Whales as the Oceans Main Ecosystem Engineers Whales, though impressive mammals, until now were thought to be inconsequential in terms of their role in Earths oceans. But new research from the University of Vermont has revealed that these massive creatures make a huge difference, and in fact are the oceans main ecological engineers. For a long time, whales have been considered too rare to make much of a difference in the oceans, conservation biologist Joe Roman noted in a news release. But that assumption was a mistake according to researchers. Whale populations in the past were decimated, declining at least 66 percent and possibly as high as 90 percent, but as they recover their vital role in the worlds oceans becomes clear. The continued recovery of great whales may help to buffer marine ecosystems from destabilizing stresses, the research team wrote. And with climate change causing rising temperatures and acidification that threaten ocean ecosystems, whales will likely play a very important part in the future. As long-lived species, they enhance the predictability and stability of marine ecosystems, Roman added. Whales not only have a powerful and positive influence on the function of oceans, but they also impact global carbon storage and the health of commercial fisheries. natureworldnews/articles/7892/20140703/whales-as-the-oceans-main-ecosystem-engineers.htm
Posted on: Thu, 03 Jul 2014 23:04:55 +0000