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Trophic-level dependent effects on CO2 emissions from experimental stream ecosystems.

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Introducing a large predator into stream food webs significantly reduced carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by up to 95%. Changes in grazer or detritivore abundance had minimal impact on CO2 flux, highlighting predator roles in aquatic ecosystems.

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Area of Science:

  • Ecology
  • Aquatic Ecosystems
  • Biogeochemistry

Background:

  • Species invasions and losses impact aquatic ecosystems.
  • Trophic cascades influence carbon dioxide (CO2) fluxes.
  • Limited research exists on non-predator consumer impacts on aquatic CO2 emissions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Investigate how additions of different consumer trophic levels affect stream CO2 emissions.
  • Quantify the impact of large predators, detritivores, and grazers on aquatic food webs and CO2 flux.
  • Understand the role of species with unique functional roles in regulating ecosystem processes.

Main Methods:

  • Experimental stream food webs were manipulated over 70 days.
  • Additions included large predatory stoneflies, detritivorous stoneflies, or grazer tadpoles.
  • Community composition, leaf litter decomposition, chlorophyll-a, and stream CO2 emissions were measured.

Main Results:

  • Large grazer or detritivore additions showed no significant change in overall biomass, decomposition, chlorophyll-a, or CO2 emissions.
  • Predator additions triggered trophic cascades, reducing invertebrate biomass and increasing primary producers.
  • Predator additions led to a substantial decrease (up to 95%) in stream CO2 emissions.

Conclusions:

  • Large predator abundance strongly influences stream ecosystem processes and CO2 exchange.
  • Changes in grazer or detritivore abundance had less impact on CO2 flux compared to predators.
  • Species with unique functional roles are critical for regulating CO2 exchange between aquatic ecosystems and the atmosphere.