Interaction webs in arctic ecosystems: Determinants of arctic change?

• DOI: 10.1007/s13280-016-0862-x
• Publication Date: 2017-01-23T12:14:31Z
• Authors: Niels M. Schmidt; Bess Hardwick; Olivier Gilg; Toke T. Høye; Paul Henning Krogh; Hans Meltofte; Anders Michelsen; Jesper B. Mosbacher; Katrine Raundrup; Jeroen Reneerkens; Lærke Stewart; Helena Wirta; Tomas Roslin
• Keywords: Environmental change; Trophic cascade

How species interact modulate their dynamics, response to environmental change, and ultimately the functioning stability of entire communities. Work conducted at Zackenberg, Northeast Greenland, has changed our view on how networks arctic biotic interactions are structured, they vary in time, changing with current change: firstly, high interaction webs much more complex than previously envisaged, a structure mainly dictated by its arthropod component. Secondly, dynamics within these reflect changes conditions. Thirdly, trophic level may affect other levels, some cases affecting land-atmosphere feedbacks. Finally, differential responses change decouple interacting species. These insights form Zackenberg emphasize that combination long-term, ecosystem-based monitoring, targeted research projects offers most fruitful basis for understanding predicting future ecosystems.