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Experimental Protocol for Manipulating Plant-induced Soil Heterogeneity
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Dispersal-induced instability in complex ecosystems.

Joseph W Baron1,2, Tobias Galla3,4

  • 1Department of Physics and Astronomy, School of Natural Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK. josephbaron@ifisc.uib-csic.es.

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|November 28, 2020
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Dispersal can destabilize ecosystems, challenging previous ecological models. This study integrates pattern formation and random-matrix theory to show how spatial movement can reduce ecosystem stability, even with added complexity.

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Area of Science:

  • Ecology
  • Mathematical Biology
  • Theoretical Ecology

Background:

  • Robert May's 1970s work proposed an upper limit to species in stable ecosystems.
  • This contradicted ecological intuition and observations of complex natural systems.
  • The stability-diversity debate continues regarding factors influencing ecosystem stability.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of dispersal in ecosystem stability.
  • To reconcile May's theoretical upper bound with observed ecosystem complexity.
  • To explore how spatial dynamics affect ecological equilibrium.

Main Methods:

  • Combined Alan Turing's pattern formation concepts with May's random-matrix approach.
  • Developed a theoretical model of a complex ecosystem with trophic structure.
  • Introduced spatial dispersal as a key variable.

Main Results:

  • Demonstrated that dispersal can introduce instability into a previously stable ecosystem.
  • Identified specific factors contributing to dispersal-induced instability.
  • Showed that increased model complexity can lead to more pathways for instability.

Conclusions:

  • Spatial dispersal can be a destabilizing force in ecosystems.
  • Adding realism to ecological models can reveal novel instability mechanisms.
  • An upper bound on ecosystem complexity, as suggested by May, may persist even with spatial dynamics.