Whether such changes in resource levels and/or trophic structure are propagated through the food web can depend on grazer diversity and food preferences [3], [14], [33] [35].
The negative effect of grazers on algal biomass, and to some extent on Z. marina biomass, despite nutrient enrichment, is consistent with previous field experiments [46], [49].
Plant-microbial competition for nutrients is considered to be a strong mechanism affecting nutrient distribution in subarctic ecosystems, but the role of grazers on the distribution of nutrients between the plants and soil microorganisms remain poorly understood.
There was no apparent effect of grazers on turnover times, nor were there any significant correlations between turnover times and soil C and N pools, slope position, or soil water content.
The two source populations of turtle grass differed significantly in epiphyte biomass/leaf area accrued in the mesocosms as well as in the strength of the effect of grazers on turtle grass growth.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of grazers on N cycling processes in a landscape context that encompassed a wide range of environmental conditions in order to increase our mechanistic understanding of these processes and provide a stronger basis for management and assessment of grassland ecosystems.
However, the effects of grazers and nutrients on the biofilm are not reflected in macroalgae or barnacles, probably because of the occurrence of other structuring factors.
Studies elsewhere (Gordijn et al. 2012) show that fire exclusion accelerates the rate of woody plant expansion into rangelands, with decreases in palatable species and increases in unpalatable species, which has negative effects on livestock production, especially of grazers.
Then, beginning around 13,500 years ago, the seafloor community began a slow recovery with the rise of grazers that fed on bacterial mats.
Previous studies show that starvation may amplify predation effects on zooplankton [19], [51], [52] as well as on terrestrial grazers [53], [54].
