| A framework for assessing ecosystem dynamics in response to chronic resource alterations induced by global change. | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 20120798 Owner: NLM Status: MEDLINE |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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In contrast to pulses in resource availability following disturbance events, many of the most pressing global changes, such as elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations and nitrogen deposition, lead to chronic and often cumulative alterations in available resources. Therefore, predicting ecological responses to these chronic resource alterations will require the modification of existing disturbance-based frameworks. Here, we present a conceptual framework for assessing the nature and pace of ecological change under chronic resource alterations. The "hierarchical-response framework" (HRF) links well-documented, ecological mechanisms of change to provide a theoretical basis for testing hypotheses to explain the dynamics and differential sensitivity of ecosystems to chronic resource alterations. The HRF is based on a temporal hierarchy of mechanisms and responses beginning with individual (physiological/metabolic) responses, followed by species reordering within communities, and finally species loss and immigration. Each mechanism is hypothesized to differ in the magnitude and rate of its effects on ecosystem structure and function, with this variation depending on ecosystem attributes, such as longevity of dominant species, rates of biogeochemical cycling, levels of biodiversity, and trophic complexity. Overall, the HRF predicts nonlinear changes in ecosystem dynamics, with the expectation that interactions with natural disturbances and other global-change drivers will further alter the nature and pace of change. The HRF is explicitly comparative to better understand differential sensitivities of ecosystems, and it can be used to guide the design of coordinated, cross-site experiments to enable more robust forecasts of contemporary and future ecosystem dynamics. |
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Authors:
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Melinda D Smith; Alan K Knapp; Scott L Collins |
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Publication Detail:
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Type: Journal Article; Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S. |
Journal Detail:
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Title: Ecology Volume: 90 ISSN: 0012-9658 ISO Abbreviation: Ecology Publication Date: 2009 Dec |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 2010-02-03 Completed Date: 2010-02-23 Revised Date: - |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 0043541 Medline TA: Ecology Country: United States |
Other Details:
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Languages: eng Pagination: 3279-89 Citation Subset: IM |
Affiliation:
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Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA. Melinda.smith@yale.edu |
Export Citation:
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| MeSH Terms | |
Descriptor/Qualifier:
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Adaptation, Physiological Animals Atmosphere / analysis*, chemistry Biodiversity Carbon Dioxide / analysis, chemistry Conservation of Natural Resources* Ecosystem* Global Warming* Models, Biological* Nitrogen / analysis, chemistry Plant Physiological Phenomena / drug effects Plants / metabolism Population Dynamics |
| Chemical | |
Reg. No./Substance:
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124-38-9/Carbon Dioxide; 7727-37-9/Nitrogen |
From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
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