Estonian Marine Institute, University of Tartu , Tallinn , Estonia
| | - Georg Martin
- Department of Marine Biology, Estonian Marine Institute, University of Tartu , Tallinn , Estonia
| | - Tiina Paalme
- Department of Marine Biology, Estonian Marine Institute, University of Tartu , Tallinn , Estonia
| | - Arno Põllumäe
- Department of Marine Biology, Estonian Marine Institute, University of Tartu , Tallinn , Estonia
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23
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Maxwell PS, Eklöf JS, van Katwijk MM, O'Brien KR, de la Torre-Castro M, Boström C, Bouma TJ, Krause-Jensen D, Unsworth RKF, van Tussenbroek BI, van der Heide T. The fundamental role of ecological feedback mechanisms for the adaptive management of seagrass ecosystems - a review. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2016; 92:1521-1538. [PMID: 27581168 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2015] [Revised: 07/03/2016] [Accepted: 07/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Seagrass meadows are vital ecosystems in coastal zones worldwide, but are also under global threat. One of the major hurdles restricting the success of seagrass conservation and restoration is our limited understanding of ecological feedback mechanisms. In these ecosystems, multiple, self-reinforcing feedbacks can undermine conservation efforts by masking environmental impacts until the decline is precipitous, or alternatively they can inhibit seagrass recovery in spite of restoration efforts. However, no clear framework yet exists for identifying or dealing with feedbacks to improve the management of seagrass ecosystems. Here we review the causes and consequences of multiple feedbacks between seagrass and biotic and/or abiotic processes. We demonstrate how feedbacks have the potential to impose or reinforce regimes of either seagrass dominance or unvegetated substrate, and how the strength and importance of these feedbacks vary across environmental gradients. Although a myriad of feedbacks have now been identified, the co-occurrence and likely interaction among feedbacks has largely been overlooked to date due to difficulties in analysis and detection. Here we take a fundamental step forward by modelling the interactions among two distinct above- and belowground feedbacks to demonstrate that interacting feedbacks are likely to be important for ecosystem resilience. On this basis, we propose a five-step adaptive management plan to address feedback dynamics for effective conservation and restoration strategies. The management plan provides guidance to aid in the identification and prioritisation of likely feedbacks in different seagrass ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul S Maxwell
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Queensland, St Lucia, 4072, Australia
| | - Johan S Eklöf
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm University, SE-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marieke M van Katwijk
- Department of Environmental Science, Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Faculty of Science, Radboud University Nijmegen, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Katherine R O'Brien
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Queensland, St Lucia, 4072, Australia
| | | | - Christoffer Boström
- Environmental and Marine Biology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Åbo Akademi University, Artillerigatan 6, 20520, Turku, Finland
| | - Tjeerd J Bouma
- Department of Yerseke Spatial Ecology, Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, 4401 NT, Yerseke, The Netherlands
| | - Dorte Krause-Jensen
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Vejlsøvej 25, 8600, Silkeborg, Denmark.,Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, C.F. Møllers Allé 8, 8000, Århus C, Denmark
| | - Richard K F Unsworth
- Seagrass Ecosystem Research Group, College of Science, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP, U.K
| | - Brigitta I van Tussenbroek
- Department of Environmental Science, Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Faculty of Science, Radboud University Nijmegen, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Unidad Académica Sistemas Arrecifales/Puerto Morelos, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Apdo. Postal 1152, Cancún 77500, Quintana Roo, Mexico
| | - Tjisse van der Heide
- Department of Aquatic Ecology & Environmental Biology, Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Faculty of Science, Radboud University Nijmegen, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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24
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Östman Ö, Eklöf J, Eriksson BK, Olsson J, Moksnes P, Bergström U. Top‐down control as important as nutrient enrichment for eutrophication effects in North Atlantic coastal ecosystems. J Appl Ecol 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.12654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Örjan Östman
- Department of Aquatic Resources Institute of Coastal Research Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Skolgatan 6 742 42 Öregrund Sweden
| | - Johan Eklöf
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences (DEEP) Stockholm University Svante Arrhenius väg 20A S‐106 91 Stockholm Sweden
| | - Britas Klemens Eriksson
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences GELIFES University of Groningen Nijenborgh 7 9747 AG Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Jens Olsson
- Department of Aquatic Resources Institute of Coastal Research Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Skolgatan 6 742 42 Öregrund Sweden
| | - Per‐Olav Moksnes
- Department of Marine Sciences University of Gothenburg Box 461 SE‐405 30 Göteborg Sweden
| | - Ulf Bergström
- Department of Aquatic Resources Institute of Coastal Research Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Skolgatan 6 742 42 Öregrund Sweden
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Werner FJ, Graiff A, Matthiessen B. Temperature effects on seaweed-sustaining top-down control vary with season. Oecologia 2016; 180:889-901. [PMID: 26566809 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-015-3489-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2015] [Accepted: 10/18/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Rising seawater temperature and CO2 concentrations (ocean acidification) represent two of the most influential factors impacting marine ecosystems in the face of global climate change. In ecological climate change research, full-factorial experiments performed across seasons in multispecies, cross-trophic-level settings are essential as they permit a more realistic estimation of direct and indirect effects as well as the relative importance of the effects of both major environmental stressors on ecosystems. In benthic mesocosm experiments, we tested the responses of coastal Baltic Sea Fucus vesiculosus communities to elevated seawater temperature and CO2 concentrations across four seasons of one year. While increasing [CO2] levels had only minor effects, warming had strong and persistent effects on grazers, and the resulting effects on the Fucus community were found to be season dependent. In late summer, a temperature-driven collapse of grazers caused a cascading effect from the consumers to the foundation species, resulting in overgrowth of Fucus thalli by epiphytes. In fall/winter (outside the growing season of epiphytes), intensified grazing under warming resulted in a significant reduction in Fucus biomass. Thus, we were able to confirm the prediction that future increases in water temperatures will influence marine food-web processes by altering top-down control, but we were also able to show that specific consequences for food-web structure depend on the season. Since F. vesiculosus is the dominant habitat-forming brown algal system in the Baltic Sea, its potential decline under global warming implies a loss of key functions and services such as provision of nutrient storage, substrate, food, shelter, and nursery grounds for a diverse community of marine invertebrates and fish in Baltic Sea coastal waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska J Werner
- Experimental Ecology and Food Webs, GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Düsternbrooker Weg 20, 24105, Kiel, Germany.
| | - Angelika Graiff
- Institute of Biosciences, Applied Ecology and Phycology, Universität Rostock, Albert-Einstein-Straße 3, 18059, Rostock, Germany
| | - Birte Matthiessen
- Experimental Ecology and Food Webs, GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Düsternbrooker Weg 20, 24105, Kiel, Germany
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Unsworth RKF, Collier CJ, Waycott M, Mckenzie LJ, Cullen-Unsworth LC. A framework for the resilience of seagrass ecosystems. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2015; 100:34-46. [PMID: 26342389 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2015] [Revised: 08/13/2015] [Accepted: 08/16/2015] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Seagrass ecosystems represent a global marine resource that is declining across its range. To halt degradation and promote recovery over large scales, management requires a radical change in emphasis and application that seeks to enhance seagrass ecosystem resilience. In this review we examine how the resilience of seagrass ecosystems is becoming compromised by a range of local to global stressors, resulting in ecological regime shifts that undermine the long-term viability of these productive ecosystems. To examine regime shifts and the management actions that can influence this phenomenon we present a conceptual model of resilience in seagrass ecosystems. The model is founded on a series of features and modifiers that act as interacting influences upon seagrass ecosystem resilience. Improved understanding and appreciation of the factors and modifiers that govern resilience in seagrass ecosystems can be utilised to support much needed evidence based management of a vital natural resource.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard K F Unsworth
- Seagrass Ecosystem Research Group, College of Science, Swansea University SA2 8PP, UK.
