Naslov
Earthworm population dynamics: modeling approach and challenges

Autori
Hackenberger Kutuzović, Davorka ; Hackenberger Kutuzović, Branimir ; Lončarić, Željka

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Poglavlja u knjigama, znanstveni

Knjiga
Earthworms: Types, Roles and Research

Urednik/ci
Horton, Clayton G.

Izdavač
Nova Science Publishers

Grad
New York (NY)

Godina
2017

Raspon stranica
91-128

ISBN
978-1-53612-176-6

Ključne riječi
earthworms ; population models ; matrix models ; earthworm population modeling

Sažetak
Earthworms are often recognized as key organisms in soil ecosystems. Their population dynamics is influenced by many abiotic and biotic factors. However, living in the soil hinders the observation of their population dynamics. Modeling is one of the promising approaches to the research of earthworm population dynamics. Nowadays, the development of more complex and realistic models is no longer held back by the computational power as it has increased and become more available. Depending on the objective, different types of models are applied in earthworm research: convection-dispersion equation, dynamic energy budget, differential equations, individual-based model and matrix-based population models. So far, matrix models were mostly applied in ecotoxicological studies for a single species. Also, we present a preliminary investigation on the applicability of the Lefkovitch discrete model of stage structured population dynamics adapted to life cycle parameters for three earthworm ecological categories, i.e., epigeic, endogeic and anecic, to simulate earthworm population dynamics in the grassland ecosystem. In this investigation, a predation pressure is presented as an important variable which can be viewed as an other type of pressure on the earthworm population, such as pollution, environmental stress or land management, causing additional or extrinsic mortality to earthworm population. Eventually, modeling of earthworm population dynamics within ecological monitoring could detect changes in their population structure, and therefore indicate presence of various environmental pressures. Also, modeling can reduce efforts regarding field sampling and could be used to predict consequences of climate change on earthworm populations.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Biologija

POVEZANOST RADA