In:
Biogeosciences, Copernicus GmbH, Vol. 20, No. 16 ( 2023-08-23), p. 3509-3521
Abstract:
Abstract. Oxygen availability is a pivotal factor for ecosystem functioning and the resistance of organisms to the effect of climate change in aquatic
habitats. Although extensive work has been done to assess the effect of oxygen on marine and freshwater biota, many studies have not captured the
ecological importance of oxygen variations. Overlooking the fluctuating nature of oxygen may cause potential biases in the design and implementation
of management policies for aquatic habitats. Conceptual perspectives on the dynamic nature of oxygen fluctuations have been raised in the scientific
community in order to enhance the understanding of the effect of oxygen on the physiology and the ecology of aquatic species as well as the biogeochemical
functioning of their ecosystems. A growing number of empirical work has been outlining a novel conceptual framework that considers the magnitude of oxygen
fluctuation as a key variable that explains adaptation to stress conditions. Oxygen in productive aquatic habitats shows large fluctuations at the diel
scale, exposing aquatic species to conditions ranging from extreme supersaturation to anoxia. Recent research has indicated that such a fluctuation tunes the
physiological plasticity of the animal in response to thermal stresses. In this paper, we provide compelling evidence based on current
research that the fluctuating oxygen landscape, here defined as “oxyscape”, has an important role in aquatic animal physiology and adaptation as well as
the ecosystem biogeochemistry. We propose that the oxyscape should be considered in the modelling and managing policies of aquatic ecosystems.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1726-4189
DOI:
10.5194/bg-20-3509-2023
DOI:
10.5194/bg-20-3509-2023-supplement
Language:
English
Publisher:
Copernicus GmbH
Publication Date:
2023
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2158181-2
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