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Understanding the connectivity of ecosystems in the Anthropocene

Understanding the connectivity of ecosystems in the Anthropocene In focus: Nash, L. N., Antiqueira, P. A. P., Romero, G. Q., de Omena, P. M., and Kratina, P. (2021). Warming of aquatic ecosystems disrupts aquatic‐terrestrial linkages in the tropics. Journal of Animal Ecology. Meta‐ecosystem ecology offers a holistic framework linking populations, communities and ecosystems in heterogeneous landscapes. This perspective is particularly relevant as anthropogenic drivers of environmental change proliferate, with the potential for impacts to propagate to spatially connected habitats. In aquatic ecosystems, reciprocal exchanges of energy, materials and organisms that form strong connections with adjacent terrestrial habitats can be disrupted by human impacts. Nash et al. (2021) demonstrate how a warming environment alters aquatic–terrestrial linkages by measuring rates of aquatic insect emergence and decomposition in a tropical context. While decomposition predictably increased with warming, insect emergence was greatly reduced. Using metabolic theory, I highlight how these results deviate from previous studies and help underscore the need for comparative research in different biomes. I conclude by exploring where progress can be made in quantifying, predicting and utilising the connectivity of ecosystems to fully realise the potential of a meta‐ecosystem perspective and help address the dual crises of biodiversity loss and climate change. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Journal of Animal Ecology Wiley

Understanding the connectivity of ecosystems in the Anthropocene

Journal of Animal Ecology , Volume 90 (7) – Jul 1, 2021

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References (30)

Publisher
Wiley
Copyright
Journal of Animal Ecology © 2021 British Ecological Society
ISSN
0021-8790
eISSN
1365-2656
DOI
10.1111/1365-2656.13550
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

In focus: Nash, L. N., Antiqueira, P. A. P., Romero, G. Q., de Omena, P. M., and Kratina, P. (2021). Warming of aquatic ecosystems disrupts aquatic‐terrestrial linkages in the tropics. Journal of Animal Ecology. Meta‐ecosystem ecology offers a holistic framework linking populations, communities and ecosystems in heterogeneous landscapes. This perspective is particularly relevant as anthropogenic drivers of environmental change proliferate, with the potential for impacts to propagate to spatially connected habitats. In aquatic ecosystems, reciprocal exchanges of energy, materials and organisms that form strong connections with adjacent terrestrial habitats can be disrupted by human impacts. Nash et al. (2021) demonstrate how a warming environment alters aquatic–terrestrial linkages by measuring rates of aquatic insect emergence and decomposition in a tropical context. While decomposition predictably increased with warming, insect emergence was greatly reduced. Using metabolic theory, I highlight how these results deviate from previous studies and help underscore the need for comparative research in different biomes. I conclude by exploring where progress can be made in quantifying, predicting and utilising the connectivity of ecosystems to fully realise the potential of a meta‐ecosystem perspective and help address the dual crises of biodiversity loss and climate change.

Journal

Journal of Animal EcologyWiley

Published: Jul 1, 2021

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