Abstract
The main goal of the project is to discover mechanisms of growth rate regulation in ivertebrates. This will be done by bridging the gap from key elements (Carbon, Nitrogen, Phosphorus) and biochemicals (ribosomal RNA and proteins) to ecological and evolutionarily relevant responses of invertebrate grazers. More specifically this project will use laboratory experiments with N- and/or P-deficient food to elucidate patterns in biochemical composition and growth rate responses of terrestrial and aquatic herbivores. The project will extend the current knowledge and understanding of patterns in elements and biochemicals in organisms, and the importance of these for nutrient limitation of secondary growth. These factors affect the transfer of matter and energy in food webs which is a fundamental ecological process. The efficiency and regulation of these transfers has consequences for individual and population growth rates of consumer species, community composition, energy mobilisation and biogeochemical cycles in food webs, as well as broad-scale processes such as global carbon cycles.
Sweden