Ökosystemweiten

Ökosystemweiten is a German term that translates to "ecosystem-wide" in English. It refers to processes, effects, or changes that occur across an entire ecosystem. An ecosystem is a community of living organisms (biotic factors) interacting with each other and their physical environment (abiotic factors). Therefore, ökosystemweiten describes phenomena that are not confined to a single species or a small group of organisms but have broader implications for the structure, function, and dynamics of the whole system.

Examples of ökosystemweiten processes include nutrient cycling, energy flow, climate change impacts, and the spread of invasive species. For instance, a change in temperature due to climate change can affect plant growth rates, which in turn influences herbivore populations, and subsequently impacts predator populations, demonstrating an ökosystemweiten effect. Similarly, the introduction of an invasive plant species might outcompete native vegetation, altering habitat availability for numerous animal species and changing the overall biodiversity of the ecosystem. Understanding these ökosystemweiten interactions is crucial for ecological research, conservation efforts, and managing natural resources sustainably.