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Marine Hard Bottom Communities pp 225–237Cite as

Simple and Complex Interactions

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Part of the book series: Ecological Studies ((ECOLSTUD,volume 206))

Abstract

Biological factors appear to be equally important to physical factors in shaping marine benthic communities. However, the former are more complex than the latter, since biological factors are often subtle and interact among themselves and with other factors. This chapter describes the principal mechanisms by which biological factors can turn simple interactions into complex ones. In addition to the number of interacting species, interactions among organisms are further complicated by the context-specificity, variability, modulation, and simultaneous action of several non-mutually exclusive factors. Examples range from intraspecific interference competition to multiple predator effects. Indirect effects, water-borne info-chemicals and the ability to eavesdrop all allow for surprising connections among species dwelling in benthic habitats. Emphasis is given to trait-mediated effects, which currently represent a strongly proliferating field of benthic research. Such information is important for a better understanding of what affects the structure of and the functioning in benthic networks of species.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Biologische Anstalt Helgoland, Alfred-Wegener-Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Kurpromenade 201, 27498, Helgoland, Germany

    Markus Molis

  2. Departamento & Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Marinha, Universidade Federal Fluminense, C.P. 100644, 24001-970, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

    Bernardo A.P. da Gama

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  2. Bernardo A.P. da Gama
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Correspondence to Markus Molis .

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    Molis, M., da Gama, B.A. (2009). Simple and Complex Interactions. In: Wahl, M. (eds) Marine Hard Bottom Communities. Ecological Studies, vol 206. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/b76710_16

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