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Disturbance type determines how connectivity shapes ecosystem resilience.
Ryan M Pearson1, Thomas A Schlacher2, Kristin I Jinks3
1Australian Rivers Institute-Coast and Estuaries, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, 4222, Australia. r.pearson@griffith.edu.au.
Scientific Reports
|January 14, 2021
Summary
Ecosystem resilience and function are influenced by habitat connectivity. Greater connectivity improved grazing performance, but disease spread reversed these benefits under stress, highlighting complex ecological interactions.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Ecosystem Science
- Conservation Biology
Background:
- Ecosystem resilience is crucial for maintaining functions under disturbance.
- Habitat connectivity, organism traits, and stressors interact to influence resilience.
- Controlled studies on multiple stressors and connectivity are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between habitat connectivity and ecosystem function (grazing performance) under multiple stressors.
- To understand how spatial configuration influences resilience in disturbed ecosystems.
- To assess the complex effects of connectivity on ecological functions.
Main Methods:
- Manipulating the spatial configuration of habitats in microcosms.
- Introducing multiple stressors including harvesting pressure, temperature rise, and disease.
- Measuring grazing performance as a key ecosystem function.
Main Results:
- Greater habitat connectivity enhanced ecosystem function and reduced performance variability in unperturbed systems.
- Connectivity improved functional performance under harvesting and temperature stress.
- Disease spread reversed the positive effects of connectivity on ecosystem function.
Conclusions:
- Connectivity has complex and context-dependent effects on ecological functions and resilience.
- The interplay between connectivity, stressors, and disease dynamics is critical for ecosystem stability.
- Conservation strategies must consider these nuances for effective ecosystem management.
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