The bioelements, the elementome, and the biogeochemical niche

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Biogeochemistry
• Evolutionary Biology

Background:

• Organisms require specific bioelements for survival and growth, with needs varying by species' life strategies.
• Traditional ecological niches do not fully capture species' elemental requirements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and define the concept of a 'biogeochemical niche' based on an organism's elemental composition (elementome).
• To demonstrate how elementome differences relate to ecological and evolutionary factors.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of field data to characterize species' elementomes.
• Examination of elementome variations in relation to taxonomy, phylogeny, sympatry, and homeostasis.

Main Results:

• Species exhibit distinct elementomes, supporting the biogeochemical niche hypothesis.
• Elementome differences are influenced by phylogenetic distance, co-occurrence (sympatry), and homeostatic regulation.
• The elementome is a quantifiable trait applicable across diverse taxa and habitats.

Conclusions:

• The biogeochemical niche provides a measurable framework for understanding species' elemental requirements and interactions.
• Changes in bioelemental availability drive genotypic selection, impacting ecosystem function and the evolution of life.