It's not just ordinary wildflowers and weeds, but even flies need protection

Flies are involved in pollination.

When you go hiking in the countryside, remember to spend more time paying attention to the seemingly mundane scenery around you. A new study by the University of Colorado at Boulder found that flies, dwarf Yarrow weeds and other "generalized species" plants and pollinators play a key role in maintaining biodiversity and may even serve as buffers against the effects of climate change. The findings, published in the journal Ecology, provide valuable insights into prioritizing the conservation of species that help maintain ecological community stability.

"In general, we always focus our species conservation efforts on rare species. But in fact, even the most common species will continue to decline or even become extinct, which will have a huge impact on the maintenance of biodiversity," said Julian Resasco, first author of the paper and assistant professor of ecology.

Generalized species refer to the interaction of one species with many other species, and bumblebee is the famous generalized species. However, there are also some "unsung heroes" among generalized pollinators, including an often despised insect: flies. According to Resasco, some flies are actually the most common flower visitors.

Generalized plants that Colorado residents may be familiar with include: pseudocympterus montanus, which consists of a cluster of small yellow flowers; and the common Achillea millefolium, which is similar in appearance to mountain parsley but is usually white. These plants may not be favored by wildflower lovers and are not brightly colored specimens, but new research suggests that these most common plants are important for the ecological stability of meadows. Between the stars and the change of age, these generalized species do not exist all the time, acting as the "needle of the sea god" of the ecosystem.

Resasco said that because many species depend on generalized species, having mature generalized populations helps maintain strong communities of plants and pollinators who are less susceptible to the extinction of local species. This robustness is also important to buffer phenological mismatches due to climate change.

For the past 6 years, Resasco has returned to the same meadow every week, from snowmelt in May to snowfall in September, watching bumblebees, flies and beetles dancing and jumping between daisies, roses and asters in 6 fields. There is nothing special about this east-facing meadow. But right here, at 9,500 feet above sea level, under the Nevot Ridge, Resasco counted 267 different pollinators who visited the flowers of 41 plants. Evidence suggests that there are enough generalized species here.

Resasco was also surprised by the biodiversity of this meadow. These findings tell us that finding commonalities is critical to helping ecosystems withstand current and future environmental changes. From prioritizing the conservation of generalized species to keeping flies and flowers safe, there are many ways to help us protect these critical but common species.

Resasco concludes: "If you're willing to take a moment to stop and look at things around you, you should find a lot of joy in life, and don't overlook these seemingly mundane generalizations." ”

Original Editor: XiaoBei Reviewer: Seamus Editor:Chen Zhihan

Journal Source: Ecology

Issue No. 0012-9658

Original link: https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-04/uoca-cpa041621.php

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