Ecosystems
Presentation
The thematic axis Ecosystems aims to understand the functioning of ecological systems, to describe and understand the mechanisms underlying the biotic and abiotic functioning of ecosystems, and to characterise the spatial and temporal dynamics of ecosystems. These studies include taking into account the role of biodiversity in biological and ecosystem functioning and interactions, temporal dynamics, alternative stable equilibria and tipping points, as well as spatial effects, from local heterogeneity to regional fragmentation.
This area is divided into different Science Fronts:
- Biodiversity and functioning. Understanding the links between biodiversity and
functioning of ecological systems. - Biotic and ecological interactions. Highlighting the importance of
biotic interactions and the architecture of networks of ecological interactions in the functioning and dynamics of ecosystems - Ecosystem trajectories. Analysing the trajectories of
ecosystems to predict their future evolution, detect tipping points and understand non-linear trajectories. - Current space-time gradient. Identifying and ranking the spatial and temporal patterns affecting the functioning and dynamics of ecological systems
- Physico-chemical functioning of substrates. Study the importance of
physico-chemical parameters, material flows and micro-organisms in the functioning of the soil and water compartments.

Animators
Teams
Paleoecology and Historical Ecology
Molecular Biology, Evolution and Ecology
Ecology, Ecotoxicology and Chemistry applied to Agroecology and Restoration
People, Landscapes, Communities & Conservation
Functional ecology: from socio-ecological systems to molecules
CHImiometry, Design of experiments, Expert systems
Nature, Marine and Ocean Ecology