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Published on: March 12, 2013
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Ecosystem consequences of invertebrate decline.
Nico Eisenhauer1, Raúl Ochoa-Hueso2, Yuanyuan Huang1
1German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Puschstrasse 4, 04103 Leipzig, Germany; Institute of Biology, Leipzig University, Puschstrasse 4, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
Current Biology : CB
|September 27, 2023
Summary
Invertebrate biomass loss in grasslands significantly reduces ecosystem multifunctionality and critical services like pest control and decomposition. This decline threatens grassland integrity by disrupting ecological processes and diminishing essential ecosystem services.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Environmental Science
- Biodiversity Research
Background:
- Human activities are causing significant biodiversity changes.
- Invertebrate decline is a growing concern, yet its ecosystem consequences are understudied.
- Previous research indicates a substantial loss in invertebrate biomass and abundance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ecosystem consequences of aboveground invertebrate biomass loss.
- To assess the impact of reduced invertebrate biomass on six key ecosystem services.
- To examine the relationship between invertebrate community biomass and ecosystem multifunctionality.
Main Methods:
- Experimental grassland mesocosms were used in a controlled Ecotron facility.
- Three levels of aboveground invertebrate biomass were tested (100%, 36%, and 0% of ambient).
- Thirty above- and belowground ecosystem variables were monitored to assess ecosystem services and functions.
Main Results:
- Reduced invertebrate biomass (36% treatment) led to decreased ecosystem multifunctionality.
- Aboveground pest control and belowground decomposition services were significantly impaired.
- Harvested plant biomass increased, suggesting less energy transfer through the food chain.
- Invertebrate communities and ecosystem functions became decoupled at lower biomass levels.
Conclusions:
- Invertebrate loss critically threatens grassland integrity.
- The decline in invertebrate biomass disrupts essential ecosystem processes.
- Reduced invertebrate biomass diminishes the supply of vital ecosystem services, impacting grassland health and function.
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