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Spatially-nested topologies stabilize meta-ecosystems via cross-scale source-sink dynamics.

Tianna Peller1, Isabelle Gounand2, Marie-Josée Fortin1

  • 1Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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|April 13, 2026
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Spatial flows of resources and organisms create nested ecosystem structures. This structure stabilizes ecosystem dynamics through cross-scale source-sink dynamics, influencing functions across diverse habitats.

Keywords:
bottom‐upcross‐ecosystemcross‐habitatdispersalecosystem functionsfood‐web resource flowsspatial networksspatial subsidiestop‐down

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Area of Science:

  • Ecological dynamics and spatial ecology.
  • Meta-ecosystem theory and landscape ecology.

Background:

  • Ecosystems are interconnected by spatial flows of resources and organisms.
  • Resource flows typically link nearby, dissimilar ecosystems, while dispersal connects distant, similar ones.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the stabilizing effects of spatially nested ecosystem topologies on ecosystem dynamics.
  • To understand how cross-scale source-sink dynamics influence ecosystem stability and function.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized meta-ecosystem models to simulate interactions between coupled ecosystems.
  • Analyzed the impact of contrasting spatial flow properties on ecosystem structure and stability.

Main Results:

  • Spatially nested topologies stabilize ecosystem dynamics through cross-scale source-sink dynamics.
  • These dynamics create spatial variation in trophic control and biomass, with distinct source and sink ecosystems.
  • Meta-ecosystem functions like primary production and nutrient retention are enhanced.

Conclusions:

  • The diversity of ecosystem types and hierarchical spatial flow scales are crucial for ecosystem stability and function.
  • Cross-scale source-sink dynamics, driven by consumer dispersal, regulate ecosystem stability and function across scales.