herbivoredominated

Herbivoredominated refers to an ecological state or community where herbivores play a disproportionately significant role in structuring the ecosystem. This dominance can manifest in various ways, including their impact on plant community composition, biomass, and structure, as well as their influence on nutrient cycling and soil properties. In a herbivore-dominated system, the grazing or browsing pressure exerted by herbivores is a primary driver of ecological processes, often suppressing plant growth and favoring species that can withstand or recover from herbivory.

These ecosystems can arise under specific conditions, such as high herbivore densities, the absence of effective predators that control herbivore populations, or environmental factors that limit plant resilience. Examples of herbivore-dominated systems include grasslands heavily grazed by large ungulates, coral reefs influenced by abundant herbivorous fish, or intertidal zones with dense populations of sea urchins. The ecological consequences of herbivore dominance can be profound, potentially leading to shifts in biodiversity, altered ecosystem functions, and reduced habitat complexity. Understanding herbivore dominance is crucial for managing ecosystems, particularly in contexts of conservation, restoration, and addressing the impacts of invasive herbivores.