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Exploring the ‘Internet of Nature’: A New Perspective on Ecosystem Interactions

A groundbreaking study conducted by Dr. Ulrich Brose, associated with the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) and Friedrich Schiller University Jena, expands our comprehension of the intricate relationships between species within ecosystems through what is termed the “Internet of Nature.” This research, published in Nature Ecology and Evolution, uncovers that beyond the physical exchanges of matter and energy, species are also engaged in profound information sharing that significantly influences their behaviors, interspecies interactions, and the overall dynamics of ecosystems, unveiling facets of natural systems that were previously overlooked.

While conventional ecological research has primarily focused on physical interactions such as feeding patterns, pollination, and seed dispersal, this new study emphasizes the critical importance of the exchange of information among species.

“Understanding the workings of natural ecosystems without considering the information flow through the Internet of Nature would be akin to analyzing trade routes in human societies without acknowledging the role of the Internet,” said Dr. Brose, who leads the Theory in Biodiversity Science research group at iDiv.

By merging the flow of information with traditional material exchanges like food webs, the researchers propose a refined perspective on how disturbances propagate in ecosystems and how communities maintain resilience and stability amid such disruptions.

Three Dimensions of Information Exchange

The study identifies three distinct types of information exchanges that occur within ecosystems: trophic information links, pure information links, and environmental information links.

Trophic Information Links

Trophic information links involve the cues exchanged between predators and their prey. An example of this can be seen in the interactions between wolves and elk, where wolves rely on visual references and established trails to locate elk, which in turn respond by clustering and seeking refuge in dense foliage.

Pure Information Links

Pure information links highlight interactions between species that do not directly involve feeding. For instance, a hyena might observe a vulture circling overhead and use this behavior as a signal to search for a nearby carcass, illustrating how visual cues contribute to the complex web of communication in the “Internet of Nature,” influencing animal movements and relationships.

Environmental Information Links

Environmental information links enable species to respond to environmental signals, such as variations in climate or temperature. Night-active moths, for example, are drawn to light, while spiders may construct webs near illuminated areas, and chameleons alter their coloration in response to their surroundings.

Impacts of Human Activity on Information Exchange

The authors further discuss the implications of human-induced disruptions, including sensory pollution from artificial light, noise, and chemical scents, which can drastically alter the information landscape for many species and subsequently their behavioral patterns and ecological interactions.

“Road traffic and industrial environments not only degrade air quality but also interfere with vibrational communications among species such as ants,” remarked Dr. Myriam Hirt from iDiv and the University of Jena. “This is just one illustration of how human activity can disrupt crucial communication methods for insects used in reproduction, foraging, and societal organization.”

Altering the mediums through which animals communicate can significantly impair their ability to transmit signals, locate necessary resources, or adapt to changing environments, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts aimed at reducing sensory pollution.

The authors advocate for a deeper exploration of information flow networks in the context of ecological research, suggesting the identification of signal senders and receivers, understanding sensory capacities, and monitoring decay rates of these signals. Employing tools such as natural soundscapes and vibration analyses will be essential in these future studies.

“By incorporating the concept of the Internet of Nature, we can transition our understanding of the interactions of animals, plants, and microbes from a simplistic view of passive movement to a more dynamic appreciation where living organisms actively generate and interpret information,” Dr. Brose concluded. “This paradigm shift has implications that extend beyond ecological theory, potentially influencing strategies for habitat protection and ensuring that pathways of communication remain intact within ecosystems.”

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