Assessing the role of large herbivores in the structuring and functioning of freshwater and marine angiosperm ecosystems

摘要: While large herbivores can have strong impacts on terrestrial ecosystems, much less is known of their role in aquatic systems. We reviewed the literature to determine: (1) which (>10 kg) a (semi-)aquatic lifestyle and are important consumers submerged vascular plants, (2) impact plant abundance species composition (3) ecosystem functions.We grouped according diet, habitat selection movement ecology: Fully species, either resident or migratory (manatees, dugongs, turtles), Semi-aquatic that live both water land, (swans), Resident semi-aquatic forage mainly land (hippopotamuses, beavers, capybara), (4) with relatively home ranges frequent habitats (cervids, buffalo, lowland tapir).Fully swans strongest composition. They may maintain grazing lawns. Because they sometimes target belowground parts, activity result local collapse beds. turtles serve as aquatic-terrestrial linkages, by transporting nutrients across boundaries. Hippopotamuses beavers geomorphological engineers, capable altering hydrology at landscape scales. Migratory potentially dispersal vectors propagules nutrients. Clearly, associated be critical engineers systems, ability modify direct indirect functional pathways ecosystems. global populations declining, some show remarkable recoveries dramatic consequences for systems inhabit. A better understanding these roles will help set priorities effective management along rely on.This article protected copyright. All rights reserved.