2023-07-30 02:09:00
Although scientists have long known that energy is the key to life, the link between available energy and biodiversity in ecosystems is still unclear.
While ecosystems with higher energy input – such as those exposed to stronger solar radiation near the equator – are clearly endowed with greater biodiversity, not all ecosystems appear to derive their energy exclusively from the sun. This raises important questions, such as what kind of energy promotes biodiversity and whether energy sources change along specific food chains.
Now, by analyzing the beetles that live in dead wood in forests across Europe, a team of researchers led by the Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg (JMU) have discovered that energy can also be stored chemically in resources. such as wood, and that beetle diversity is influenced differently. by types of energy according to their position in the food chain.
“Species like the stag beetle, whose larvae feed directly on dead wood and are therefore at the bottom of the food chain, benefit in their diversity from the amount of energy stored in the wood,” said the lead author. study, Peter Kriegel, PhD student. in biodiversity at JMU. “The more sugar compounds stored in the heartwood, the greater their diversity. »
In contrast, at the upper end of the deadwood beetle food pyramid are species such as the ant beetle, which feed on other insects. Rather than being affected by the energy stored in the wood, the diversity of these beetles is much more influenced by solar radiation.
These findings are crucial for basic ecological research and could help slow alarming developments such as the global decline of insects. In future research, scientists plan to turn their attention to the biodiversity of dead wood that is not overtly visible, in order to clarify what are the sources from which these organisms get their energy.
“With methods such as DNA sequencing, we want to detect molecular traces of hidden organisms: bacteria, fungi without fruiting bodies, but also groups of insects that are difficult to determine and therefore often overlooked”, concludes Kriegel .
The study is published in the journal Ecology Letters.
Beetles are indicators of ecosystem health
Beetles play several important roles in our ecosystem, which makes them indispensable. Here are some key reasons:
Decomposition
Many species of beetles, such as scavenger beetles and dung beetles, are essential for breaking down and decomposing dead animals and droppings. It is an essential part of nutrient cycling in ecosystems as it helps return nutrients to the soil, promoting plant growth.
pest control
Some types of beetles, such as ladybugs, feed on pests that can damage or destroy crops. This makes them invaluable for natural pest control.
Pollination
Some beetles are known to help with pollination, which is essential for plant reproduction. Although not as efficient as bees or butterflies, they do play a role in pollinating certain types of plants.
Source of food
Beetles serve as a food source for a large number of animals, including birds, reptiles, and other insects. Their role in the food chain is crucial for the maintenance of biodiversity.
Biodiversity indicators
Beetles are the largest group of organisms, with over 350,000 known species. The diversity and sensitivity of beetles to ecological change make them excellent indicators of overall biodiversity and ecosystem health.
Human benefits
Some beetles are also beneficial for human activities. For example, dung beetle helps improve soil structure and fertility, which is beneficial for farming and agriculture. Also, the study of beetles can lead to scientific advances and breakthroughs.
However, it should be noted that not all beetles are beneficial. Some species can cause significant damage to crops, forests and stored products. For example, bark beetles can kill large numbers of trees and weevils can destroy stored grain or attack crops.
Par Andrei Ionescu, Terre.com Personal editor
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