The use of ecological networks as tools for understanding and conserving marine biodiversity
Márquez-Velásquez, V.; Raimundo, R.L.G.; de Souza Rosa, R.; Navia, A.F. (2021). The use of ecological networks as tools for understanding and conserving marine biodiversity, in: Ortiz, M. et al. Marine coastal ecosystems modelling and conservation: Latin American experiences. pp. 179-202. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-58211-1_9
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| Auteurs | | Top |
- Márquez-Velásquez, V.
- Raimundo, R.L.G.
- de Souza Rosa, R.
- Navia, A.F.
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| Abstract |
Anthropogenic pressures threaten marine biodiversity at multiple scales and challenge scientists to understand and mitigate human impacts on marine biodiversity. Facing such a challenge, recent approaches that bridge community ecology and conservation planning can broaden the theoretical foundations of strategies aimed to ensure the resilience and functional diversity of marine food webs. We here summarize metrics used to describe patterns of ecological interactions that account for the overall community architecture, such as nestedness and modularity. In addition, we discuss approaches to characterize species topological roles within food webs in order to identify sets of interacting species that act as the backbone of marine biodiversity and ecosystem functions. We argue that combining empirical data and dynamic network modeling is key to foster the integrative understanding of ecological, evolutionary, and anthropogenic processes shaping marine food webs, which requires theoretical ecologists and practitioners to work together in long-term, system-level strategies to conserve marine biodiversity and improve the sustainability of fisheries. |
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