Scale‐Dependent Inhibition Drives Regular Tussock Spacing in a Freshwater Marsh

Koppel, Johan van de; Crain, Caitlin M.

doi:10.1086/508671

Cited by 71 publications

(34 citation statements)

References 26 publications

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“…Moreover, the complex physical templates that characterize the real world, for instance in microtopography, can alter both the patterns generated by self-organization processes as well as their emergent effects on ecosystems functioning [19,29]. Hence, beyond making studying self-organized pattern formation using simple models in idealized setting, it is important to understand how these patterns influence ecosystem functioning when set in large-scale, realistic physical environments [25]. For this rsif.royalsocietypublishing.org J. R. Soc.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…We simulated the grid space of 1024 Â 1024 by eight points representing a natural length of 400 Â 400 by 1 m in the real world. The used algorithm was based on an existing two-dimensional model for mussel pattern formation [25] and further extended to allow three-dimensional computations. Starting conditions are homogeneous with a slight spatially variable, random perturbation of mussel biomass, in order to mimic the initial settlement of young mussels on the sediment surface.…”

Section: Model Analysesmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Biogenic gradients in algal density affect the emergent properties of spatially self-organized mussel beds

Liu

Weerman

Gupta

et al. 2014

J. R. Soc. Interface.

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Theoretical models highlight that spatially self-organized patterns can have important emergent effects on the functioning of ecosystems, for instance by increasing productivity and affecting the vulnerability to catastrophic shifts. However, most theoretical studies presume idealized homogeneous conditions, which are rarely met in real ecosystems. Using self-organized mussel beds as a case study, we reveal that spatial heterogeneity, resulting from the large-scale effects of mussel beds on their environment, significantly alters the emergent properties predicted by idealized self-organization models that assume homogeneous conditions. The proposed model explicitly considers that the suspended algae, the prime food for the mussels, are supplied by water flow from the seaward boundary of the bed, which causes in combination with consumption a gradual depletion of algae over the simulated domain. Predictions of the model are consistent with properties of natural mussel patterns observed in the field, featuring a decline in mussel biomass and a change in patterning. Model analyses reveal a fundamental change in ecosystem functioning when this self-induced algal depletion gradient is included in the model. First, no enhancement of secondary productivity of the mussels comparing with non-patterns states is predicted, irrespective of parameter setting; the equilibrium amount of mussels is entirely set by the input of algae. Second, alternate stable states, potentially present in the original (no algal gradient) model, are absent when gradual depletion of algae in the overflowing water layer is allowed. Our findings stress the importance of including sufficiently realistic environmental conditions when assessing the emergent properties of self-organized ecosystems.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Model Analysesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Biogenic gradients in algal density affect the emergent properties of spatially self-organized mussel beds

Liu

Weerman

Gupta

et al. 2014

J. R. Soc. Interface.

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“…Cordgrass modifies water flow and increases the deposition of sediments and the accumulation of peat substrate (Redfield 1972). Through this building process and scale-dependent interactions between vegetation growth, substrate building, and water flow, the developing marsh vegetation can generate hummocks (Bouma et al , 2009van de Koppel & Crain 2006), elevation gradients, and other landscape features (van de Koppel et al 2005b), which contrasts with the previous assumption that vegetation zonation is simply a product of elevation gradients (and associated local variations in abiotic and biotic drivers). Over time, however, this process can lead to the marsh being overbuilt-for example, facilitative interactions can stimulate local sediment buildup, increasing the height of the marsh.…”

Section: Cordgrass and Forbs On Cobble Beaches And In Salt Marshesmentioning

confidence: 97%

“…Yet an upper zone of wave-vulnerable forbs is often present behind lower beds of cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) that absorb wave energy (Bruno 2000). Experiments have revealed that this vertical zonation pattern is the product of scale-dependent interactions, including competition between the cordgrass and the forbs at short distances on the one hand and longer-distance facilitation on the other (van de Koppel et al 2006) (Figure 1). It was found that the baffling of waves by cordgrass facilitated forb growth behind the cordgrass beds while competition for light suppressed forb growth within the cordgrass beds; mowing of vegetation at the upper edge of the cordgrass stands led to the immediate emergence of forb species.…”

Section: Cordgrass and Forbs On Cobble Beaches And In Salt Marshesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In the past decade, a significant body of research has indicated that long-distance interactions are much more prevalent in ecological systems than was previously thought (Rietkerk & van de Koppel 2008). Moreover, these interactions not only occur across the boundaries of specific habitats or ecosystems, but also form an intricate part of the fabrics of ecosystems at different scales and contribute to their resilience (van de Koppel et al 2005a). One of the most significant general findings from this research is that these interactions often determine rather than follow the spatial organization of ecosystems.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Long-Distance Interactions Regulate the Structure and Resilience of Coastal Ecosystems

Koppel

Heide

Altieri

et al. 2015

Annu. Rev. Mar. Sci.

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Mounting evidence indicates that spatial interactions are important in structuring coastal ecosystems. Until recently, however, most of this work has been focused on seemingly exceptional systems that are characterized by regular, self-organized patterns. In this review, we document that interactions that operate at long distances, beyond the direct neighborhood of individual organisms, are more common and have much more far-reaching implications for coastal ecosystems than was previously realized. We review studies from a variety of ecosystem types-including cobble beaches, mussel beds, coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and mangrove forests-that reveal a startling interplay of positive and negative interactions between habitats across distances of up to a kilometer. In addition to classical feeding relations, alterations of physical conditions constitute an important part of these long-distance interactions. This entanglement of habitats has crucial implications for how humans manage coastal ecosystems, and evaluations of anthropogenic impact should explicitly address long-distance and system-wide effects before we deem these human activities to be causing little harm.

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How will increases in rainfall intensity affect semiarid ecosystems?

Siteur

Eppinga

Karssenberg

et al. 2014

Water Resources Research

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Model studies suggest that semiarid ecosystems with patterned vegetation can respond in a nonlinear way to climate change. This means that gradual changes can result in a rapid transition to a desertified state. Previous model studies focused on the response of patterned semiarid ecosystems to changes in mean annual rainfall. The intensity of rain events, however, is projected to change as well in the coming decades. In this paper, we study the effect of changes in rainfall intensity on the functioning of patterned semiarid ecosystems with a spatially explicit model that captures rainwater partitioning and runoff-runon processes with simple event-based process descriptions. Analytical and numerical analyses of the model revealed that rainfall intensity is a key parameter in explaining patterning of vegetation in semiarid ecosystems as low mean rainfall intensities do not allow for vegetation patterning to occur. Surprisingly, we found that, for a constant annual rainfall rate, both an increase and a decrease in mean rainfall intensity can trigger desertification. An increase negatively affects productivity as a greater fraction of the rainwater is lost as runoff. This can result in a shift to a bare desert state only if the mean rainfall intensity exceeds the infiltration capacity of bare soil. On the other hand, a decrease in mean rainfall intensity leads to an increased fraction of rainwater infiltrating in bare soils, remaining unavailable to plants. Our findings suggest that considering rainfall intensity as a variable may help in assessing the proximity to regime shifts in patterned semiarid ecosystems and that monitoring losses of resource through runoff and bare soil infiltration could be used to determine ecosystem resilience.

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Scale‐Dependent Inhibition Drives Regular Tussock Spacing in a Freshwater Marsh

Cited by 71 publications

References 26 publications

Biogenic gradients in algal density affect the emergent properties of spatially self-organized mussel beds

Biogenic gradients in algal density affect the emergent properties of spatially self-organized mussel beds

Long-Distance Interactions Regulate the Structure and Resilience of Coastal Ecosystems

How will increases in rainfall intensity affect semiarid ecosystems?

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