Warmth leads to reversed top-down effects of predators on the belowground ecosystem function in the Arctic Tundra.

Warmth leads to reversed top-down effects of predators on the belowground ecosystem function in the Arctic Tundra.

Objectives

The objective of the research was to identify how the climate-modified trophic cascades led to altered ecosystem functioning. The study was set to determine how climate changes lead to different individual responses and the population at large.

Research methods

The research was carried out through observation. The wolf spiders in the Arctic were observed, and the way they reacted when various factors were increased or reduced. The effect was recorded in tabular and chart formats and later interpreted.

In the study, there were different materials used in the study.  The system where the study system and experiments carried out regulated to specified degrees of temperatures, moisture content, and altitude. Samples used were taken in a balanced manner. Litter bags used to measure decompositions and nutrient availability. Moisture availability was measured in different locations to ensure that it was steady. Various models were used to analyze the collected data

Findings

The research found out that there is a significant effect of the wolf spider density and the warm treatments on Collembola densities. When soil moisture was increased, the Collembola densities increased.

Soil nutrients, litter N, and warmth to facilitate decomposition affected the wolf spider density. Under room temperatures and increased spider densities, there was an increased litter decomposition rate. The higher the litter moisture content, the higher the decomposition in the litter layer. In the belowground conditions, warming the dissolution of the belowground increased when the densities of the wolf spiders went higher. The availability of litter N content did not affect wolf spider densities.

The belowground community and ecosystem functions were affected by the sizes of treatments on the belowground. The effects were calculated under room temperature by calculating the magnitude of each experimental block. Increased density of wolf spiders resulted in low magnitudes wolf spider’s densities. Warming caused opposite reactions as compared to other factors affecting the wolf spider’s mass.

Warming in the Arctic divided the direct and indirect effects of wolf spiders on the Collembola, which then had a significant impact on decomposition. Higher densities of the wolf spider’s resulted in more oil N availability whether or not there was a warming condition. This means that predators have an indirect influence. The wolf spider is available in the whole of the Arctic. Then it suggests that the effects are spread all over the Arctic.

Strength and weaknesses

The advantage of the research is that it was carried out in a controlled environment. The researchers can change certain conditions and observe changes in the species.

The weakness of this research is that it only tests some samples and a few species. It does not take account of other species.

Research implications

The research helps scientists to know how species in the Arctic have reacted to the recent climatic changes in the region.

Conclusion

Through the combination of different research methods, we can be able to observe the reaction of species under various conditions.