The tropicalization of temperate marine ecosystems: climate-mediated changes in herbivory and community phase shifts.

ABSTRACT: Climate-driven changes in biotic interactions can profoundly alter ecological communities, particularly when they impact foundation species. In marine systems, changes in herbivory and the consequent loss of dominant habitat forming species can result in dramatic community phase shifts, such as from coral to macroalgal dominance when tropical fish herbivory decreases, and from algal forests to 'barrens' when temperate urchin grazing increases. Here, we propose a novel phase-shift away from macroalgal dominance caused by tropical herbivores extending their range into temperate regions. We argue that this phase shift is facilitated by poleward-flowing boundary currents that are creating ocean warming hotspots around the globe, enabling the range expansion of tropical species and increasing t

SUBMITTER: Verges A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4100510 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature