Communities and Ecosystems

Springer eBooks, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 281 - 333

Published: Jan. 1, 2023

Language: Английский

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Microplastics in terrestrial ecosystems: Moving beyond the state of the art to minimize the risk of ecological surprise

Global Change Biology, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 27(17), P. 3969 - 3986

Published: May 27, 2021

Microplastic (plastic particles measuring <5mm) pollution is ubiquitous. Unlike in other well-studied ecosystems, for example, marine and freshwater environments, microplastics terrestrial systems are relatively understudied. Their potential impacts on particular the risk of causing ecological surprise, must be better understood quantified. Ecological surprise occurs when ecosystem behavior deviates radically from expectations generally has negative consequences services. The properties within environments may increase their likelihood surprises as they (a) highly persistent global pollutants that will last centuries, (b) can interact with abiotic environment a complex manner, (c) impact organisms directly or indirectly (d) contaminants facilitate transport. Here, we compiled findings previous research environments. We systematically focused studies addressing different facets related to distribution, dispersion, soil characteristics functions, levels biological organization tested biota (single species vs. assemblages), scale experimental study corresponding ecotoxicological effects. Our systematic assessment microplastic revealed most have been conducted single under laboratory conditions short-term exposures; few were more realistic long-term field and/or multi-species assemblages. Studies targeting assemblages primarily considered bacterial communities showed alter essential nutrient cycling functions. More ecologically meaningful encompassing assemblages, critical processes (e.g., biogeochemical cycles pollination) interactions anthropogenic stressors conducted. Addressing these knowledge gaps provide understanding emerging should lower ecosystems.

Language: Английский

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Prevalence and drivers of abrupt vegetation shifts in global drylands

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 119(43)

Published: Oct. 17, 2022

The constant provision of plant productivity is integral to supporting the liability ecosystems and human wellbeing in global drylands. Drylands are paradigmatic examples systems prone experiencing abrupt changes their functioning. Indeed, space-for-time substitution approaches suggest that widespread, but this evidence less clear using observational time series or experimental data at a large scale. Studying prevalence and, most importantly, unknown drivers (rather than gradual) dynamical patterns drylands may help unveil hotspots current future instabilities Using 20-y satellite-derived temporal assessment dryland Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), we show 50% all exhibiting gains losses NDVI characterized by positive/negative dynamics. We further more common among negative positive trends can be found regions suffering recent droughts, particularly around critical aridity thresholds. Positive dynamics with low seasonal variability high aridity. Our work unveils importance climate on triggering shifts vegetation it provides missing increasing abruptness intensively managed humans, soil organic carbon contents, specific These results highlight very common, especially for losses, pinpoint vulnerability, identify could targeted effective management.

Language: Английский

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Cenozoic evolution of the steppe-desert biome in Central Asia

Science Advances, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 6(41)

Published: Oct. 9, 2020

The origins and development of the arid highly seasonal steppe-desert biome in Central Asia, largest its kind world, remain largely unconstrained by existing records. It is unclear how Cenozoic climatic, geological, biological forces, acting at diverse spatial temporal scales, shaped Asian ecosystems through time. Our synthesis shows that has existed since least Eocene times but experienced no less than two regime shifts, one Eocene-Oligocene Transition mid-Miocene. These shifts separated three successive "stable states," each characterized unique floral faunal structures. Past responses to disturbance imply modern are unlikely recover their present structures diversity if forced into a new regime. This concern for steppes today, which being modified human use lost desertification unprecedented rates.

Language: Английский

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Measuring resilience is essential to understand it

Nature Sustainability, Journal Year: 2019, Volume and Issue: 2(10), P. 895 - 897

Published: Oct. 9, 2019

Language: Английский

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Facilitation in communities: underlying mechanisms, community and ecosystem implications

Functional Ecology, Journal Year: 2016, Volume and Issue: 30(1), P. 3 - 9

Published: Jan. 1, 2016

Facilitation (positive interactions among organisms) in communities has been the subject of increasing interest for community ecologists since mid-nineties (Fig. 1), although this is a pioneer core concept theory, proposed 100 years before issue by Clements (1916), as main driving biotic mechanism plant succession. However, it was neglected most decades due to overwhelming popularity at that time individualistic (Gleason 1926; Whittaker 1956) and competition theories (Grime 1974; Tilman 1982). Until mid-nineties, far studied interaction, particular (see Fig. 1: more than 90% studies published concerned only competition). evidence facilitation experiments conducted severe conditions from marine intertidal terrestrial environments, Bertness & Callaway (1994) conceptual model where switches with environmental severity. Since then, during following two decades, never ceased increase currently 76% concerns During first half period emergence an important research area, number evidenced multiple ecosystem implications (Callaway 1995, 1997, 1998; Pugnaire, Haase Puigdefábregas 1996; Walker 1997; Hacker Gaines Holmgren, Scheffer Huston Brooker Callaghan Stachowicz 2001; Bruno, 2003; Lortie et al. 2004; Armas Pugnaire 2005; 2006; Padilla 2006), many empirical focused on experimental test (e.g. Luque 2002; but see 2007 2008 reviews). became well-established phenomenon. strong controversy questioned 2005 importance dry environments and, thus, validity Stress Gradient Hypothesis (Maestre, Valladares Reynolds Michalet 2006, 2007; Maestre 2009; Armas, Rodríguez-Echeverría 2011). This followed publication other alternative models SGH, proposing collapse extremely stressful (Michalet 2014a; Xiao Holmgren 2010; Verwijmeren 2013; Le Bagousse-Pinguet 2014a). At refinement, European Science Foundation meeting held Arcachon (France) conclusions which were collected highly cited (Brooker 2008; 1). (2008) also highlighted several key issues developing future basis BES symposium organized 2009 Aberdeen subsequent special Journal Ecology The goal open new directions, actively develop links fields would profit, such evolutionary ecology, restoration ecology sciences. field moved incredibly fast There have novel recent advances, assessment consequences 2011; Thorpe Butterfield 2013), feedback effects between facilitator facilitated species Schöb 2014a,b,c), functional Schöb, 2012; 2013) or below-ground organisms Hortal 2013). Several meta-analyses theoretical further analysed relevance SGH contrasting results (He, Altieri He 2014; 2014a,b; Soliveres Soliveres, Smit 2015; 2015). Pakeman (2009) asked after symposium, we believe will soon reach kind maturity, beyond confrontations simple picture greater (Semchenko 2016). As Grime-Tilman debate eighties early nineties, are now aware no single may explain occurrence disappearance along gradients. Nature much complex our models, rather keep deepen knowledge mechanisms their implications. Special Feature go back basics facilitation, trying review (papers 1–4), structure 5–8) functions services 9 10). complements journal 2013 (Robinson, Trinder authors represent large panel specialists positive ecological communities, extend group researchers. preparation Issue closely aligned Baeza (Spain) September 2014, acknowledge all participants helpful comments certainly improved quality Feature. (2016) address one contentious debates surrounding stress gradient hypothesis (SGH), relationship water limitation facilitation. mentioned above, topic hotly debated 2005. take here close look role soil moisture mediating plant–plant interactions. By assessing climate texture process using empirically parameterized model, simulated dynamics beneath shrubs gaps data 1000 sites Western United States. They found difference under decreased aridity when long-term average considered, contrary expectations based SGH. extreme shrub greatest intermediate points spatial gradient, consistent hump-backed 2010). These suggest predictable, highlight accounting temporal heterogeneity determining plant–soil relationships. Rather focusing predictions, be beneficial explicitly incorporate into predictive interaction outcome drylands. In related paper, Metz Tielbörger modifying impact change communities. magnitude even direction response changes – gradients remains debated, especially limited ecosystems. Unfortunately, mechanistic manipulations rare compared correlative approaches infer patterns observations climatic gradients, predictions these range aridification. argue methodology used greatly affect outcome. use unique combined large-scale, whether about yield similar manipulations, variation. assessed shrub–annual three different 27 natural rainfall (spatial) varying (temporal) 8 wet ambient (experimental) mimicked regional scenarios. differed approaches. Experimental hardly altered annual Along shifted clearly negative mildly facilitative towards drier sites, whereas variations showed opposite trend: years. Based approach, conclude shrub-annual remain unaltered climates. conclusion contrasts suggestion made space-for-time should change. Long-term appear critical evaluating impacts. misleading, overestimating Despite growing microbiota fitness dynamics, little explored date. Rodríguez-Echeverría, Lozano Bardgett synthesize scant available effect nurse plants abundance, composition activity microbial addressing nurses beneficiary species. Evidence suggests promote larger, differentiated high activity, dominance competitive bacteria larger mycorrhizal networks, adjacent soils without nurses. Such establishment, growth through variety mechanisms, including increased nutrient availability, stabilization niche complementarity, direct molecular signalling microbes defence Although mounting, there still few draw general conclusions. its infancy, needed understand precise they influence plants. date primarily plants, often neglecting extended cascade networks. Lortie, Filazolla Sotomayor propose framework explores roles interacting species, quantitatively summarize current state examining A examined animals benefactor-subordinate association. Selecting 36 documented interactions, generated total 53 independent instances either shrub–plant–animal shrub–animal–plant split indirect animals. Hypotheses frequently tested included seed trapping, herbivore protection, magnet pollination facilitation-mediated secondary dispersal. common protection herbivory, animal associated plant-facilitation complexes consumer. multitrophic, integrated sets incorporating advancing management high-stress ecosystems wherein commonly reported. set papers focuses diversity ranging alpine arctic general. best known (Hacker Lázaro 2000; Cavieres Badano 2009). patch level, comparing within patches vs. away them areas, 2014). Issue, literature dominated cushion forms, show community-level cases some systems dominant measured level. Indeed, if add present areas high-stress- disturbance-intolerance, whole (cushions + areas) presence Additionally, stronger impoverished local diversity, suggesting acts insurance policy harsh environments. study highlights scale studies, patchy ecosystems, very frequent arid Tewksbury Lloyd 2001). another Bräthen contribution depending height tundra. Across wide biomass (11–800 g m−2), both stressed relatively benign conditions, observed Norway humped-back richness/biomass theory 1973; Fraser Increasing significantly richness showing canopies occurs conditions. result because contribute shaping curve not absent weak 2006). expected mediated changing neighbour gradient. words, tallest neighbours mid-sized mid-position Finally, become too short any (Le 2014b). comparisons needed, interesting might ubiquitous originally thought argued McIntire Fajardo (2014). physical induced can dependent could overwhelm Levine 1999; 2015a,b). Building facilitation-expanded (2003), Bulleri explore particular, broadening niches potential overlap competitors, net diversity. realized depend trade-off fundamental expansion competitors predators determine intensity assess niche-broadening responses Facilitated benefactors. Feedback poorly addressed (but 1996), call (Bronstein 2009), 2014a,b,c). Most effects. Using base (2013), (2014) (2014a,b), additional survey north-western China, grasses higher forbs legumes. strength grass mesic sites. ideas (sensu 2016) legumes All network selective pressures ultimately eco-evolutionary stability (Bascompte, Jordano Olesen Whitham Bronstein Kéfi, focus stable states level organisms, connection rarely gap, asking lead states, hence stage catastrophic transitions tipping getting clearer understanding species-level ecosystem-level shifts investigating networks abiotic environment, merging Therefore, need integration decade (2003). better essential smart (and prevention shifts) (the trigger loops). Knowledge final paper emerging problem derived agricultural intensification, reductions farmland biodiversity. Ecological applied agriculture enable biodiversity conservation farmlands whilst pressing food security. Obvious examples intercropping systems, combinations crop circumstances allow reduced inputs agrochemicals (fertilizers, pesticides) per unit yield, knock-on benefits conservation. Other processes play Increased genetic help protect crops pests diseases. overlooked research, involved operate analogous manner associational against herbivores, well recognized literature. intercropping, nature arise pesticide harvested crop. Our arising work lessons semi-natural easy identify quantify non-crop deserve consideration. emphasize deliver sustainable practices. being fully comprehensive overview numerous underlying relevant topics are, example, phylogenetic hot Al Hayek provides science. sheds light variation historically dominated, sometimes excessively, For modelling comparative incredible complexity dependency types data. section revealed aspects relation trophic levels, micro-organisms two-first second (community implications) ubiquity types. contrast, last fitness, how crucial improving sustainability efficiency greener world. Twenty modern shows vitality potential. We amplify likely relationships diversities deserves 2015c). New efforts invested analyses. improve change, infancy Anthelme, Dangles thank International University Andalucia (UNIA) hosting partly funding 2014 workshop Baeza, Spain, discussed. grateful vivid discussions, helped papers. Ken Thompson David Robinson manuscript.

Language: Английский

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Understanding the evolution of interspecies interactions in microbial communities

Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 375(1798), P. 20190256 - 20190256

Published: March 23, 2020

Microbial communities are complex multi-species assemblages that characterized by a multitude of interspecies interactions, which can range from mutualism to competition. The overall sign and strength interactions have important consequences for emergent community-level properties such as productivity stability. It is not well understood how change over evolutionary timescales. Here, we review the empirical evidence evolution an driver microbial community dynamics on timescales traditionally been regarded purely ecological. Next, briefly discuss different modelling approaches study communities, emphasizing similarities differences between ecological perspectives. We then propose simple conceptual model in communities. Specifically, understand it distinguish direct indirect fitness effects mutation. predict well-mixed environments, traits will be selected exclusively their effects, while spatially structured may also effects. Selection indirectly beneficial should result increase interaction time, selection directly systematic effect. tested our intuitions using quantitative found support hypotheses. next step test these hypotheses experimentally provide input more refined version turn, thus closing scientific cycle models experiments. This article part theme issue 'Conceptual challenges ecology'.

Language: Английский

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Mangroves and shoreline erosion in the Mekong River delta, Viet Nam

Estuarine Coastal and Shelf Science, Journal Year: 2019, Volume and Issue: 226, P. 106263 - 106263

Published: June 26, 2019

Language: Английский

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A quantitative review of abundance‐based species distribution models

Ecography, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 2022(1)

Published: Dec. 15, 2021

The contributions of species to ecosystem functions or services depend not only on their presence but also local abundance. Progress in predictive spatial modelling has largely focused occurrence rather than As such, limited guidance exists the most reliable methods explain and predict variation We analysed performance 68 abundance‐based distribution models fitted 800 000 standardised abundance records for more terrestrial bird reef fish species. found a large amount models. While many performed poorly, subset consistently reconstructed range‐wide patterns. best predictions were obtained using random forests frequently encountered abundant within same environmental domain as model calibration. Extending outside conditions used training generated poor predictions. Thus, interpolation abundances between observations can help improve understanding patterns, our results indicate extrapolated under changing climate have much greater uncertainty. Our synthesis provides road map key property distributions that underpins theoretical applied questions ecology conservation.

Language: Английский

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Morphological traits of submerged macrophytes reveal specific positive feedbacks to water clarity in freshwater ecosystems

The Science of The Total Environment, Journal Year: 2019, Volume and Issue: 684, P. 578 - 586

Published: May 20, 2019

Language: Английский

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