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A Fish-feeding Laboratory Bioassay to Assess the Antipredatory Activity of Secondary Metabolites from the Tissues of Marine Organisms
Published on: January 11, 2015
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Herbivory in the marine realm
Robert S Steneck1, David R Bellwood2, Mark E Hay3
1School of Marine Sciences, University of Maine, Walpole, ME 04469, USA.
Current Biology : CB
|June 7, 2017
Summary
Herbivory involves animals eating plants, impacting both animal nutrition and plant survival. This ecological process, driven by herbivore evolution, has significantly shaped marine ecosystems like kelp forests and coral reefs.
Area of Science:
- Marine Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Animal Behavior
Background:
- Herbivory, the consumption of plants by animals, encompasses distinct nutritional and survival processes.
- These dual aspects are critical to understanding the ecological dynamics of herbivory.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the two fundamental processes hidden within the term 'herbivory'.
- To highlight the role of evolutionary innovations in herbivore function in shaping marine ecosystems.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of herbivory as an ecological process.
- Review of evolutionary impacts on marine flora and fauna.
Main Results:
- Herbivory fundamentally addresses animal nutrition and plant survival/abundance.
- Evolutionary advancements in herbivore feeding mechanisms have profoundly influenced shallow marine environments.
Conclusions:
- Understanding herbivory requires acknowledging its dual role in nutrition and ecological impact.
- Herbivore evolution is a key driver of structure and diversity in ecosystems such as kelp forests and coral reefs.
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