An overview of studies on trophic ecology in the marine environment: Achievements and perspectives

Authors

  • Martin Lindsey Christoffersen Universidade Federal da Paraíba,
  • Maria Elisabeth de Araújo Universidade Federal de Pernambuco,
  • Joaquim Olinto Branco Universidade Vale do Itajaí

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4013/nbc.2011.63.01

Abstract

Classical approaches to trophic ecology of marine species has focused on trophic structure, trophodynamics, dominant and keystone species, ecosystem maturity, energy transfer, and anthropic effects. A recent breakthrough for evaluating the structure of communities has been the application of phylogenetic methods to community ecology. This recent approach is known as community phylogenetics. Although this perspective is still not common in trophic studies, phylogenetic methods promise new insights into the old ecological question on how communities are assembled in time. Integrating phylogenetics and ecosystem function creates the possibility of predicting ecological consequences of biodiversity shifts in a changing world. Once we understand the structure and functioning of the ecosystem in a historical context, we should be able to avoid humanor natural disturbances that draw a system away from its state of maximum complexity.

Key words: trophic structure, trophodynamics, keystone species, ecosystem maturity, energy transfer, anthropic effects, community phylogenetics.

Downloads

Published

2012-01-22

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 3 (2011): September/December

Section

Articles

License

I grant the journal Neotropical Biology and Conservation the first publication of my article, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution license (which allows sharing of work, recognition of authorship and initial publication in this journal).

I confirm that my article is not being submitted to another publication and has not been published in its entirely on another journal. I take full responsibility for its originality and I will also claim responsibility for charges from claims by third parties concerning the authorship of the article.

I also agree that the manuscript will be submitted according to the journal’s publication rules described above.