Ecosystems in focus: information flows determine biodiversity!

Ecosystems in focus: information flows determine biodiversity!

Ulrich Brose from the German Center for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) and the Friedrich Schiller University Jena has recently criticized established ecosystem models. These models often rely only on energy and material flows and neglect the crucial role of information flows in ecosystems. Brose highlights that wolves in Yellowstone Park, for example, use information such as tracks and smells to find prey. This finding highlights how important the exchange of information between species is for their survival. Changes in habitat conditions, such as drought stress, have not only direct but also indirect effects on the living conditions of various species, which can potentially lead to species extinction.[Laboratory Journal]

According to Brose, the stability of an ecosystem is highly dependent on structural parameters such as connectivity (connections between species) and modularity (number of interacting subgroups). His research group uses mathematical models to not only characterize the complexity of ecosystems, but also to make informed predictions about the effects of climate change, eutrophication and habitat destruction. Brose has been at iDiv since 2015 and was awarded the Thuringian Research Prize in 2019. His goal is to analyze communication between species and integrate it into his models in order to gain more comprehensive insights into the functioning of ecosystems.

The influence of environmental stimuli

Brose describes different types of information flows that can take place acoustically, visually or olfactorily and significantly influence the behavior of animals. He also says that environmental stimuli such as light and noise also have a significant impact on the behavior of animal species. In this context, he develops so-called multilayer models that take into account various information flows in nature. These models are crucial to better understand the consequences of human activities, such as noise and pollution, that disrupt communication between species. Brose warns about the effects of this “sensory pollution” on biodiversity.[Laboratory Journal]

He also emphasizes the need to balance ecology and economics to promote sustainable use and conservation of biodiversity. This fits with the recommendations of numerous studies that have examined the direct connection between biodiversity and the functioning of ecosystems. For example, the work of Cardinale et al. shows how biodiversity influences the functioning of trophic groups and ecosystems, which also affects economic interests in the long term.[jumper]

The findings of Brose and his colleagues could not only help improve ecological models, but also contribute to a better understanding of biodiversity and its threats. Many of the studies mentioned provide essential data and approaches to assess and increase the resilience of our ecosystems in times of climate change. A holistic approach that examines the exchange of information between species could therefore make a decisive contribution to biodiversity research and species protection.