1993 Fiscal Year Final Research Report Summary
| Project/Area Number |
04804053
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| Research Category |
Grant-in-Aid for General Scientific Research (C)
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| Allocation Type | Single-year Grants |
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| Research Field |
生態学
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| Research Institution | KYOTO UNIVERSITY (1993)
Ryukoku University (1992) |
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Principal Investigator |
HIGASHI Masahiko Kyoto University, Center for Ecological Research, 生態学研究センター, 助教授 (40183917)
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| Project Period (FY) |
1992 – 1993
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| Keywords | C-N balance / ecosystem / termite-symbionts fystem / trophic dynamics / development / terrestrial ecosystem / coral reef / mathematical model |
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| Research Abstract |
Based on the "C-N balance" idea, I have obtained the following results.
A.Termite-symbionts system
1) I pointed out that termites have two options in C-N balancing, adding N on the input end or eliminating excessive C on the output end, and identified out of the interactions with symbionts those that contribute to the two types of C-N balancing methods.
2) Finding that termites' capability in resource utilization is mainly determined by their C-N balancing ability, I derived a theory that explains why separate type termites (the type of termites separating food habitat from their nest) are more prosperous than one piese type (those consuming as food the wood for their nest making), and why only separate type termites have true (sterile) worker caste.
B.Trophic dynamics of ecosystems
1) In aquatic systems, plants "dump" into the water as EOC (Extra cellular Organic Carbon) the excessive carbon produced in photosynthesis under poor nutrient conditions. I showed that this process can play as a determinant mechanism for the relative significance among grazing food chain, microbial loop, and detritus food chain.
2) I showed that the comparison in C-N balancing elucidates the difference in ecosystem structure among forest, grassland, and aquatic systems.
C.Ecosystem development
1) The "coevolutionary" mechanism between the producer and the decomposer can provide a driving force for ecosystem development.
2) I derived a theoretical model that explains the development of coral reef ecosystem in terms of C-N balancing.
These results suggest the broad applicability and the potential as a new paradigm of C-N balance model.
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