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Ocean acidification affects competition for space: projections of community structure using cellular automata
Sophie J McCoy1, Stefano Allesina2, Catherine A Pfister2
1Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, UK mccoy@bio.fsu.edu.
Proceedings. Biological Sciences
|March 4, 2016
Summary
Crustose coralline algae (CCA) communities in the Northeast Pacific show reduced species interaction strength over 30 years. A new dominant competitor may emerge under global change, with ocean acidification potentially mediating competition and promoting diversity.
Area of Science:
- Marine ecology
- Community dynamics
- Algal ecology
Background:
- Historical ecological data from the Northeast Pacific reveal changes in crustose coralline algae (CCA) communities over three decades.
- Field surveys from the 1980s and 2013 indicate stable competitive interactions but a decrease in interaction strength among CCA species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To forecast ecological dynamics of CCA communities using a cellular automaton model.
- To investigate the potential impact of global change scenarios on CCA competitive interactions and species diversity.
Main Methods:
- Utilized historical ecological datasets spanning 30 years from a coastal marine community.
- Employed a cellular automaton model to simulate and predict future ecological dynamics.
- Analyzed changes in competitive interactions and the role of herbivory and ocean acidification.
Main Results:
- Model simulations suggest the emergence of a novel dominant competitor under global change scenarios.
- Herbivory pressure's role in regulating CCA competition has diminished.
- Ocean acidification may become a key factor in mediating competitive interactions.
Conclusions:
- Global change, particularly ocean acidification, is predicted to alter competitive dynamics within CCA communities.
- Ocean acidification may play a crucial role in mediating competition, potentially increasing species diversity within this algal guild.
- The study highlights the complex interplay between environmental change and community structure in marine ecosystems.
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