Ecosystem Persistence and Heterotrophic Regulation

Mechanisms leading to ecosystem persistence are explored with a simple mathematical conceptualization. The concept is quantified for six ecosystems ranging from tundra to tropics and including both terrestrial and aquatic systems. Deductions from the concept are compared with predictions from the theory of power as a basic parameter of system function. Analysis of the equations indicates that heterotrophs in the ecosystem may be capable of exerting effective control by changes in biomass that would be difficult to detect in field sampling. The effectiveness of the control is influenced by significant differences in turnover rates among ecosystem components. It is suggested that simple mathematical constructs, quantifiable from available data and amenable to direct analysis, have much to offer in increasing our understanding of ecosystem function.