Synthesizing the flows of matter, energy and information in multilayer ecological networks

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Ulrich Brose
• Subject Area: Ecology and Biodiversity of Animals and Ecosystems, Organismic Interactions ; Ecology and Biodiversity of Plants and Ecosystems
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 546150627

Natural communities have a complex structure of species that are interwoven by their manifold interactions. Understanding this complexity is a prerequisite for understanding and predicting the consequences of global change for biodiversity, ecosystem functions and services to humans. However, information flow between species, (e.g. alarm signals or prey cues) an essential aspect in behavioral ecology, is overlooked in network ecology, which is concerning as anthropogenic sensory pollution (e.g. artificial light and noise) increasingly disrupts information flow, with limited predictive theory of its impact on food webs and ecosystems. This project will introduce the concept of an "internet of nature," connecting species through information links, and investigate implications of sensory pollution. Several work packages will address the structure of information flow links between species and analyse their consequences for population dynamics, community stability and ecosystem functioning. This will provide the basis for the final work package, which will investigate the effects of disrupting these information flows through sensory pollution from artificial light, noise, scent and vibration. The seamless integration of this internet of nature, composed of information flows between species, with food webs will advance the frontiers of ecological network modelling and enable more accurate forecasts of ecological risks associated with anthropogenic sensory pollution. Thereby, this project will advance ecological network models and provide valuable insights for mitigating the ecological consequences of global change. By recognizing the significance of information flow in species behavior and interactions, the project strives to enhance our ability to protect and preserve the intricate web of life on Earth.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants