Non-equilibrium theory of ecosystem function: from phase dynamics to coastal ecosystems

生态系统功能的非平衡理论：从相动力学到沿海生态系统

• 批准号: 262248-2012
• 负责人: Guichard, Frédéric
• 金额: $ 2.4万
• 依托单位: McGill University
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Discovery Grants Program - Individual
• 财政年份: 2014
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2014-01-01 至 2015-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=548013
• 关键词: Non; equilibrium; theory; ecosystem; function

The goal of the proposed research is to develop and test a non-equilibrium theory of large-scale ecosystems with explicit consideration of spatial flows of individuals and matter. Our understanding of natural ecosystems has progressed from the study of local ecological interactions to theories integrating spatial movement and interactions of individuals across scales. However, well-documented flows of organic and inorganic matter in coastal waters, are still not well integrated into predictions of regional population persistence and biodiversity. The research will first develop a general non-equilibrium theory of meta-ecosystems. We will adopt a coupled-oscillator approach to approximate and simplify the model as phase dynamics that can describe relationships between many non-equilibrium coupled systems. This formalism will allow the prediction of regional ecosystem functions and of spatiotemporal heterogeneity as spatial asynchrony through the interaction between fluxes of individuals and matter. We will use intertidal mussel beds as a model system and conduct mesocosm experiments with metabolic chambers to test the role of simple competitive and trophic interactions among mussels and with dominant associated species for fluxes driving ecosystem functions (e.g. oxygen, ammonium, chlorophyll a). The goal of these experiments will be to test for feedbacks between population-level connectivity and ecosystem functions. Experimental results will be integrated into a specific theory of coastal meta-ecosystems, and we will predict spatial synchrony between fluctuations of organic and inorganic matter. We will validate our predictions by conducting a large-scale (150km) field survey along the south shore of the St. Lawrence Estuary and from existing (e.g. CHONe, LTER, PISCO) datasets. These theories and results will provide a more general theory of ecosystem-based management and of marine reserve networks where size and spacing of reserves are optimized for interconnections among populations and matter over regional scales that are relevant to policy makers and managers. They will also position trained students at the leading edge of ecosystem-based marine science and conservation.

拟议的研究的目标是开发和测试大规模生态系统的非平衡理论，明确考虑个人和物质的空间流动。我们对自然生态系统的理解已经从局部生态相互作用的研究发展到整合空间运动和个体跨尺度相互作用的理论。然而，沿海沃茨中有机物和无机物流动的充分记录仍然没有很好地纳入区域人口持久性和生物多样性的预测。本研究将首先发展元生态系统的一般非平衡理论。我们将采用耦合振子的方法来近似和简化模型的相位动力学，可以描述许多非平衡耦合系统之间的关系。这种形式主义将允许预测区域生态系统功能和时空异质性的空间异质性，通过个人和物质的通量之间的相互作用。我们将使用潮间带贻贝床作为一个模型系统，并进行围隔实验与代谢室，以测试贻贝之间的简单竞争和营养相互作用的作用，并与主导的相关物种通量驱动生态系统功能（如氧，铵，叶绿素a）。这些实验的目标是测试人口水平的连通性和生态系统功能之间的反馈。实验结果将被整合到一个特定的理论，沿海生态系统，我们将预测有机和无机物质的波动之间的空间同步。我们将通过在圣劳伦斯河口南部海岸沿线沿着进行大规模（150 km）实地调查，并从现有（如乔内、LTER、皮斯科）数据集中验证我们的预测。这些理论和结果将提供一个更一般的理论，以生态系统为基础的管理和海洋保护区网络的规模和间距的保护区进行优化，人口之间的相互联系，并在区域范围内的问题，是相关的决策者和管理人员。他们还将定位训练有素的学生在基于生态系统的海洋科学和保护的前沿。