Summary
The world’s ecosystems are rich in species and complexity, and the way they function relies on subtle interactions between species. Ecosystems can be drastically changed and sometimes severely damaged by extinctions or invasions of species, or even by significant changes in single species populations. As we now recognise that human society and the biosphere are so dependant on the services provided by the world’s ecosystems, there has been increased research focus on interactions between species and the impact these have on ecosystems as a whole.
To date, and certainly for Europe, most of the research has been on experimental work within individual ecosystems, without sufficient development of a greater underlying theory. Yet a deeper theoretical understanding of such interactions is necessary in order to facilitate predictions of the consequences of species losses on ecosystems as a whole. From such a basis, it might be possible to intervene to preserve an ecosystem, either by protecting a particular species or taking steps to mitigate the affects of its loss.
InterACT is an ESF Network to help provide a springboard for the necessary linking of empirical and theoretical ecologists that can further advance research in this area. More
Duration
Three years, from January 2002 to December 2004.
