Development of a framework for controlling aquatic ecosystem dynamics using host-parasite systems as a model system

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20H03323
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 45040:Ecology and environment-related
• Research Institution: Ryukoku University (2022-2023); Kyoto University (2020-2021)
• Principal Investigator: Ushio Masayuki 龍谷大学, 公私立大学の部局等, 研究員 (40722814)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 鏡味 麻衣子 横浜国立大学, 大学院環境情報研究院, 教授 (20449250)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 生態系制御 / 宿主-寄生者系 / 非線形時系列解析 / ツボカビ

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate a framework for predicting and controlling complex aquatic ecological dynamics under field conditions. Initially, we analyzed existing time series data of ecological communities and identified chytrid and other interacting organisms under field conditions. Subsequently, we isolated and cultured the target chytrid species from artificial rice plots and conducted field manipulation experiments by introducing them into the rice plots. Environmental DNA was used to analyze changes in the ecological community before and after the manipulation experiment. The study revealed changes induced not only in the target chytrid but also in other organisms, suggesting that interspecific interactions drove the changes. Our findings demonstrate the potential for efficient management and control of aquatic ecosystems through causal analysis for predicting changes in the system in advance.

Free Research Field

群集生態学・分子生態学・統計生態学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究では、野外生態系から得られた生物群集データと先進的なデータ解析手法が、野外生態系のような複雑な系の将来予測や制御に資する可能性を提示した。学術的には「野外生態系の予測や制御をどのように高精度化するか」という問いに「網羅的モニタリングとデータ解析の融合」という一つの答えを提示した。また、社会的には「水域生態系において有害な生物（例. アオコ）や有益な生物（例. 水産重要種）の将来変動を予測や制御を行う」ための基礎的枠組みを提示したという点で大きな意義がある。