Fig. 1
From: The value of understanding feedbacks from ecosystem functions to species for managing ecosystems
Examples of ecosystem network structures. a–c with different trophic levels performing an ecosystem function. d–g for different network motifs. For the same motif, an ecosystem function could be performed by a the bottom trophic level, b a medium trophic level, or c a top predator. Similarly, for the same species-function relationship (e.g., the bottom trophic level provides the ecosystem function), motifs could be d linear, e apparent competition, f omnivory, or g intraguild competition. The solid arrows represent known interactions—here a feeding relationship between a predator and its prey. The dashed arrows represent links from a species to the ecosystem function (diamonds) and services (rectangles) that it provides. The dotted arrows represent unknown interactions, representing feedbacks from an ecosystem function to species (e.g., pollination supports the reproduction of plants). This figure represents one of the 16 potential feedback structures—the ecosystem function benefits all species in the motif (see Supplementary Fig. 8 subplot (p))
