Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1016/j.cois.2016.01.003
Title (Primary) How does plant chemical diversity contribute to biodiversity at higher trophic levels?
Author Schuman, M.C.; van Dam, N.M.; Beran, F.; Harpole, W.S. ORCID logo
Source Titel Current Opinion in Insect Science
Year 2016
Department iDiv; PHYDIV
Volume 14
Page From 46
Page To 55
Language englisch
UFZ wide themes RU1
Abstract Plants, perhaps Earth's most accomplished chemists, produce thousands of specialized metabolites having no direct role in cell division or growth. These phytochemicals vary by taxon, with many taxa producing characteristic substance classes; and within taxa, with individual variation in structural variety and production patterns. Observations of corresponding variation in herbivore metabolism, behavior, and diet breadth motivated the development of chemical ecology research. We discuss the importance of plant biodiversity in general and phytochemical diversity in particular for biodiversity and ecological interactions at higher trophic levels. We then provide an overview of the descriptive, molecular and analytical tools which allow modern biologists to investigate phytochemical diversity and its effects on higher trophic levels, from physiological mechanisms to ecological communities.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=17560
Schuman, M.C., van Dam, N.M., Beran, F., Harpole, W.S. (2016):
How does plant chemical diversity contribute to biodiversity at higher trophic levels?
Curr. Opin. Insect Sci. 14 , 46 - 55 10.1016/j.cois.2016.01.003