Decomposition, the breakdown of soil organic matter (SOM) and the release of nutrients and fixed nitrogen, is an essential process in soil nutrient cycling and creating organic soils. SOM decomposition depends on the interaction (trophic and non-trophic) of the microflora (bacteria and fungi) with primary and secondary decomposers. At sub-Arctic latitudes, saprophagous decomposers such as […]
Soil-invertebrate decomposers Read More »
The impact of insect herbivores on Arctic plants is known to be dismissable (Roslin et al. 2013); however, successful Arctic herbivores need to ensure they take advantage of the short Arctic growing season. Thus, herbivores must time their emergence from their overwintering stage in the summer with the emergence of the most nutritious plant parts
Plant-insect phenology and physiological synchrony Read More »
Globally, most flowering plants reproduce sexually and are pollinated by insects or other animals rather than abiotic pollen vectors such as wind. Plant-pollinator interactions are usually mutualistic, where both sides benefit from the interaction; thus, the plant’s pollen is transferred to a receptor plant, while the pollinator retrieves food in the form of nectar or
Pollinators and their importance in the Arctic environment Read More »
