Abstract
Abstract. Studies on ecological successions have a long tradition and have strongly contributed to the understanding of community assembly, niche theory, and ecosystem structure and functionality. Reports on ecological successions are however mostly restricted to one or two taxonomic groups, neglecting the mutual influences and dependencies between multiple taxonomic groups that are the building blocks of diverse communities. We introduce the Alpine research platform Ödenwinkel to promote observational and experimental research on the emergence of multidiversity and ecosystem complexity. We established n= 140 permanent plots along the successional gradient of the forefield of the Ödenwinkelkees glacier at the end of the Stubachtal valley in the Hohe Tauern range (Hohe Tauern National Park, Land Salzburg, Austria). In summer 2019 we completed a first full inventory of biotic and abiotic characteristics of these plots covering the diversity and composition of vascular plants, bryophytes, arthropods, and other animals, bacteria and fungi as well as some geomorphologic properties. In this paper we introduce the design of the research platform and show first results. While focusing on the diversity and composition of vascular plants along the successional gradient, we also provide data on the diversity of animals, bacteria, and fungi. The Ödenwinkel platform will be available as a long-term ecological research site where researchers from various disciplines can contribute to the accumulation of knowledge on ecological successions and on how interactions between various taxonomic groups structure ecological complexity in this Alpine environment.
Highlights
Biodiversity is of indispensable value for ecosystem functioning and stability and provides multiple direct and indirect benefits crucial for human well-being (Gaston and Spicer, 2004)
Research on the emergence of biodiversity and ecosystem complexity has a longer tradition and is of continued interest as the ecological processes involved in Published by Copernicus Publications on behalf of the European Ecological Federation (EEF)
In this paper we report on the diversity of bacteria and fungal communities associated with soil samples
Summary
Biodiversity is of indispensable value for ecosystem functioning and stability and provides multiple direct and indirect benefits crucial for human well-being (Gaston and Spicer, 2004). Anthropogenic alterations of the environment such as climate warming and habitat conversion have fueled recent scientific and social interest in the causes and consequences of biodiversity decline (Allan et al, 2014; Fischer et al, 2010; Gascon et al, 2015; Soliveres et al, 2016) Compared to those studies, research on the emergence of biodiversity and ecosystem complexity (i.e., the increase in biodiversity, ecological successions) has a longer tradition and is of continued interest as the ecological processes involved in Published by Copernicus Publications on behalf of the European Ecological Federation (EEF). Studies that comprehensively track the successional increase in multidiversity in the field are lacking, and little is known about the mechanisms of the successional establishment of multidiversity and ecological complexity under natural conditions This knowledge is crucial for understanding ecosystem processes and designing conservation and restoration efforts. Information on the precise location, geomorphological characteristics and previous ecological data gathered at the plots will be made available to colleagues interested in addressing their research questions within the framework of Ödenwinkel
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