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Bottom-up biodiversity effects increase resource subsidy flux between ecosystems
Daniel C Allen1, Caryn C Vaughn, Jeffrey F Kelly
1Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Program, Oklahoma Biological Survey and Department of Zoology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, USA. daniel.c.allen@gmail.com
Ecology
|November 29, 2012
Summary
Freshwater mussel biodiversity enhances aquatic insect emergence and terrestrial spider abundance by influencing food web dynamics. This highlights how biodiversity in one ecosystem can impact adjacent ecosystems through resource subsidies.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Environmental Science
- Biodiversity Research
Background:
- Ecosystem productivity is often linked to biodiversity.
- Adjacent ecosystems are connected by resource flows.
- The influence of biodiversity on resource subsidies remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of freshwater mussel biodiversity on resource subsidy flux.
- To document effects on a trophic cascade from aquatic to terrestrial ecosystems.
- To understand the relationship between species richness and ecosystem services.
Main Methods:
- Mesocosm experiment manipulating freshwater mussel species richness.
- Stable isotope analyses to trace nitrogen subsidies.
- Documentation of aquatic insect emergence and terrestrial spider abundance.
Main Results:
- Mussel biodiversity significantly increased aquatic insect emergence rates.
- Aquatic insect responses were linked to mussel-induced algal community structure changes.
- Mussel biodiversity significantly increased terrestrial spider abundance.
- Field study confirmed a positive correlation between mussel species richness and insect emergence.
Conclusions:
- Biodiversity in one ecosystem can significantly influence adjacent ecosystems.
- Trophic cascades are sensitive to changes in biodiversity and resource subsidies.
- Freshwater mussel biodiversity plays a crucial role in supporting terrestrial food webs.
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