When Microbes And Consumers Determine The Limiting Nutrient Of Autotrophs: A Theoretical Analysis
Main Category: Biology / BiochemistryArticle Date: 08 Oct 2008 - 7:00 PDT
We revisit the current theory that investigates the effects of herbivores on the nutrient limitation of plants.
Using a model representing the fluxes of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus between plants, herbivores and microbes, we show that ecological stoichiometry, by concentrating on herbivores, underestimates the effects of other food web components, such as decomposers, detritivores and omnivores, on the relative availability of nutrients for plants.
We also devise a method that allows for the inclusion of numerous types of feeding organisms in the study of how the biotic components of ecosystems alter the cycling of elements.
Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences
Proceedings B is the Royal Society's flagship biological research journal, dedicated to the rapid publication and broad dissemination of high-quality research papers, reviews and comment and reply papers. The scope of journal is diverse and is especially strong in organismal biology.
Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences
|
Please rate this article: (Hover over the stars then click to rate) |
Patient / Public: |
or |
Health Professional: |
Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional. For more information, please read our terms and conditions.
Contact Our News Editors
For any corrections of factual information, or to contact the editors please use our feedback form.
![]()
Please send any medical news or health news press releases to:
| Back to top | Back to front page | List of All Medical Articles |
| Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions | © 2010 MediLexicon International Ltd |



