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68 results for “foundational species”
Foundation Species Revisited: Citation Analysis of Ellison et al. 2005
Ecologists and environmental scientists often prioritize research efforts with conservation importance. Dominant, widespread, or locally abundant species at low risk of extinction receive relatively little attention unless they are invasive. Native foundation species create habitats and environmental conditions that support many associated species and modulate local-scale ecosystem processes, but the generally high local or regional abundance of foundation species may lead to less research about them. We used citation analysis (2005-2014) to examine research following from a suggestion to identify and study foundation species while they were still common and not threatened. We explored the use and expanding definition of the foundation species concept, as well as the trajectory and ecological focus of research on foundation species throughout the world in 378 papers published in this nine-year span. Contemporary authors who cite key papers defining a foundation species pay little attention to its actual definition and species studied in this context rarely were identified as foundation species. Although functions and roles of foundation species, such as creating unique microclimates or supporting dependent species, are being studied, less research is focused on identifying them before they are threatened or lost from the ecosystem that they otherwise define. Invasive species were identified as the most common threat to foundation species. Our citation analysis and synthesis provides a new conceptual framework linking identification of and research about foundation species with their functional roles and our ability to manage emerging threats to them.
Foundation Species in Forest Dynamics Plots of China 2004-2014
Foundation species structure forest communities and ecosystems but are difficult to identify without long-term observations or experiments. We used statistical criteria---outliers from size-frequency distributions and scale-dependent negative effects on alpha diversity and positive effects on beta diversity---to identify candidate foundation woody plant species in 12 large forest-dynamics plots spanning 26 degrees of latitude in China. We used these data to: [1] identify candidate foundation species in Chinese forests; [2] test the hypothesis---based on observations of a mid-latitude peak in functional trait diversity and high local species richness but few numerically dominant species in tropical forests---that foundation woody plant species are more frequent in temperate than tropical or boreal forests; and [3] compare these results with data from the Americas to suggest candidate foundation genera in Northern Hemisphere forests. Using the most stringent criteria, only two species of Acer, the canopy tree Acer ukurunduense and the shrubby treelet Acer barbinerve, were identified in temperate plots as candidate foundation species. Using more relaxed criteria, we identified four times more candidate foundation species in temperate plots (including species of Acer, Pinus, Juglans, Padus, Tilia, Fraxinus, Prunus, Taxus, Ulmus, and Corlyus) than in (sub)tropical plots (the shrubs or treelets Aporosa yunnanensis, Ficus hispida, Brassaiopsis glomerulata, and Orophea laui). Species diversity of co-occurring woody species was negatively associated with basal area of candidate foundation species more frequently at 5- and 10-m spatial grains (scale) than at a 20-m grain. Conversely, Bray-Curtis dissimilarity was positively associated with basal area of candidate foundation species more frequently at 5-m than at 10- or 20-m grains. Using either stringent or relaxed criteria supported the hypothesis that foundation species are more common in mid-latitude temperate forests. Com
Modeling Foundation Species in Food Webs
Foundation species are basal species that play an important role in determining community composition by physically structuring ecosystems and modulating ecosystem processes. Foundation species largely operate via non-trophic interactions, presenting a challenge to incorporating them into food-web models. Here, we used non-linear, bioenergetic predator-prey models to explore the role of foundation species and their non-trophic effects. We explored four types of models in which the foundation species reduced the metabolic rates of species in a specific trophic position. We examined the outcomes of each of these models for six metabolic rate “treatments” in which the foundation species altered the metabolic rates of associated species by one-tenth to ten times their allometric baseline metabolic rates. For each model simulation, we looked at how foundation species influenced food-web structure during community assembly and the subsequent change in food-web structure when the foundation species was removed. When a foundation species lowered the metabolic rate of only basal species the resultant webs were complex, species-rich, and robust to foundation species removals. On the other hand, when a foundation species lowered the metabolic rate of only consumer species, all species, or no species the resultant webs were species poor and the subsequent removal of the foundation species webs resulted in the further loss of species and complexity. This suggests that in nature we should look for foundation species to predominantly facilitate basal species.
