The role of trophic int eractions in deadwood decomposition
Abstract: The diversity of dead wood plays a crucial role in the carbon cycle and in sustaining higher trophic levels by providing complementary fo od resources. This resource complementarity not only enhances the ava ilability of different food qualities to detritivores but also suppor ts predator populations. In this presentation, I will explore a key t rophic interaction within a subtropical forest, focusing on the decay ing wood – termite - pangolin system. Specifically, I will discuss: (i How wood traits influence termite populations, wood decomposition , and their temporal dynamics. (ii) Trait matching mechanisms: Invest igating the ecological mechanisms that align wood traits with termite traits to facilitate efficient decomposition through different seaso ns. (iii) Trophic interactions and ecosystem functioning: Understandi ng how interactions at lower trophic levels contribute to the populat ion maintenance of pangolins and the overall forest ecosystem decompo sition. By shedding light on these intricate ecological relationships , this talk aims to highlight the critical role of plant - animal int eractions and biodiversity in dead wood decomposition and ecosystem s tability.
DESCRIPTION: Abstract: The diversity of dead wood pla ys a crucial role in the carbon cycle and in sustaining higher trophi c levels by providing complementary food resources. This resource com plementarity not only enhances the availability of different food qua lities to detritivores but also supports predator populations. In thi s presentation, I will explore a key trophic interaction within a sub tropical forest, focusing on the decaying wood – termite - pangolin system. Specifically, I will discuss: (i How wood traits influence t ermite populations, wood decomposition, and their temporal dynamics. (ii) Trait matching mechanisms: Investigating the ecological mechanis ms that align wood traits with termite traits to facilitate efficient decomposition through different seasons. (iii) Trophic interactions and ecosystem functioning: Understanding how interactions at lower tr ophic levels contribute to the population maintenance of pangolins an d the overall forest ecosystem decomposition. By shedding light on th ese intricate ecological relationships, this talk aims to highlight t he critical role of plant - animal interactions and biodiversity in d ead wood decomposition and ecosystem stability. The role of trophic i nteractions in deadwood decomposition END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR