Applications of Stable Isotope Analysis in Ecology
A special issue of Biology (ISSN 2079-7737). This special issue belongs to the section "Ecology".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2025 | Viewed by 23559
Special Issue Editors
Interests: community ecology; food webs; polar ecosystems; climate change; stability; nutrient cycling; invasive species; pollution; stable isotopes
Interests: isotopic niche; trophic ecology; biological control; food webs; invasive species; water pollution; bioassessment; stable isotope mixing models; coastal and transitional ecosystems
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Over the last three decades, the applications of stable isotopes in ecological studies have flourished.
Bulk elements undergo predictable changes in their isotopic composition when moving from the physical environment into and along food webs. Hence, the tracking of stable isotopes has allowed us to improve our understanding of the structure and functioning of ecosystems across spatial and temporal scales. Fundamental ecological issues such as nutrient cycling and the interactions between organisms, as well as practical issues related to the management of ecological communities (e.g., the effects of pollution and biological invasions) have greatly benefited from their use.
From microorganisms to whales, from tropical to polar environments, stable isotopes can be applied as natural tracers in all ecosystems and at all hierarchical levels in ecology.
Accordingly, this Special Issue invites original research articles and reviews covering all aspects of the application of stable isotopes in ecological studies, with an emphasis on studies that improve our understanding of the relationship between structure and function within and across hierarchical levels (populations, communities, ecosystems, biomes). Short communications of preliminary but significant results will also be considered. This Special Issue also welcomes studies along gradients, which can help to understand the effects of natural or human-induced perturbations on ecological communities, including their ability to support biodiversity and efficient ecological processes under environmental changes.
Dr. Edoardo Calizza
Dr. Giulio Careddu
Dr. Maria Letizia Costantini
Guest Editors
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Keywords
- community ecology
- population ecology
- biotic interactions
- food webs
- nutrient cycling
- ecosystem structure and functioning
- disturbance
- stability
- environmental change
- climate change
- invasive species
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