Towards Quantifying Carrion Biomass in Ecosystems. (October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Barton, Philip S.; Evans, Maldwyn J.; Foster, Claire N.; Pechal, Jennifer L.; Bump, Joseph K.; Quaggiotto, M.-Martina; Benbow, M. Eric
• Is Part Of: Trends in ecology & evolution. Volume 34:Number 10(2019)
• Page Start: 950
• Page End: 961
• Publication Date: 2019-10
• Subjects: animal -- biogeochemical cycling -- carcass -- decomposer -- decomposition -- detritus -- necrobiome -- necromass -- scavenger; Ecology -- Periodicals; Evolution (Biology) -- Periodicals; 576.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2019.06.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0169-5347

Abstract

Abstract : The decomposition of animal biomass (carrion) contributes to the recycling of energy and nutrients through ecosystems. Whereas the role of plant decomposition in ecosystems is broadly recognised, the significance of carrion to ecosystem functioning remains poorly understood. Quantitative data on carrion biomass are lacking and there is no clear pathway towards improved knowledge in this area. Here, we present a framework to show how quantities derived from individual carcasses can be scaled up using population metrics, allowing for comparisons among ecosystems and other forms of biomass. Our framework facilitates the generation of new data that is critical to building a quantitative understanding of the contribution of carrion to trophic processes and ecosystem stocks and flows. Highlights: Knowledge of carrion biomass in ecosystems is lacking for most biomes and animal species. Quantities derived from individual carcasses can be scaled up using population- and community-level concepts, allowing for comparisons with other forms of biomass within and among ecosystems. New data on carrion biomass will be critical to building a more complete and mechanistic understanding of trophic processes, and general ecosystem stocks and flows.