| | - Catherine J Collier
- Centre for Tropical Water & Aquatic Ecosystem Research (TropWATER), James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4870, Australia; College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4870, Australia
| | - Michelle Waycott
- School of Biological Sciences, Environment Institute, Australian Centre for Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity, The University of Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
| | - Len J Mckenzie
- Centre for Tropical Water & Aquatic Ecosystem Research (TropWATER), James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4870, Australia
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Tomas F, Martínez-Crego B, Hernán G, Santos R. Responses of seagrass to anthropogenic and natural disturbances do not equally translate to its consumers. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2015; 21:4021-4030. [PMID: 26152761 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.13024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2014] [Revised: 06/10/2015] [Accepted: 06/16/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Coastal communities are under threat from many and often co-occurring local (e.g., pollution, eutrophication) and global stressors (e.g., climate change), yet understanding the interactive and cumulative impacts of multiple stressors in ecosystem function is far from being accomplished. Ecological redundancy may be key for ecosystem resilience, but there are still many gaps in our understanding of interspecific differences within a functional group, particularly regarding response diversity, that is, whether members of a functional group respond equally or differently to anthropogenic stressors. Herbivores are critical in determining plant community structure and the transfer of energy up the food web. Human disturbances may alter the ecological role of herbivory by modifying the defense strategies of plants and thus the feeding patterns and performance of herbivores. We conducted a suite of experiments to examine the independent and interactive effects of anthropogenic (nutrient and CO2 additions) and natural (simulated herbivory) disturbances on a seagrass and its interaction with two common generalist consumers to understand how multiple disturbances can impact both a foundation species and a key ecological function (herbivory) and to assess the potential existence of response diversity to anthropogenic and natural changes in these systems. While all three disturbances modified seagrass defense traits, there were contrasting responses of herbivores to such plant changes. Both CO2 and nutrient additions influenced herbivore feeding behavior, yet while sea urchins preferred nutrient-enriched seagrass tissue (regardless of other experimental treatments), isopods were deterred by these same plant tissues. In contrast, carbon enrichment deterred sea urchins and attracted isopods, while simulated herbivory only influenced isopod feeding choice. These contrasting responses of herbivores to disturbance-induced changes in seagrass help to better understand the ecological functioning of seagrass ecosystems in the face of human disturbances and may have important implications regarding the resilience and conservation of these threatened ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Tomas
- Instituto Mediterráneo de Estudios Avanzados (UIB-CSIC), C/ Miquel Marquès, 21 07190, Esporles Illes Balears, Spain
- Centre d'Estudis Avançats de Blanes Carrer Accés Cala Sant Francesc, 14, 17300, Blanes, Girona, Spain
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, 104 Nash Hall, 2820 SW Campus Way, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| | - Begoña Martínez-Crego
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), Universidade do Algarve Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
| | - Gema Hernán
- Instituto Mediterráneo de Estudios Avanzados (UIB-CSIC), C/ Miquel Marquès, 21 07190, Esporles Illes Balears, Spain
- Centre d'Estudis Avançats de Blanes Carrer Accés Cala Sant Francesc, 14, 17300, Blanes, Girona, Spain
| | - Rui Santos
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), Universidade do Algarve Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
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Best RJ, Stone MN, Stachowicz JJ. Predicting consequences of climate change for ecosystem functioning: variation across trophic levels, species and individuals. DIVERS DISTRIB 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.12367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J. Best
- Bodega Marine Laboratory & Department of Evolution and Ecology; University of California; Davis CA 95616 USA
| | - Michelle N. Stone
- Bodega Marine Laboratory & Department of Evolution and Ecology; University of California; Davis CA 95616 USA
| | - John J. Stachowicz
- Bodega Marine Laboratory & Department of Evolution and Ecology; University of California; Davis CA 95616 USA
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Mrowicki RJ, O'Connor NE. Wave action modifies the effects of consumer diversity and warming on algal assemblages. Ecology 2015; 96:1020-9. [PMID: 26230022 DOI: 10.1890/14-0577.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
To understand the consequences of biodiversity loss, it is necessary to test how biodiversity-ecosystem functioning relationships may vary with predicted environmental change. In particular, our understanding will be advanced by studies addressing the interactive effects of multiple stressors on the role of biodiversity across trophic levels. Predicted increases in wave disturbance and ocean warming, together with climate-driven range shifts of key consumer species, are likely to have profound impacts on the dynamics of coastal marine communities. We tested whether wave action and temperature modified the effects of gastropod grazer diversity (Patella vulgata, Littorina littorea, and Gibbula umbilicalis) on algal assemblages in experimental rock pools. The presence or absence of L. littorea appeared to drive changes in microalgal and macroalgal biomass and macroalgal assemblage structure. Macroalgal biomass also decreased with increasing grazer species richness, but only when wave action was enhanced. Further, independently of grazer diversity, wave action and temperature had interactive effects on macroalgal assemblage structure. Warming also led to a reversal of grazer-macroalgal interaction strengths from negative to positive, but only when there was no wave action. Our results show that hydrodynamic disturbance can exacerbate the effects of changing consumer diversity, and may also disrupt the influence of other environmental stressors on key consumer-resource interactions. These findings suggest that the combined effects of anticipated abiotic and biotic change on the functioning of coastal marine ecosystems, although difficult to predict, may be substantial.
