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Insects as drivers of ecosystem processes.

Louie H Yang1, Claudio Gratton2

  • 1Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California, Davis, CA, United States.

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Despite their small biomass, insects significantly impact ecosystem carbon and nutrient cycling by altering detrital food webs. Understanding these invertebrates is key to integrating community ecology with ecosystem processes.

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Area of Science:

  • Ecology
  • Environmental Science
  • Zoology

Background:

  • Insects and small invertebrates are widespread in ecosystems.
  • Their cumulative biomass is often considered minor compared to plants and microbes.
  • This leads to an underestimation of their role in ecosystem processes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the significant, yet often overlooked, role of invertebrates in ecosystem processes.
  • To explore the pathways through which invertebrates influence carbon and nutrient cycling.
  • To emphasize the need for integrating invertebrate, plant, and microbial ecology.

Main Methods:

  • Conceptual synthesis of existing ecological research.
  • Analysis of invertebrate impacts on detrital food webs.
  • Examination of direct and indirect ecological effects.

Main Results:

  • Invertebrates significantly influence carbon and nutrient cycling.
  • Their effects are mediated through direct biomass input and transformation of detritus.
  • Predator-prey interactions involving invertebrates also impact ecosystem functions.
  • These effects are ultimately linked to plant and soil microbial dynamics.

Conclusions:

  • Invertebrates play a crucial role in ecosystem functioning, particularly in carbon and nutrient cycling.
  • Integrating invertebrate ecology with plant and microbial ecology is essential for a holistic understanding of ecosystems.
  • Further research integrating these levels of ecological organization is warranted.