Rocky shores as tractable test systems for experimental ecology

Hawkins, SJ, Pack, KE, Hyder, K, Benedetti-Cecchi, L and Jenkins, SR 2020 Rocky shores as tractable test systems for experimental ecology. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, 100 (7). 1017-1041. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0025315420001046

Full text not available from this repository.

Abstract/Summary

Rocky shore ecology has been studied for a long time, starting with qualitative descriptions and becoming more quantitative and experimental over time. Some of the earliest manipulative experimental ecological studies were undertaken on rocky shores. Many, over time, have made considerable contributions to ecological theory, especially highlighting the importance of biological interactions at the community level. The suitability of rocky shores as convenient test systems for ecological experimentation is outlined. Here we consider contributions from rocky shores to the emerging concepts of supply-side ecology, the roles of competition, predation and grazing, disturbance and succession and positive interactions in structuring communities along environmental gradients. We then address alternative stable states, relationships between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, and bottom-up and top-down control of ecosystems. We briefly consider the feedback and synergies between ecological concepts and experimental work on rocky shores, whilst still emphasizing the traditional values of marine natural history upheld in JMBA since its first publication. The importance of rigorous experimental designs championed by Underwood and co-workers is emphasized. Recent progress taking advantage of new technologies and emerging approaches is considered. We illustrate how experimental studies have shown the importance of biological interactions in modulating species and assemblage-level responses to climate change and informed conservation and management of coastal ecosystems.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Additional Keywords:	biological interactions, experimental test systems, rocky shores
Subjects:	Marine Sciences
Divisions:	Marine Biological Association of the UK > Ocean Biology
Depositing User:	Emily Smart
Date made live:	28 Sep 2021 14:36
Last Modified:	09 Feb 2024 16:50
URI:	https://plymsea.ac.uk/id/eprint/9381

Actions (login required)

View Item