Does the loss of climate sensitive detritivore species alter leaf decomposition

摘要: Climate change is predicted to increase average temperatures and the frequency of extreme weather events, thus might alter composition freshwater communities through effects on climate-sensitive taxa, with uncertain outcomes for ecosystem processes they regulate. Here we investigated how loses more environmentally sensitive detritivores key process leaf litter decomposition in a field experiment two pristine streams different local shredder assemblages Palatinate forest, south-western Germany. We compared bulk rate processing efficiency shredders enclosures containing three diversity treatments, where species loss was simulated based their climate sensitivity. Litter rates contrasted markedly between survey sites, 33% 41% decrease following at first second site, respectively. Results site suggest that least which were also larger biomass, contributed most mass loss, these able compensate losses species, ultimately increasing processing. By contrast, played important role not compensated when accounting detritivore biomass. Our findings demonstrate importance trait pools regulating potential changes assemblage caused by change.