Existing methods for calculating the dynamics of biodiversity are not very effective in detecting massive changes in species communities due to the effects of ocean acidification.
Research from the University of Adelaide shows that where biodiversity measurements show little or no change, there may still be a reorganization of ecological communities in our oceans.
“The belief that climate change will alter global marine biodiversity is one of the most widely accepted,” said Professor Ivan Nagelkerken of the University of Adelaide’s Institute of Environment and Ecology Laboratories of the South Seas.
“Commonly used biodiversity measures do not detect the reorganization of marine communities due to ocean acidification, as new species replace species that are lost.
“Little or no change in biodiversity is detected when one community of marine species is replaced by another, even when there is significant habitat loss.”
The team reviewed research undertaken into how communities of species around submarine volcanic CO2 vents and in laboratory mesocosms respond to climate change. They reviewed 58 research studies that looked at communities in different types of temperate reefs, coral reefs and seagrass beds, and 23 studies conducted in outdoor experimental settings or laboratories.
Climate change due to human activity has a direct impact on marine species. It alters their abundance, diversity, distribution, feeding patterns, development and reproduction, and relationships between species are affected.
Professor Sean Connell from the University of Adelaide, also from the Institute of Environment and South Seas Ecology Laboratories, is co-author of the study.
“Lab experiments are weak at detecting changes in biodiversity, so natural systems experiencing advanced ocean acidification are emerging as an innovative way to study biodiversity responses,” he said.
“No ecological study, whether in the laboratory or in the field, can fully replicate the complex ecological interactions that exist in nature across the temporal and spatial scales relevant to climate change.”
Rising sea temperatures are causing lasting damage to many of the world’s important ecosystems, including coral reefs and kelp forests.
“Future projections of ecosystem change and stability will be more meaningful if they focus on detections of species replacements and changes in species abundance rather than testing for signs of habitat loss or loss of biodiversity. in itself,“said Professor Nagelkerken.
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Material provided by University of Adelaide. Original written by Crispin Savage. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.