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Eklöf JS, Havenhand JN, Alsterberg C, Gamfeldt L. Community-level effects of rapid experimental warming and consumer loss outweigh effects of rapid ocean acidification. OIKOS 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.01544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Johan S. Eklöf
- Dept of Biological and Environmental Sciences - Kristineberg; Univ. of Gothenburg; SE-451 78 Fiskebäckskil Sweden
| | - Jonathan N. Havenhand
- Dept of Biological and Environmental Sciences - Tjärnö; Univ. of Gothenburg; SE-452 96 Strömstad Sweden
| | - Christian Alsterberg
- Dept of Biological and Environmental Sciences - Gothenburg; Univ. of Gothenburg; SE-405 30 Göteborg Sweden
| | - Lars Gamfeldt
- Dept of Biological and Environmental Sciences - Gothenburg; Univ. of Gothenburg; SE-405 30 Göteborg Sweden
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31
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Rosenblatt AE, Schmitz OJ. Interactive effects of multiple climate change variables on trophic interactions: a meta-analysis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.1186/s40665-014-0008-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Grazer Functional Roles, Induced Defenses, and Indirect Interactions: Implications for Eelgrass Restoration in San Francisco Bay. DIVERSITY 2014. [DOI: 10.3390/d6040751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Gamfeldt L, Lefcheck JS, Byrnes JEK, Cardinale BJ, Duffy JE, Griffin JN. Marine biodiversity and ecosystem functioning: what's known and what's next? OIKOS 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.01549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lars Gamfeldt
- Dept of Biological and Environmental Sciences; Univ. of Gothenburg; Box 461, SE-40530 Gothenburg Sweden
| | - Jonathan S. Lefcheck
- Dept of Biological Sciences; Virginia Inst. of Marine Science, The College of William and Mary; PO Box 1346, Rt 1208 Greate Rd Gloucester Point VA 23062-1346 USA
| | - Jarrett E. K. Byrnes
- Dept of Biology; Univ. of Massachusetts Boston; 100 Morrissey Blvd. Boston MA 20125 USA
| | - Bradley J. Cardinale
- School of Natural Resources and Environment, Univ. of Michigan; Ann Arbor MI 48109 USA
| | - J. Emmett Duffy
- Tennenbaum Marine Observatories Network, Smithsonian Inst.; Washington WA 20013-7012 USA
| | - John N. Griffin
- Dept of Biosciences; Wallace Building, Swansea Univ.; Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP UK
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Burnell OW, Russell BD, Irving AD, Connell SD. Seagrass response to CO₂ contingent on epiphytic algae: indirect effects can overwhelm direct effects. Oecologia 2014; 176:871-82. [PMID: 25193313 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-014-3054-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2014] [Accepted: 08/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Increased availability of dissolved CO2 in the ocean can enhance the productivity and growth of marine plants such as seagrasses and algae, but realised benefits may be contingent on additional conditions (e.g. light) that modify biotic interactions between these plant groups. The combined effects of future CO2 and differing light on the growth of seagrass and their algal epiphytes were tested by maintaining juvenile seagrasses Amphibolis antarctica under three different CO2 concentrations representing ambient, moderate future and high future forecasts (i.e. 390, 650 vs. 900 µl l(-1)) and two light levels representing low and high PAR (i.e. 43 vs. 167 µmol m(-2) s(-1)). Aboveground and belowground biomass, leaf growth, epiphyte cover, tissue chemistry and photosynthetic parameters of seagrasses were measured. At low light, there was a neutral to positive effect of elevated CO2 on seagrass biomass and growth; at high light, this effect of CO2 switched toward negative, as growth and biomass decreased at the highest CO2 level. These opposing responses to CO2 appeared to be closely linked to the overgrowth of seagrass by filamentous algal epiphytes when high light and CO2 were combined. Importantly, all seagrass plants maintained positive leaf growth throughout the experiment, indicating that growth was inhibited by some experimental conditions but not arrested entirely. Therefore, while greater light or elevated CO2 provided direct physiological benefits for seagrasses, such benefits were likely negated by overgrowth of epiphytic algae when greater light and CO2 were combined. This result demonstrates how indirect ecological effects from epiphytes can modify independent physiological predictions for seagrass associated with global change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Owen W Burnell
- Southern Seas Ecology Laboratories, Darling Building (DP418), School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia,
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35
