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Emergent properties delineate marine ecosystem perturbation and recovery
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-19, 09:32 authored by Link, JS, Pranovi, F, Libralato, S, Coll, M, Christensen, V, Solidoro, C, Elizabeth FultonElizabeth FultonWhether there are common and emergent patterns from marine ecosystems remains an important question because marine ecosystems provide billions of dollars of ecosystem services to the global community, but face many perturbations with significant consequences. Here, we develop cumulative trophic patterns for marine ecosystems, featuring sigmoidal cumulative biomass (cumB)–trophic level (TL) and ‘hockey-stick’ production (cumP)–cumB curves. The patterns have a trophodynamic theoretical basis and capitalize on emergent, fundamental, and invariant features of marine ecosystems. These patterns have strong global support, being observed in over 120 marine ecosystems. Parameters from these curves elucidate the direction and magnitude of marine ecosystem perturbation or recovery; if biomass and productivity can be monitored effectively over time, such relations may prove to be broadly useful. Curve parameters are proposed as possible ecosystem thresholds, perhaps to better manage the marine ecosystems of the world.
History
Publication title
Trends in Ecology and EvolutionVolume
30Issue
11Pagination
649-661ISSN
0169-5347Department/School
Institute for Marine and Antarctic StudiesPublisher
Elsevier Science LondonPlace of publication
84 Theobalds Rd, London, England, Wc1X 8RrRights statement
Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.VRepository Status
- Restricted