Towards a compleat theory of ecosystem size spectra
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arXiv
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| Formato: | Preprint |
| Publicado: |
2025
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| _version_ | 1866913158508052480 |
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| author | Schwamborn, Ralf |
| author_facet | Schwamborn, Ralf |
| contents | The regularity of ecosystem size spectra is one of the most intriguing and relevant phenomena on our planet. Pelagic size spectra generally show a log-linearly downtrending shape, following a power-law distribution. A constant log-linear slope has been reported for many marine pelagic ecosystems, often being approximately b = -1. Conversely, there are variable trophic-level-biomass relationships (trophic pyramids). The contrasting observations of a constant size spectrum and highly variable trophic pyramids may be defined as the constant size spectrum - variable trophic dynamics paradox. Here, a mass-specific predator-prey-efficiency theory of size spectra (PETS) is presented and discussed. A thorough analysis of available data, literature, and models formed the basis for the PETS theoretical framework, where pelagic marine ecosystems are controlled by complex trophic processes such as resource-limitation stress and top-down regulation, thus establishing a discrete maximum carrying capacity spectrum. PETS consists of a series of equations and proposed stabilizing mechanisms. The slope b of the biomass-body mass spectrum can be predicted from predator-prey mass ratio (PPMR) and mass-specific trophic efficiency E (E = dlog10(B) / dTL), such that b = E / log10(PPMR) = -1. The proposed size-specific trophic equilibrium mechanisms stabilize the size spectrum, but not the trophic level - biomass relationship. The complete size spectrum obtained in situ (including living organisms and non-living particles) is discussed. This paper is intended as a plea for the integration of modeling approaches, to understand and integrate data and processes across communities including bacteria, plankton, fish and mammals, considering the effects of non-organismic particles. |
| format | Preprint |
| id |
arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2509_00023 |
| institution | arXiv |
| publishDate | 2025 |
| record_format | arxiv |
| spellingShingle | Towards a compleat theory of ecosystem size spectra Schwamborn, Ralf Populations and Evolution The regularity of ecosystem size spectra is one of the most intriguing and relevant phenomena on our planet. Pelagic size spectra generally show a log-linearly downtrending shape, following a power-law distribution. A constant log-linear slope has been reported for many marine pelagic ecosystems, often being approximately b = -1. Conversely, there are variable trophic-level-biomass relationships (trophic pyramids). The contrasting observations of a constant size spectrum and highly variable trophic pyramids may be defined as the constant size spectrum - variable trophic dynamics paradox. Here, a mass-specific predator-prey-efficiency theory of size spectra (PETS) is presented and discussed. A thorough analysis of available data, literature, and models formed the basis for the PETS theoretical framework, where pelagic marine ecosystems are controlled by complex trophic processes such as resource-limitation stress and top-down regulation, thus establishing a discrete maximum carrying capacity spectrum. PETS consists of a series of equations and proposed stabilizing mechanisms. The slope b of the biomass-body mass spectrum can be predicted from predator-prey mass ratio (PPMR) and mass-specific trophic efficiency E (E = dlog10(B) / dTL), such that b = E / log10(PPMR) = -1. The proposed size-specific trophic equilibrium mechanisms stabilize the size spectrum, but not the trophic level - biomass relationship. The complete size spectrum obtained in situ (including living organisms and non-living particles) is discussed. This paper is intended as a plea for the integration of modeling approaches, to understand and integrate data and processes across communities including bacteria, plankton, fish and mammals, considering the effects of non-organismic particles. |
| title | Towards a compleat theory of ecosystem size spectra |
| topic | Populations and Evolution |
| url | https://arxiv.org/abs/2509.00023 |