QLS/CAMBAM Seminar - Dr. Fred Guichard
Meta-ecosystem theories : species that matter for the cycling of matter
Population dynamics ultimately depends on the cycling of matter, from the uptake of nutrients, to the recycling of organism. In natural systems, the movement of matter, organic and inorganic, and聽of organisms can greatly impact ecosystem persistence and functioning over a broad range of spatial scales, from microbiomes to the biosphere. Meta-ecosystem theories addresses these questions聽by predicting the dynamics of networks of ecosystems, partially connected by the movement of matter and individuals. I will introduce the concept of meta-ecosystems and its relationships to other聽similar ecological theories. I will then discuss recent work from our group based on mathematical models of meta-ecosystem dynamics. These models predict that community structure,聽characterized by the trophic position and movement ability of species, can explain the maintenance of strong spatial heterogeneity and temporal fluctuations when feedbacks resulting from the聽cycling and transport of matter is considered.