Title

Spatial self-organization and its consequences in simple and complex ecosystems

Abstract

The spatial organisation of ecosystems is seldom random, but most often self-organized into specific spatial patterns, due to species interacting with each other. A seminal example is the case of positive interactions between plants producing emergent patches, bands, or fractal patterns in a landscape, with important consequences on its resilience to perturbations. In this seminar, we will first focus on simple, but widespread examples of such ecological interactions leading to spatial-self organisation. We will show how the non-random, emergent spatial structure can be quantified to help us understand and predict ecosystem collapse, showcasing a recent application to the coral reefs of Rapa Nui (Easter Island, Chile). We will then discuss how these relatively simple principles can be extended to species-rich systems, to understand the link between ecological interactions and spatial self-organisation, this time in more complex settings.

If you wish to to attend this seminar online, please send an email to w.merbis@uva.nl to receive the zoom-link.