Genetic diversity of a marine foundation species, Laminaria hyperborea (Phaeophyceae Laminariales), along the coast of Ireland
<p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Worldwide, kelp populations are stressed by warming, increased storms and other man-driven disturbances<i>. </i>Marine population distributions are projected to retreat poleward with climate change if they cannot adapt to changing conditions, which would potentially lead to a regime shift in subtidal habitats. In Northern Europe, <i>Laminaria hyperborea</i>is a subtidal ecosystem engineer whose distribution has shifted over millennia, leaving predicted areas of high genetic diversity from the last glacial maximum (LGM) near its southern distribution limit in the Iberian Peninsula. In Ireland, <i>L. hyperborea </i>structures communities by supporting diverse faunal assemblages and producing large quantities of organic carbon throughout the year. We investigated the genetic diversity of eight populations ranging from the southern coast to the northwest of Ireland using nine microsatellite loci. Diversity was found to be highest in Lough Hyne, a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), near the predicted climate refugium. We found evidence of isolation by distance, with high connectivity between populations that were geographically close, likely driven by short range dispersal of <i>L. hyperborea</i>propagules. Genetic diversity (measured as expected heterozygosity and allelic richness) was highest at Lough Hyne, and decreased northwards, as predicted from past range shifts. Expected heterozygosity was highest at Lough Hyne (0.706) and decreased northward, with the lowest value at Bridges of Ross (0.283). Based on these patterns, further fine-scale investigation into population diversity, dispersal and potential resilience in Irish kelp forests are necessary as warming and non-native species are observed more and more frequently.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
Evidence of climate-driven selection on tree traits and trait plasticity across the climatic range of a riparian foundation species
<p>Selection on quantitative traits by heterogeneous climatic conditions can lead to substantial trait variation across a species range. In the context of rapidly changing environments, however, it is equally important to understand selection on trait plasticity. To evaluate the role of selection in driving divergences in traits and their associated plasticities within a widespread species, we compared molecular and quantitative trait variation in <em>Populus fremontii</em> (Fremont cottonwood), a foundation riparian distributed throughout Arizona. Using SNP data and genotypes from 16 populations reciprocally planted in three common gardens, we first performed Q<sub>ST</sub>-F<sub>ST</sub> analyses to detect selection on traits and trait plasticity. We then explored the environmental drivers of selection using trait-climate and plasticity-climate regressions. Three major findings emerged: 1) There was significant genetic variation in traits expressed in each of the common gardens and in the phenotypic plasticity of traits across gardens, both of which were heritable. 2) Based on Q<sub>ST</sub>-F<sub>ST</sub> comparisons, there was evidence of selection in all traits measured; however, this result varied from no effect in one garden to highly significant in another, indicating that detection of past selection is environmentally dependent. We also found strong evidence of divergent selection on plasticity across environments for two traits. 3) Traits and/or their plasticity were often correlated with population source climate (R<sup>2</sup> up to 0.77 and 0.66, respectively). These results suggest that steep climate gradients across the Southwest have played a major role in shaping the evolution of divergent phenotypic responses in populations and genotypes now experiencing climate change.</p>
Evidence of climate-driven selection on tree traits and trait plasticity across the climatic range of a riparian foundation species
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Genetic diversity of a marine foundation species, Laminaria hyperborea (Phaeophyceae Laminariales), along the coast of Ireland
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Population genomic and morphological datasets from: An evolutionary mosaic challenges traditional monitoring of a foundation species in a coastal environment - the Baltic Fucus vesiculosus
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Contrasting species richness in patches of alternative foundation species suggests a framework for understanding Species of Unusual Effect
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Mussel bed community data for: Intraspecific variation in a marine predator changes intertidal community through effects on a foundation species
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Data from: Foundation species promote local adaptation and fine-scale distribution of herbaceous plants
<p><span><span><span>1) Interactions among neighbors can alter demography and traits of commingled species via adaptation or plasticity in phenotypic expression and understanding these two mechanisms in diverse communities is important for determining the ecological and evolutionary consequences of plant–plant interactions. </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>2) We reciprocally transplanted perennial species (<i>Arenaria armerina</i> and <i>Festuca indigesta</i>) among patches of two foundation shrub species and open ground to assess whether origin microsite (defined as the spatially distinct abiotic and biotic conditions associated with the two shrubs and open ground) determines germination, recruitment and growth that, in turn, promotes fine-scale distribution of species among microsites. In addition, we tested the effect of origin microsite on traits, competitive ability, drought tolerance and outlier loci to assess whether origin microsite conditions drove differences in traits, strategies and adaptive loci.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>3) Germination was consistently greater for seeds planted back into their origin microsite relative to seeds sourced from foreign microsites, although this effect was weakened for recruitment. Plant growth was best in open sites regardless of origin microsite. In the greenhouse, <i>A.</i> <i>armerina</i> had conserved traits within origin microsite but distinct trait values among microsite conditions, specifically for plants originating from the most productive microsite (e.g. sufficient light and high nutrients and water availability). <i>Festuca indigesta</i> had conserved trait responses among microsites while within microsite, individuals had significant trait plasticity to different environmental conditions. The combined field and greenhouse results suggest that fine-scale distributions are supported by local adaptation among microsites of <i>A.</i> <i>armerina </i>and phenotypic plasticity of <i>F.</i> <i>indigesta</i>.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><i>Synthesis </i>Adaptation or plasticity in phenotypic expression have different implications for demographic rate and persistence of species in changing environments. Local adaptation to neighbors suggests that reductions in foundation species diversity could concomitantly lead to reduced genetic diversity of commingled species while a plastic response indicates a more robust and broad response to changing climatic and biotic conditions.</span></span></span></p>
Data from: Form–function relationships in a marine foundation species depend on scale: a shoot to global perspective from a distributed ecological experiment
Form-function relationships in plants underlie their ecosystem roles in supporting higher trophic levels through primary production, detrital pathways, and habitat provision. For widespread, phenotypically-variable plants, productivity may differ not only across abiotic conditions, but also from distinct morphological or demographic traits. A single foundation species, eelgrass (Zostera marina), typically dominates north temperate seagrass meadows, which we studied across 14 sites spanning 32-61° N latitude and two ocean basins. Body size varied by nearly two orders of magnitude through this range, and was largest at mid-latitudes and in the Pacific Ocean. At the global scale, neither latitude, site-level environmental conditions, nor body size helped predict productivity (relative growth rate 1-2% d-1 at most sites), suggesting a remarkable capacity of Z. marina to achieve similar productivity in summer. Furthermore, among a suite of stressors applied within sites, only ambient leaf damage reduced productivity; grazer reduction and nutrient addition had no effect on eelgrass size or growth. Scale-dependence was evident in different allometric relationships within and across sites for productivity and for modules (leaf count) relative to size. Z. marina provides a range of ecosystem functions related to both body size (habitat provision, water flow) and growth rates (food, carbon dynamics). Our observed decoupling of body size and maximum production suggests that geographic variation in these ecosystem functions may be independent, with a future need to resolve how local adaptation or plasticity of body size might actually enable more consistent peak productivity across disparate environmental conditions.
Data from: Genetics-based interactions of foundation species affect community diversity, stability, and network structure
We examined the hypothesis that genetics-based interactions between strongly interacting foundation species, the tree Populus angustifolia and the aphid Pemphigus betae, affect arthropod community diversity, stability and species interaction networks of which little is known. In a 2-year experimental manipulation of the tree and its aphid herbivore four major findings emerged: (i) the interactions of these two species determined the composition of an arthropod community of 139 species; (ii) both tree genotype and aphid presence significantly predicted community diversity; (iii) the presence of aphids on genetically susceptible trees increased the stability of arthropod communities across years; and (iv) the experimental removal of aphids affected community network structure (network degree, modularity and tree genotype contribution to modularity). These findings demonstrate that the interactions of foundation species are genetically based, which in turn significantly contributes to community diversity, stability and species interaction networks. These experiments provide an important step in understanding the evolution of Darwin's 'entangled bank', a metaphor that characterizes the complexity and interconnectedness of communities in the wild.
Data from: Little giants: a rapidly invading seagrass alters ecosystem functioning relative to native foundation species
<p>The spread of invasive species is a major component of global ecological change and how and when to manage particular species is a diicult empirical question. Ideally, these decisions should be based on the speciic impacts of invading species including both their efects on native competitors and how they may or may not play similar roles in broader ecosystem functioning. <em>Halophila</em> <em>stipulacea</em> is an invasive seagrass currently spreading through the Caribbean, and as seagrasses are foundation species, the efects of invasion have the potential to be particularly far-reaching. To evaluate the impacts of <em>H. stipulacea</em> we quantiied spread and potential for displacement of native seagrasses as well as the efects of invasion on multiple ecosystem processes, particularly resource support for higher trophic levels and habitat creation. Long-term monitoring suggested that <em>H. stipulacea</em> likely displaces some native seagrasses (<em>Syringodium filiforme</em> and <em>Halodule wrightii</em>), but not others. <em>Halophila stipulacea</em> had lower N and protein levels and higher C:N ratios than native seagrasses, and as such is a poorer quality resource for consumers. We also observed signiicantly lower consumption of <em>H. stipulacea</em> than the native <em>S. filiforme</em> but limited diferences compared to <em>Thalassia testudinum</em>. We found H. stipulacea created a more nutrient limited environment than <em>T. testudinum</em> and there were signiicantly distinct invertebrate assemblages in native- and invasive- dominated seagrass beds, but no diference in species richness or invertebrate biomass. These results suggest that the spread of <em>H. stipulacea</em> would impact a variety of ecological processes, potentially restructuring seagrass ecosystems through both direct impacts on environmental conditions (e.g., nutrient availability) and indirect food web interactions.</p>
Data from: Chemical defense over decadal scales: ontogenetic allocation trajectories and consequences for fitness in a foundation tree species
1. Expression of herbivore defense traits can change dramatically during the course of plant development. Little is known, however, about the degree of genetic or sexual variation in these ontogenetic defense trajectories or whether the trajectories themselves are adaptive, especially in long‐lived species. 2. We used a 13‐year dataset of chemical defense traits, growth, and survivorship from a common garden of trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) genotypes to document long‐term defense trajectories and their relationship to tree fitness during juvenile and early mature stages. 3. Overall, concentrations of the two principal classes of aspen defense compounds (salicinoid phenolic glycosides [SPGs] and condensed tannins [CTs]) decreased to differing degrees in foliage of juvenile trees and then remained relatively constant in maturity. Initial values, juvenile rates of change, and average mature values all exhibited significant genetic variation for both SPGs and CTs. 4. Relationships between defense trajectory parameters and metrics of tree fitness (growth and survivorship) depended on compound type and tree sex. Females with higher‐allocation SPG trajectories (high initial juvenile concentrations, slow juvenile declines, high mature concentrations) grew more slowly relative to females with lower‐allocation trajectories. In males, higher‐allocation SPG trajectories had a lesser effect on growth but were associated with reduced mortality. Juvenile CT trajectories were not correlated with tree fitness, but average CT concentration in maturity was positively related to growth in females. 5. These results suggest that ontogenetic defense trajectories are adaptive and subject to natural selection. Genotypic variation and ontogeny shape tree defensive chemistry, both independently and interactively. These patterns of defense expression have the potential to structure trophic interactions and the genetic composition of forests in both space and time.
Quantitative biogeography: Decreasing and more variable dynamics of keystone and foundation species in an iconic meta-ecosystem
<p>Ecosystem stability has intrigued ecologists for decades, and the realization that the global climate was changing sharpened and focused this interest. Determination of climate change effects on community stability, however, requires long-term studies of structure and underlying dynamics, including bottom-up and top-down effects in natural ecosystems. Although relevant datasets were rare in the early years of community ecology, such information has increased in recent decades. In a rocky intertidal system, we investigated the changes in ecological subsidies (nutrients, phytoplankton, prey colonization), several performance metrics of the dominant space occupier (mussels) and its primary predator (sea stars), and rate of predation by sea stars on mussels in relation to climatic oscillations, temperature, and disease. We focused on spatio-temporal changes in the mean and variability of these metrics. The research protocol involved annually repeated multiyear (~1999–2018), multisite (13 sites nested within 5 regions along ~260 km of the Oregon coast) observations, measurements, and experiments. We analyzed associations between environmental variables and ecological performance of key elements of the sea-star-mussel-dominated mid-intertidal system. We found that upwelling declined in some regions, but became more variable across all study regions. Air and water temperatures oscillated, but their mean and variation increased through time, with peak values coinciding with the 2014–16 combined El Niño and Marine Heat Wave. Ecological subsidies generally declined during the study period, and bottom-up processes increased in variability. Excepting growth rate, mussel (<em>Mytilus</em> <em>californianus</em>) performance (condition index, reproductive output) generally decreased and became more variable. Primarily due to a sea star wasting epidemic, reproductive output of the top predator <em>Pisaster</em> <em>ochraceus</em> decreased and became more variable, and predation rate on mussels also dropped abruptly. Analyses indicated that the primary drivers of these changes were temperature-related environmental factors. Since declining means and increasing variability of ecological performances are thought to typify destabilizing ecosystems, and environmental trends are toward ever more stressful conditions, the outlook for this iconic ecosystem is discouraging. Immediate and rapid action to mitigate and ultimately reverse climate change likely is the only option available to prevent an irreversible shift in the future of this, and most other ecosystems.</p>
Species Photos.zip Archive of fish species images for the publication of: Starck, W.A., Estapé C.J. & Morgan Estapé, A. (2017) The fishes of Alligator Reef and environs in the Florida Keys: a half-century update. Journal of the Ocean Science Foundation, 27, 74–117.
