Trophic interaction modifications: an empirical and theoretical framework.

ABSTRACT: Consumer-resource interactions are often influenced by other species in the community. At present these 'trophic interaction modifications' are rarely included in ecological models despite demonstrations that they can drive system dynamics. Here, we advocate and extend an approach that has the potential to unite and represent this key group of non-trophic interactions by emphasising the change to trophic interactions induced by modifying species. We highlight the opportunities this approach brings in comparison to frameworks that coerce trophic interaction modifications into pairwise relationships. To establish common frames of reference and explore the value of the approach, we set out a range of metrics for the 'strength' of an interaction modification which incorporate increasing levels

SUBMITTER: Terry JCD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6849598 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature