Meta-ecosystem processes alter ecosystem function and can promote herbivore-mediated coexistence.

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Ecosystem Dynamics
• Meta-ecosystem Theory

Background:

• Herbivory and dispersal influence primary producer coexistence via trade-offs like apparent competition and dispersal limitation.
• These coexistence mechanisms interact with meta-ecosystem effects, leading to spatial heterogeneity from herbivore and nutrient movement.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate how herbivores, through meta-ecosystem effects, influence autotroph coexistence.
• Examine the coupling of coexistence mechanisms with ecosystem structure and functioning.

Main Methods:

• Developed a parameterized meta-ecosystem model with one resource, k producers, and one herbivore.
• Simulated herbivore movement and nutrient recycling within the meta-ecosystem framework.

Main Results:

• Herbivore movement coupled with nutrient recycling generated spatial heterogeneity, facilitating coexistence where well-mixed systems predicted competitive exclusion.
• The presence of herbivore movement altered local and regional ecosystem functioning, irrespective of initial coexistence conditions.

Conclusions:

• Meta-ecosystem theory provides a mechanistic understanding of biodiversity-ecosystem function relationships.
• Herbivore-driven spatial heterogeneity is a key factor in maintaining primary producer diversity and influencing ecosystem processes.