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Connectivity, non-random extinction and ecosystem function in experimental metacommunities
Philip Staddon1, Zoë Lindo, Peter D Crittenden
1School of Biology, Nottingham University, NG7 2RD, UK.
Ecology Letters
|March 19, 2010
Summary
Habitat connectivity is crucial for ecosystem resilience. Maintaining corridors prevents biodiversity loss and ecosystem function disruption, mitigating the effects of habitat fragmentation.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Ecosystem Science
- Conservation Biology
Background:
- Habitat fragmentation is a major threat to biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.
- The spatial insurance hypothesis posits that ecosystem connectivity sustains biodiversity and function.
- Understanding the role of spatial processes in fragmented landscapes is critical.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally test the spatial insurance hypothesis in a microecosystem.
- To assess the impact of habitat connectivity manipulation on biodiversity and ecosystem function.
- To investigate the role of corridors in mitigating fragmentation effects.
Main Methods:
- Experimental manipulation of connectivity in microecosystem metacommunities.
- Measurement of species abundance, including apex predators and prey.
- Analysis of carbon and nitrogen fluxes and decomposition rates.
Main Results:
- Habitat isolation led to apex predator extinction, increased prey abundance, and altered nutrient cycling.
- Ecosystem impacts, termed 'function debt', persisted after connectivity loss.
- Corridors mitigated negative effects but showed a delayed positive impact, suggesting enhanced microbial activity and decomposition.
Conclusions:
- Habitat connectivity is essential for maintaining ecosystem stability and function.
- Spatial processes significantly influence the magnitude and timing of ecosystem responses to fragmentation.
- Corridors can restore ecosystem function, but their effects may be time-delayed.
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