<p>Species Photos.zip </p> <p>Archive of fish species images for the publication of:</p> <p>Starck, W.A., Estapé C.J. & Morgan Estapé, A. (2017) The fishes of Alligator Reef and environs in the Florida Keys: a half-century update. Journal of the Ocean Science Foundation, 27, 74–117.</p> <p>323 images, 318 species total,(5 species of Pomacentridae have pictures of both juvenile and adult phases)</p> <p>Carcharodon carcharias screen grab from video*<br> Centropristis ocyurus photo by C.Wangen<br> Dasyatis centroura screen grab from video by Ed. Martin<br> Diapterus sp. photo by Ed Martin. </p> <p>All other photos taken by Carlos Estapé and Allison Estapé in the study area (319 images of 314 species)</p> <p>*YouTube video - Snorkelers Spot Great White Shark Off Islamorada, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50l2grfaNQ4</p>
Data from: Genetic divergence along a climate gradient shapes chemical plasticity of a foundation tree species to both changing climate and herbivore damage
<p><span>Climate change is threatening the persistence of many tree species via independent and interactive effects on abiotic and biotic conditions. In addition, changes in temperature, precipitation, and insect attacks can alter the traits of these trees, disrupting communities and ecosystems. For foundation species such as <em>Populus</em>, phytochemical traits are key mechanisms linking trees with their environment and are likely jointly determined by interactive effects of genetic divergence and variable environments throughout their geographic range. Using reciprocal Fremont cottonwood (<em>Populus</em> <em>fremontii</em>) common gardens along a steep climatic gradient, we explored how environment (garden climate and simulated herbivore damage) and genetics (tree provenance and genotype) affect both foliar chemical traits and the plasticity of these traits. We found that: 1) Constitutive and plastic chemical responses to changes in garden climate and damage varied among defense compounds, structural compounds and nitrogen. 2) For both defense and structural compounds, plastic responses to garden climate depended on the climate in which a population or genotype evolved. Specifically, trees originating from cool provenances showed higher defense plasticity in response to climate changes than trees from hotter provenances. 3) Trees from cool provenances growing in cool conditions expressed the lowest constitutive defense levels but the strongest induced (plastic) defenses. 4) The combination of hot growing conditions and simulated herbivory switched the strategy used by these genotypes, increasing constitutive defenses but erasing the capacity for induction. Because Fremont cottonwood chemistry plays a major role in shaping riparian communities and ecosystems in the southwestern US, the effects of changes in phytochemical traits can be wide-reaching. As the southwestern US is confronted with warming temperatures and insect outbreaks, these results improve our capacity to predict ecosystem consequences of climate change and inform selection of tree genotypes for conservation and restoration purposes. </span></p>
Data and R scripts for: Ant invasions is associated with lower root density and different root distribution of a foundational savanna tree species
<p>Some invasive ants have worldwide distributions and impose substantial impacts on human society and native biodiversity. Yet we know little about how ants impact soil ecosystems in general, much less how soil ecosystems shift when invasive ants move in. We excavated the coarse roots of a monodominant savanna tree in invaded and uninvaded areas to test the hypothesis that the presence of invasive ants would be associated with changes in root distribution and biomass across the landscape. We found that in the presence of invasive ants, trees had a shifted distribution of lateral coarse roots, with proportionally less root biomass near the surface and far from tree stems. In addition, the density of lateral coarse-root biomass was ~20% lower for trees within invaded landscapes. Our results suggest that soil-nesting invasive ants can drive important changes in rooting strategy for a tree species that serves a foundational role in the biogeochemical cycles of vertisol savannas.</p>
Data from: Chemical defense over decadal scales: ontogenetic allocation trajectories and consequences for fitness in a foundation tree species
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