Monitoring and modelling the effects of ecosystem engineers on ecosystem functioning

Functional Ecology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 38(1), P. 8 - 21

Published: April 2, 2023

Abstract Biodiversity is crucial for supporting ecosystem functioning, yet some species play a disproportionate role in maintaining complex ecological processes. Ecosystem engineers are that directly influence ecosystems by modifying biophysical environments, creating novel habitats, altering biogeochemical cycles, increasing biodiversity and/or modulating Although these may substantially their often overlooked and difficult to quantify. Understanding the status, dynamics trends of essential mitigating loss healthy ecosystems. This review reveals common but underappreciated roles functioning across many different taxa, biomes We first synthesise how knowledge engineering improves our understanding interactions processes underlying both BEF relationships. provide conceptual model addressing effects research dynamics. ‘how to’ analytical framework monitoring quantifying changes on functioning. includes (i) what variables measure, at which scale; (ii) experiments involving exclusion or removal, introduction comparative designs when experimental manipulation not feasible (iii) statistical, data‐driven theory‐driven models. discuss leverage context current global change restoration efforts. Including conservation programs, implemented appropriate supported an mechanisms processes, be sustaining biological diversity functional Read free Plain Language Summary this article Journal blog.

Language: Английский

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Shaping the European Alps: Trends in landscape patterns, biodiversity and ecosystem services

CATENA, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 235, P. 107607 - 107607

Published: Nov. 4, 2023

Landscape appearance is controlled by a range of different environmental and human-induced factors, although there still lack knowledge about the significance individual factors. Our goal was to identify factors that were significant for landscape change in European Alps rank them according their importance. Therefore, we mapped with standardized survey methodology six typical socio-ecological regions strongly differing socio-economic natural conditions. The results clearly showed has taken place all over last 150–200 years, affecting biodiversity ecosystem services (ES). In general, areas used agriculture have decreased regions, particularly traditionally forms (−72.7 % −6.9 %). greatest decrease took high elevation, agriculturally unfavourable (-72.6 −41.6 %) weak economic conditions (−62.9 −20.9 forest spread on large scale abandoned land economically strong but also settlements monotone intensively cultures. As consequence changes, plant species diversity declined, favourable good site (−62.7 −7.2 %), while it far less (−20.1 −0.7 Regulation & maintenance cultural ESs decreased, whereas provisioning ES generally increased. regional framework play much more important role development than national frameworks. Higher "green subsidies" reduced intensification trend agriculture, led increased abandonment. addition, remained diverse, declined many This demonstrates interpreting historical dynamics analysing impacts can be valuable guide sustainable decision-making processes.

Language: Английский

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Risk from future climate change to Pakistan's protected area network: A composite analysis for hotspot identification

The Science of The Total Environment, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 916, P. 169948 - 169948

Published: Jan. 9, 2024

Language: Английский

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Anthropogenic vs. natural habitats: Higher microbial biodiversity pays the trade-off of lower connectivity

Microbiological Research, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 282, P. 127651 - 127651

Published: Feb. 21, 2024

Climate change and anthropogenic disturbances are known to influence soil biodiversity. The objectives of this study were compare the community composition, species coexistence patterns, ecological assembly processes microbial communities in a paired setting featuring natural an ecosystem facing each other at identical climatic, pedological, vegetational conditions. A transect gradient from forest seashore allowed for sampling across different habitats within both sites. field survey was carried out two adjacent strips land Po River delta lagoon system (Veneto, Italy) one which is protected preserve has been converted decades into tourist resort. pressure interestingly led increase α-diversity microbes but accompanied by reduction β-diversity. mechanisms differentiate anthropic ecosystems: bacteria, ecosystems deterministic variables homogeneous selection play main role (51.92%), while stochastic dispersal limitation (52.15%) critical anthropized ecosystems; fungi, increases 38.1% 66.09% passing ecosystems. We on calcareous sandy soils more variation topsoil pH favors bacterial communities, divergence K availability selection. In ecosystems, variable influenced values SOC. Microbial networks exhibited higher numbers nodes network edges, as well averages path length, weighted degree, clustering coefficient, density than its equivalent sites anthropically impacted environment. latter hand presented stronger modularity. Although habitats, niche-based also proves impose constraints communities. Overall, functionality relationships between groups microorganisms co-existing appeared relevant concept functional biodiversity comparison plain number their taxa. Fewer functionally organized lineages displayed traits underscoring better use resources absolute taxa when those not equally interconnected habitat exploitation. However, considering that complexity can have important implications stability multifunctionality, extinction complex interactions may impair services provide us.

Language: Английский

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Forest structural diversity is linked to soil microbial diversity

Ecosphere, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 14(11)

Published: Nov. 1, 2023

Abstract Efforts to catalog global biodiversity have often focused on aboveground taxonomic diversity, with limited consideration of belowground communities. However, diversity may influence the communities and vice versa. In addition structural plant be related soil bacterial fungal communities, which drive important ecosystem processes but are difficult characterize across broad spatial scales. forests, canopy microorganisms through its effects productivity root architecture, via associations between structure, stand age, species richness. Given that is one few types can readily measured remotely (e.g., using light detection ranging—LiDAR), establishing links microbial could facilitate hotspots. We investigated potential for sensed information about forest as a predictor community richness composition. calculated LiDAR‐derived metrics well suite properties from 38 forested plots central hardwoods region Indiana, USA, test whether structure linked four key groups: bacteria, fungi, arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungi. found density vegetation positively associated (alpha diversity) EM independent changes in Further, were significantly correlated overall composition EM, total strongest predictors variation comparison tree diversity. As remote sensing tools algorithms rapidly advancing, these results implications use management restoration practices aimed at preserving biodiversity.

Language: Английский

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