Allochthonous inputs: integrating population changes and food-web dynamics

Abstract

Most ecosystems are recipients of allochthonous materials that enhance in situ productivity. Recent theoretical and empirical studies suggest that low to moderate inputs can stabilize food webs. However, depending on the trophic levels that use the resource, food webs can become unstable as inputs increase. Where large amounts of agricultural resources are transferred to natural habitats, trophic dynamics change: trophic cascades can occur and rare or uncommon species can become invasive. Rates of change in species abundances can also be amplified by the effects of changes in legislation and management practices on subsidized consumers.