Only multi-taxon studies show the full range of arthropod responses to fire

摘要: Fire is a major driver in many ecosystems. Yet, little known about how different ground-living arthropods survive fire. Using three sampling methods, and time-since-fire (last fire event: 3 months, 1 year, 7 years), we investigate arthropod diversity responds to fire, species richness, diversity, abundance, composition of the four dominant taxa: ants, beetles, cockroaches mites, respond. We did this naturally fire-prone Mediterranean-type scrubland vegetation (fynbos) Cape Floristic Region. Surprisingly, overall richness was same for all categories. However, when each taxon analysed separately, effect on abundance varied among taxa. This emphasizes that taxa must be investigated really understand fire-driven events. also highlight importance using measures, as not influence particular taxa, while it affected others, greatly affecting assemblages Rockiness few found categories supported distinctive assemblages. Some indicator occurred across categories, others were restricted single category, showing there wide range responses between Details local landscape structure, abiotic biotic, frequency intensity add complexity fire-arthropod interaction. Overall, show relationship phylogenetically constrained, having been honed by millennia events, highly complex. Present-day manifest variety adaptations surviving great natural selective force