Experimental evidence for spatial self-organization and its emergent effects in mussel bed ecosystems |
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Authors: | van de Koppel Johan Gascoigne Joanna C Theraulaz Guy Rietkerk Max Mooij Wolf M Herman Peter M J |
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Affiliation: | Spatial Ecology Department, the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Post Office Box 140, 4400 AC Yerseke, Netherlands. J.vandeKoppel@nioo.knaw.nl |
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Abstract: | Spatial self-organization is the main theoretical explanation for the global occurrence of regular or otherwise coherent spatial patterns in ecosystems. Using mussel beds as a model ecosystem, we provide an experimental demonstration of spatial self-organization. Under homogeneous laboratory conditions, mussels developed regular patterns, similar to those in the field. An individual-based model derived from our experiments showed that interactions between individuals explained the observed patterns. Furthermore, a field study showed that pattern formation affected ecosystem-level processes in terms of improved growth and resistance to wave action. Our results imply that spatial self-organization is an important determinant of the structure and functioning of ecosystems, and it needs to be considered in their conservation. |
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