How Do Termites Help Cycle Nutrients in the Serengeti
WouterTermites are believed to play a significant role in the atmospheric flux of CO2 and CH4. In this study, we present a hypothesis to explain the role of termites in dry tropical eco systems. We review evidence from ecology, soil science, and the biology of termites.
We also review recent developments in food-web theory. We argue that the Serengeti grassland ecosystem exhibits considerable spatial structure, with most interactions occurring at the base of the food web.
This structure is likely to be influenced by the annual seasonal variability in fast and slow chains of nutrient flow. The larger carnivores operate at different rates in each branch of the food web.
We argue that the x-axis of the Serengeti web demonstrates the relationship between larger species of vertebrates and the resources they derive from each habitat. This x-axis runs through long grass plains in the south and woodlands in the north. During the wet season, these habitats overlap, creating hotspots where mammalian herbivores and termites live in close proximity.
Our study finds that Serengeti vegetation has considerable spatial structure, with 17 different types of plant communities. In addition, we show that each community has a dominant species, which is determined by local competitive interactions. Moreover, we identify a nested structure between each successive trophic level. This nested structure couples sequential trophic levels together, and interacts with annual seasonal variation in fast and slow chains of nutrient flows.
We also show that migratory herds of ungulates dominate short grass plains. These herds travel from one ecosystem section to another, creating a large-scale mosaic of feeding opportunities. This migratory pattern is associated with changes in the seasonal rainfall. The early rains in the dry season have stimulated herds to migrate south.
