The focus: Information flows determine the variety of biodiversity!

The focus: Information flows determine the variety of biodiversity!

Jena, Deutschland - Ulrich Brose from the German Center for Integrative Biodiversity Research (IDIV) and the Friedrich Schiller University Jena has recently had extensive criticism of established ecosystem models. These models often only rely on energy and material flows and neglect the decisive role of information flows in ecosystems. Brose emphasizes that, for example, wolves in the Yellowstone Park use information such as tracks and smells to find prey. This knowledge illustrates how important the exchange of information between species is for their survival. Changes in habitat conditions, such as through drought stress, have not only direct but also indirect effects on the living conditions of different types, which can potentially lead to species death.

The stability of an ecosystem is heavily dependent on structural parameters such as connecting dance (connections between species) and modularity (number of interacting subgroups). His research group uses mathematical models in order not only to characterize the complexity of ecosystems, but also to make sound predictions about the effects of climate change, eutrophication and habitual disorder. Brose has been on the IDIV since 2015 and was awarded the Thuringian Research Award in 2019. He pursues the goal of analyzing communication between species and integrating it into its models in order to obtain more comprehensive insights into the functioning of ecosystems.

The influence of environmental stimuli

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

He also emphasizes the need to reconcile ecology and economy in order to promote sustainable use and preservation of biodiversity. This fits 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. how biodiversity influences the functionality of trophic groups and ecosystems, which also affects economic interests in the long term. [Springer]

The knowledge of Brose and his colleagues could not only contribute to improving ecological models, but also contribute to a better understanding of biodiversity and their danger. Many of the studies mentioned provide essential data and approaches to evaluate and increase the resilience of our ecosystems in times of climate change. A holistic approach that illuminates the exchange of information between species could thus make a decisive contribution to biodiversity research and species protection.