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Bioturbators enhance ecosystem function through complex biogeochemical interactions

Nature volume 431, pages 1092–1095 (2004)Cite this article

Abstract

Predicting the consequences of species loss is critically important, given present threats to biological diversity such as habitat destruction, overharvesting and climate change1. Several empirical studies have reported decreased ecosystem performance (for example, primary productivity) coincident with decreased biodiversity2,3,4, although the relative influence of biotic effects and confounding abiotic factors has been vigorously debated5,6,7. Whereas several investigations focused on single trophic levels (for example, grassland plants)8,9, studies of whole systems have revealed multiple layers of feedbacks, hidden drivers and emergent properties10,11, making the consequences of species loss more difficult to predict12. Here we report functionally important organisms and considerable biocomplexity in a sedimentary seafloor habitat, one of Earth's most widespread ecosystems. Experimental field measurements demonstrate how the abundance of spatangoid urchins—infaunal (in seafloor sediment) grazers / deposit feeders—is positively related to primary production, as their activities change nutrient fluxes and improve conditions for production by microphytobenthos (sedimentatry microbes and unicellular algae). Declines of spatangoid urchins after trawling are well documented13,14, and our research linking these bioturbators to important benthic–pelagic fluxes highlights potential ramifications for productivity in coastal oceans.

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Figure 1: Diagram of interactions involving Echinocardium.
Figure 2: Echinocardium-mediated ammonium efflux and microphytobenthic production response.
Figure 3: Echinocardium affects chemical fluxes.
Figure 4: Photographs of sea floor, 6 m depth, Otarawao Bay, North Island, New Zealand.

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Acknowledgements

We thank the New Zealand Foundation for Research Science and Technology and NIWA-NSOF for financial support. R. Budd, L. Chiaroni, V. Cummings, G. Funnell, J. Halliday, N. Hancock, J. Hewitt, C. Lundquist, A. Norkko and K. Vopel provided assistance with diving, fieldwork, laboratory analyses, and comments on earlier drafts.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research, PO Box 11-115, Hillcrest, Hamilton, New Zealand

    Andrew M. Lohrer, Simon F. Thrush & Max M. Gibbs

Authors
  1. Andrew M. Lohrer
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  2. Simon F. Thrush
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  3. Max M. Gibbs
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Correspondence to Andrew M. Lohrer.

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The authors declare that they have no competing financial interests.

Supplementary information

Supplementary Table 1

The multiple regression statistics given here accompany the data presented in Figure 3 (panels a – g). Variables were retained in models when they were significant predictors of chemical fluxes (backward selection procedures, α= 0.15). The density of Echinocardium was a significant predictor in several cases. (DOC 25 kb)

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Lohrer, A., Thrush, S. & Gibbs, M. Bioturbators enhance ecosystem function through complex biogeochemical interactions. Nature 431, 1092–1095 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1038/nature03042

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