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Zhang B, Chen S, He X, Liu W, Zhao Q, Zhao L, Tian C. Responses of soil microbial communities to experimental warming in alpine grasslands on the qinghai-tibet plateau. PLoS One 2014; 9:e103859. [PMID: 25083904 PMCID: PMC4118913 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0103859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2014] [Accepted: 07/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Global surface temperature is predicted to increase by at least 1.5°C by the end of this century. However, the response of soil microbial communities to global warming is still poorly understood, especially in high-elevation grasslands. We therefore conducted an experiment on three types of alpine grasslands on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau to study the effect of experimental warming on abundance and composition of soil microbial communities at 0-10 and 10-20 cm depths. Plots were passively warmed for 3 years using open-top chambers and compared to adjacent control plots at ambient temperature. Soil microbial communities were assessed using phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis. We found that 3 years of experimental warming consistently and significantly increased microbial biomass at the 0-10 cm soil depth of alpine swamp meadow (ASM) and alpine steppe (AS) grasslands, and at both the 0-10 and 10-20 cm soil depths of alpine meadow (AM) grasslands, due primarily to the changes in soil temperature, moisture, and plant coverage. Soil microbial community composition was also significantly affected by warming at the 0-10 cm soil depth of ASM and AM and at the 10-20 cm soil depth of AM. Warming significantly decreased the ratio of fungi to bacteria and thus induced a community shift towards bacteria at the 0-10 cm soil depth of ASM and AM. While the ratio of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi to saprotrophic fungi (AMF/SF) was significantly decreased by warming at the 0-10 cm soil depth of ASM, it was increased at the 0-10 cm soil depth of AM. These results indicate that warming had a strong influence on soil microbial communities in the studied high-elevation grasslands and that the effect was dependent on grassland type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Zhang
- Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - Shengyun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Sciences, Cold and Arid Regions Environmental and Engineering Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xingyuan He
- Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - Wenjie Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Sciences, Cold and Arid Regions Environmental and Engineering Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Qian Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Sciences, Cold and Arid Regions Environmental and Engineering Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Lin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Sciences, Cold and Arid Regions Environmental and Engineering Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- Observation and Research Station of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, Cold and Arid Regions Environmental and Engineering Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Golmud, China
| | - Chunjie Tian
- Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, China
- * E-mail:
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36
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Mori AS, Fujii S, Kurokawa H. Ecological consequences through responses of plant and soil communities to changing winter climate. Ecol Res 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s11284-013-1091-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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A′Bear AD, Murray W, Webb R, Boddy L, Jones TH. Contrasting effects of elevated temperature and invertebrate grazing regulate multispecies interactions between decomposer fungi. PLoS One 2013; 8:e77610. [PMID: 24194892 PMCID: PMC3806825 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0077610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2013] [Accepted: 09/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Predicting the influence of biotic and abiotic factors on species interactions and ecosystem processes is among the primary aims of community ecologists. The composition of saprotrophic fungal communities is a consequence of competitive mycelial interactions, and a major determinant of woodland decomposition and nutrient cycling rates. Elevation of atmospheric temperature is predicted to drive changes in fungal community development. Top-down regulation of mycelial growth is an important determinant of, and moderator of temperature-driven changes to, two-species interaction outcomes. This study explores the interactive effects of a 4 °C temperature increase and soil invertebrate (collembola or woodlice) grazing on multispecies interactions between cord-forming basidiomycete fungi emerging from colonised beech (Fagus sylvatica) wood blocks. The fungal dominance hierarchy at ambient temperature (16 °C; Phanerochaete velutina > Resinicium bicolor > Hypholoma fasciculare) was altered by elevated temperature (20 °C; R. bicolor > P. velutina > H. fasciculare) in ungrazed systems. Warming promoted the competitive ability of the fungal species (R. bicolor) that was preferentially grazed by all invertebrate species. As a consequence, grazing prevented the effect of temperature on fungal community development and maintained a multispecies assemblage. Decomposition of fungal-colonised wood was stimulated by warming, with implications for increased CO2 efflux from woodland soil. Analogous to aboveground plant communities, increasing complexity of biotic and abiotic interactions appears to be important in buffering climate change effects on soil decomposers.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Donald A′Bear
- Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - William Murray
- Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel Webb
- Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Lynne Boddy
- Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - T. Hefin Jones
- Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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Tomimatsu H, Sasaki T, Kurokawa H, Bridle JR, Fontaine C, Kitano J, Stouffer DB, Vellend M, Bezemer TM, Fukami T, Hadly EA, Heijden MG, Kawata M, Kéfi S, Kraft NJ, McCann KS, Mumby PJ, Nakashizuka T, Petchey OL, Romanuk TN, Suding KN, Takimoto G, Urabe J, Yachi S. FORUM: Sustaining ecosystem functions in a changing world: a call for an integrated approach. J Appl Ecol 2013. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.12116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Tomimatsu
- Graduate School of Life Sciences Tohoku University Sendai 980‐8578 Japan
| | - Takehiro Sasaki
- Graduate School of Life Sciences Tohoku University Sendai 980‐8578 Japan
| | - Hiroko Kurokawa
- Graduate School of Life Sciences Tohoku University Sendai 980‐8578 Japan
| | - Jon R. Bridle
- School of Biological Sciences University of Bristol Bristol BS8 1UD UK
| | - Colin Fontaine
- CERSP UMR 7204 Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle 75005 Paris France
| | - Jun Kitano
- Ecological Genetics Laboratory National Institute of Genetics Shizuoka 411‐8540 Japan
| | - Daniel B. Stouffer
- Integrative Ecology Group Estación Biológical de Doñana (EBD‐CSIC) c/Américo Vespucio s/n 41092 Sevilla Spain
- School of Biological Sciences University of Canterbury Private Bag 4800 Christchurch 8140 New Zealand
| | - Mark Vellend
- Département de biologie Université de Sherbrooke Sherbrooke Québec J1K 2R1 Canada
| | - T. Martijn Bezemer
- Department of Terrestrial Ecology Netherlands Institute of Ecology PO BOX 50, 6700AB Wageningen The Netherlands
| | - Tadashi Fukami
- Department of Biology Stanford University Stanford CA 94305 USA
| | | | - Marcel G.A. Heijden
- Ecological Farming Systems Research Station ART Agroscope Reckenholz Tänikon 8046 Zurich Switzerland
| | - Masakado Kawata
- Graduate School of Life Sciences Tohoku University Sendai 980‐8578 Japan
| | - Sonia Kéfi
- Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution CNRS UMR 5554 Université de Montpellier II Place Eugène Bataillon CC 065 34095 Montpellier France
| | - Nathan J.B. Kraft
- Biodiversity Research Centre University of British Columbia 6270 University Blvd. Vancouver BC V6T 1Z4 Canada
| | - Kevin S. McCann
- Department of Integrative Biology University of Guelph Guelph ON N1G 2W1 Canada
| | - Peter J. Mumby
- School of Biological Sciences University of Queensland St Lucia Qld 4072 Australia
| | - Tohru Nakashizuka
- Graduate School of Life Sciences Tohoku University Sendai 980‐8578 Japan
| | - Owen L. Petchey
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies University of Zurich Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich Switzerland
| | - Tamara N. Romanuk
- Department of Biology Dalhousie University Halifax NS B3H 4J1 Canada
| | - Katharine N. Suding
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of California Irvine Irvine CA 92697‐2525 USA
| | - Gaku Takimoto
- Department of Biology Faculty of Science Toho University Funabashi Chiba 274‐8510 Japan
| | - Jotaro Urabe
- Graduate School of Life Sciences Tohoku University Sendai 980‐8578 Japan
| | - Shigeo Yachi
- Center for Ecological Research Kyoto University Otsu 520‐2113 Japan
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Consumers mediate the effects of experimental ocean acidification and warming on primary producers. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2013; 110:8603-8. [PMID: 23630263 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1303797110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
It is well known that ocean acidification can have profound impacts on marine organisms. However, we know little about the direct and indirect effects of ocean acidification and also how these effects interact with other features of environmental change such as warming and declining consumer pressure. In this study, we tested whether the presence of consumers (invertebrate mesograzers) influenced the interactive effects of ocean acidification and warming on benthic microalgae in a seagrass community mesocosm experiment. Net effects of acidification and warming on benthic microalgal biomass and production, as assessed by analysis of variance, were relatively weak regardless of grazer presence. However, partitioning these net effects into direct and indirect effects using structural equation modeling revealed several strong relationships. In the absence of grazers, benthic microalgae were negatively and indirectly affected by sediment-associated microalgal grazers and macroalgal shading, but directly and positively affected by acidification and warming. Combining indirect and direct effects yielded no or weak net effects. In the presence of grazers, almost all direct and indirect climate effects were nonsignificant. Our analyses highlight that (i) indirect effects of climate change may be at least as strong as direct effects, (ii) grazers are crucial in mediating these effects, and (iii) effects of ocean acidification may be apparent only through indirect effects and in combination with other variables (e.g., warming). These findings highlight the importance of experimental designs and statistical analyses that allow us to separate and quantify the direct and indirect effects of multiple climate variables on natural communities.
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Nagelkerken I, Simpson SD. Who's hot and who's not: ocean warming alters species dominance through competitive displacement. J Anim Ecol 2013; 82:287-9. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.12053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2012] [Accepted: 12/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Nagelkerken
- Southern Seas Ecology Laboratories; School of Earth and Environmental Sciences; The University of Adelaide; DX 650 418; Adelaide; SA; 5005; Australia
| | - Stephen D. Simpson
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences; Biosciences; University of Exeter; Geoffrey Pope; Stocker Road; Exeter; EX4 4QD; UK
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Havenhand JN. How will ocean acidification affect Baltic sea ecosystems? an assessment of plausible impacts on key functional groups. AMBIO 2012; 41:637-44. [PMID: 22926885 PMCID: PMC3428480 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-012-0326-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Increasing partial pressure of atmospheric CO₂ is causing ocean pH to fall-a process known as 'ocean acidification'. Scenario modeling suggests that ocean acidification in the Baltic Sea may cause a ≤ 3 times increase in acidity (reduction of 0.2-0.4 pH units) by the year 2100. The responses of most Baltic Sea organisms to ocean acidification are poorly understood. Available data suggest that most species and ecologically important groups in the Baltic Sea food web (phytoplankton, zooplankton, macrozoobenthos, cod and sprat) will be robust to the expected changes in pH. These conclusions come from (mostly) single-species and single-factor studies. Determining the emergent effects of ocean acidification on the ecosystem from such studies is problematic, yet very few studies have used multiple stressors and/or multiple trophic levels. There is an urgent need for more data from Baltic Sea populations, particularly from environmentally diverse regions and from controlled mesocosm experiments. In the absence of such information it is difficult to envision the likely effects of future ocean acidification on Baltic Sea species and ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan N Havenhand
- Department of Biological & Environmental Sciences - Tjärnö, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
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van der Heide T, Eklöf JS, van Nes EH, van der Zee EM, Donadi S, Weerman EJ, Olff H, Eriksson BK. Ecosystem engineering by seagrasses interacts with grazing to shape an intertidal landscape. PLoS One 2012; 7:e42060. [PMID: 22905115 PMCID: PMC3414520 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0042060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2011] [Accepted: 07/02/2012] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Self-facilitation through ecosystem engineering (i.e., organism modification of the abiotic environment) and consumer-resource interactions are both major determinants of spatial patchiness in ecosystems. However, interactive effects of these two mechanisms on spatial complexity have not been extensively studied. We investigated the mechanisms underlying a spatial mosaic of low-tide exposed hummocks and waterlogged hollows on an intertidal mudflat in the Wadden Sea dominated by the seagrass Zostera noltii. A combination of field measurements, an experiment and a spatially explicit model indicated that the mosaic resulted from localized sediment accretion by seagrass followed by selective waterfowl grazing. Hollows were bare in winter, but were rapidly colonized by seagrass during the growth season. Colonized hollows were heavily grazed by brent geese and widgeon in autumn, converting these patches to a bare state again and disrupting sediment accretion by seagrass. In contrast, hummocks were covered by seagrass throughout the year and were rarely grazed, most likely because the waterfowl were not able to employ their preferred but water requiring feeding strategy ('dabbling') here. Our study exemplifies that interactions between ecosystem engineering by a foundation species (seagrass) and consumption (waterfowl grazing) can increase spatial complexity at the landscape level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tjisse van der Heide
- Community and Conservation Ecology Group, Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Studies, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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