Manipulating the food-web to reduce carbon-dioxide emissions may have the opposite effect under a warmer climate, according to a new study.
Under certain conditions increasing water temperatures can cause what are called ‘trophic cascades’ – These occur when a population increase or decrease in a one species impacts other species in the food-chain, by making either more or less food available. These shifts of species can affect the carbon balance by altering levels of photosynthesis or decomposing organic matter.
The researchers believe the study highlights the need to account for changing climate scenarios when managing ecosystems.
Original research paper published in Biology Letters on December 2, 2015.
Names and affiliations of selected author
T. B. Atwood, Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia
