A model study on biodiversity inventory and ecological classification of organisms living on and around oak trees

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We have conducted research focusing on biodiversity inventory and ecological processes surrounding oak (Quercus spp.) trees to understand relationships between biodiversity and ecological functions in a cool-temperate forest ecosystem.For the biodiversity inventory, we investigated species composition and spatio-temporal distribution of herbivores, predators, and decomposers on and around oak trees. Then, we revealed community structures of aphids, leaf miners, above-ground-beetles, earthworms, lepidopteran larvae, mites, and psocids separately. In addition, we examined arthropod communities in special microhabitats such as under tree barks and within acorns. Furthermore, we censused population dynamics of rodents, deers, and other middle-size mammals.For ecological aspects, we revealed, by field experimental methods, a part of interactive processes between some components of forest ecosystem. Concerning interactions between environment, oak trees and herbivores, we found that experime … More ntal fertilization and cutting of surrounding trees both improved the quality of oak leaves, which enhanced the herbivory. There was a difference in the leaf quality between the canopy and the lower stratum, with the corresponding difference in the species composition of lepidopteran larvae. As another aspect of leaf characteristics, the difference in the genetic constitution of oak trees affected the diversity of the herbivore community. For the decomposition system, we found that removal of earthworms increased the amount of leaf litter deposit, and that mixing the leaf litter of Quercus crispula with Magnolia kobus var. borealis enhanced the degradation rate.These results have been publicized on the Internet, and moreover, we have developed and disclosed the "Comprehensive biological information database system", which could support biodiversity studies. This relational database system consists of the general classification system applicable for any taxonomic group (Biological Classification and Identification System : BioCIS), the general table-structure database system, and the general hierarchical-structure database system. Less