◆Research findings by a group led by Assistant Professor Mikiji Tomita Faculty (Natural Sciences) have been published in *Trends in Ecology and Evolution*
Release Date:
Proposing a framework for the impact of vertebrates on soil organisms
: Toward a Comprehensive Understanding of Interactions Between Terrestrial and Subterranean Organisms
自然科学系農学部門の富田幹次助教らの研究グループは脊椎動物が土壌生物群集に与える影響を5つのメカニズムに整理し、これに基づいて脊椎動物が土壌生物群集の空間構造に与える影響を提案しました。地上と地下の生物間相互作用における脊椎動物の役割を明らかにすることは、脊椎動物の生態系機能の理解に貢献することが期待されます。
Until now, interactions between above-ground and below-ground organisms have been considered separately; however, in recent years, research has focused on the connections between them. Vertebrates active above ground influence below-ground communities (Note 1) by preying on soil animals or digging up the soil, yet no comprehensive framework for understanding these processes had existed.This study demonstrates that vertebrates can alter the spatial structure and distribution of soil communities, potentially affecting ecosystem functions.
These research findings were published online on January 14, 2025, in the international academic journal *Trends in Ecology and Evolution*.
*1. Soil-dwelling communities: A general term for organisms that depend partially or entirely on soil-derived food resources and habitats. This includes soil microorganisms and soil animals.
[Paper Information]
Title: The Underappreciated Roles of Aboveground Vertebrates in Belowground Communities
Journal: Trends in Ecology and Evolution
Publication Date: January 14, 2025