Empirically Characterising Trophic Networks

摘要: Food webs in agricultural systems are complex and trophic linkages difficult to track using conventional methodologies. Here, we review three alternative approaches that allow empirical assessment of feeding interactions: DNA-based techniques, stable isotope fatty acid analyses. methods, namely multiplex PCR next-generation sequencing, identification food types host–parasitoid linkages, resulting taxonomically highly resolved networks. Stable isotopes acids reflect the assimilation broader categories resources, as metabolised into consumers’ tissue, together with associated energy nutrient fluxes web. We discuss strengths but also highlight their limitations, providing practical advice on which technique is best suited answer specific questions examining web interactions agroecosystems. Future refinements these especially when used combination, could herald a new era ecology, enabling management environmental impact be placed mechanistic context