Exploiter-mediated coexistence and frequency-dependent selection in a numerical model of biodiversity

Area of Science:

• Planetary science
• Ecological modeling
• Climate dynamics

Background:

• The Daisyworld model simulates climate-biosphere feedbacks using contrasting daisy albedos.
• This model demonstrates emergent self-regulation of planetary temperature and stable populations.
• Increasing solar output typically poses a challenge to planetary climate stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of herbivory on Daisyworld's self-regulating climate.
• To analyze how herbivore feeding strategies affect biodiversity and temperature stability.
• To explore the interrelationship between climate regulation and biodiversity patterns.

Main Methods:

• Modification of the Daisyworld model to include herbivores with diverse feeding strategies.
• Simulation of interactions between multiple daisy species and herbivore populations.
• Analysis of resulting temperature dynamics and biodiversity persistence under varying herbivory pressures.

Main Results:

• Herbivores introduced to the diverse Daisyworld system only moderately reduced its temperature-regulating capacity.
• The system's temperature regulation trajectory was highly dependent on the daisy species co-existing due to herbivory.
• Specific herbivore strategies led to distinct patterns of biodiversity and climate stability.

Conclusions:

• Daisyworld's climate self-regulation is robust but can be modulated by biotic interactions like herbivory.
• Biodiversity patterns, shaped by selective herbivory, critically influence planetary climate regulation.
• The study highlights the intricate coupling between climate and biodiversity, relevant to both models and real-world ecosystems.