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Herbivore Population Differences Rival Geographic And Biophysical Variation In Structuring Ecosystem Function.

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Herbivore Population Differences Rival Geographic And Biophysical Variation In Structuring Ecosystem Function.

Related Experiment Video

Linking Predation Risk, Herbivore Physiological Stress and Microbial Decomposition of Plant Litter

Linking Predation Risk, Herbivore Physiological Stress and Microbial Decomposition of Plant Litter

Published on: March 12, 2013

Herbivore Population Differences Rival Geographic and Biophysical Variation in Structuring Ecosystem Function.

Nathalie R Sommer¹, Annise M Dobson^1,2, Matthew S Baker³

¹School of the Environment, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.

Global Change Biology

|July 16, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Geographic variation in ecosystem function is driven by herbivore populations, not just climate. Different herbivore types impact nutrient cycling and plant diversity, showing consumer-driven feedbacks are key to ecosystem processes.

Keywords:

functional diversity herbivory intraspecific variation microclimate nutrient cycling phenotypic plasticity plant‐herbivore interactions soil carbon

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Area of Science:

Ecology
Ecosystem Science
Zoology

Background:

Geographic variation in ecosystem function is traditionally linked to abiotic factors like climate and soil.
Biotic interactions, such as herbivory, also vary geographically and can influence ecosystem processes.
Previous research often overlooks the role of consumer diversity in shaping ecosystem functions.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate how population-level functional differences in a widespread arthropod herbivore mediate geographic variation in ecosystem function.
To quantify the direct and indirect effects of herbivory on plant biomass, soil carbon, and nitrogen cycling.
To compare the influence of herbivore functional variation against historical conditions and climate in driving ecosystem processes.

Main Methods:

A replicated three-year field experiment was conducted.
Structural equation modeling was employed to analyze causal relationships.
Population-level functional differences in a key arthropod herbivore were assessed.

Main Results:

Herbivores had significant direct effects on plant biomass, soil carbon, and nitrogen mineralization, often exceeding abiotic influences.
Functionally distinct herbivore populations exhibited divergent impacts on nutrient cycling and plant diversity.
Geographic variation in herbivore populations introduced novel pathways affecting ecosystem function.

Conclusions:

Consumer-driven feedbacks, specifically from functionally diverse herbivore populations, are critical regulators of ecosystem function.
Ecosystem models need to incorporate biotic interactions and consumer diversity, moving beyond solely abiotic constraints.
Understanding population-level variation in herbivores is essential for predicting and managing ecosystem responses to environmental change.