Experimental evidence for spatial self-organization and its emergent effects in mussel beds ecosystems

J. Van de Koppel; J.C. Gascoigne; G. Theraulaz; M. Rietkerk; W.M. Mooij; P.M.J. Herman

doi:10.1126/science.1163952

Experimental evidence for spatial self-organization and its emergent effects in mussel beds ecosystems

J. Van de Koppel, J.C. Gascoigne, G. Theraulaz, M. Rietkerk, W.M. Mooij, P.M.J. Herman

NIOO - Spatial Ecology

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Abstract

Spatial self-organization is the main theoretical explanation for the global occurrence of regular or otherwise coherent spatial patterns in ecosystems. Using mussel beds as a model ecosystem, we provide an experimental demonstration of spatial self-organization. Under homogeneous laboratory conditions, mussels developed regular patterns, similar to those in the field. An individual-based model derived from our experiments showed that interactions between individuals explained the observed patterns. Furthermore, a field study showed that pattern formation affected ecosystem-level processes in terms of improved growth and resistance to wave action. Our results imply that spatial self-organization is an important determinant of the structure and functioning of ecosystems, and it needs to be considered in their conservation.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	739-742
Journal	Science Magazine
Volume	322
Issue number	5902
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1163952
Publication status	Published - 2008

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Van de Koppel, J., Gascoigne, J. C., Theraulaz, G., Rietkerk, M., Mooij, W. M., & Herman, P. M. J. (2008). Experimental evidence for spatial self-organization and its emergent effects in mussel beds ecosystems. Science Magazine, 322(5902), 739-742. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1163952

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abstract = "Spatial self-organization is the main theoretical explanation for the global occurrence of regular or otherwise coherent spatial patterns in ecosystems. Using mussel beds as a model ecosystem, we provide an experimental demonstration of spatial self-organization. Under homogeneous laboratory conditions, mussels developed regular patterns, similar to those in the field. An individual-based model derived from our experiments showed that interactions between individuals explained the observed patterns. Furthermore, a field study showed that pattern formation affected ecosystem-level processes in terms of improved growth and resistance to wave action. Our results imply that spatial self-organization is an important determinant of the structure and functioning of ecosystems, and it needs to be considered in their conservation.",

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AU - Van de Koppel, J.

AU - Gascoigne, J.C.

AU - Theraulaz, G.

AU - Rietkerk, M.

AU - Mooij, W.M.

AU - Herman, P.M.J.

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AB - Spatial self-organization is the main theoretical explanation for the global occurrence of regular or otherwise coherent spatial patterns in ecosystems. Using mussel beds as a model ecosystem, we provide an experimental demonstration of spatial self-organization. Under homogeneous laboratory conditions, mussels developed regular patterns, similar to those in the field. An individual-based model derived from our experiments showed that interactions between individuals explained the observed patterns. Furthermore, a field study showed that pattern formation affected ecosystem-level processes in terms of improved growth and resistance to wave action. Our results imply that spatial self-organization is an important determinant of the structure and functioning of ecosystems, and it needs to be considered in their conservation.

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