Abstract
Humans are changing the physical properties of Earth. In marine systems, elevated carbon dioxide concentrations are driving notable shifts in temperature and seawater chemistry. Here, we consider consequences of such perturbations for organism biomechanics and linkages amongst species within communities. In particular, we examine case examples of altered morphologies and material properties, disrupted consumer–prey behaviours, and the potential for modulated positive (i.e. facilitative) interactions amongst taxa, as incurred through increasing ocean acidity and rising temperatures. We focus on intertidal rocky shores of temperate seas as model systems, acknowledging the longstanding role of these communities in deciphering ecological principles. Our survey illustrates the broad capacity for biomechanical and behavioural shifts in organisms to influence the ecology of a transforming world.
Highlights
Humans are the greatest agent of ecological change globally
The global environment is changing in response to human activities, as evidenced by trends of warming and acidification in the world’s oceans
These shifting conditions have consequences for biomechanical function and behaviour of organisms, together with cascading implications for how individuals and species interact with one another in communities
Summary
Ocean change within shoreline communities: from biomechanics to behaviour and beyond. We consider consequences of such perturbations for organism biomechanics and linkages amongst species within communities. We examine case examples of altered morphologies and material properties, disrupted consumer–prey behaviours, and the potential for modulated positive (i.e. facilitative) interactions amongst taxa, as incurred through increasing ocean acidity and rising temperatures. Our survey illustrates the broad capacity for biomechanical and behavioural shifts in organisms to influence the ecology of a transforming world. Editor: Paolo Domenici Received 11 March 2019; Revised 19 July 2019; Editorial Decision 24 August 2019; Accepted 3 September 2019 Cite as: Gaylord B, Barclay KM, Jellison BM, Jurgens LJ, Ninokawa AT, Rivest EB, Leighton LR (2019) Ocean change within shoreline communities: from biomechanics to behaviour and beyond.
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