Wild bee is an important contributor to the nutrient cycle, as shown by biogeochemical niche analysis of Osmia bicornis

Filipiak, Michał

Wild bee is an important contributor to the nutrient cycle, as shown by biogeochemical niche analysis of Osmia bicornis

Abstract

I aimed to elucidate nutrient cycling through the flower visitation pathway. Thus, I investigated factors affecting the proportions of essential nutrients (C, N, P, S, K, Na, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu) that comprise the biogeochemical niche of the wild solitary bee, Osmia bicornis. The main factor was pollen taxonomy, with a central role of key species, including wind-pollinated trees and grasses. These plants contribute to nutrient cycling in a hitherto unexplored way. Calculating the nutrient amount translocated and partitioned in the food web involving O. bicornis, I proposed a conceptual representation of nutrient cycling through the flower visitation pathway. By linking wild bee with its environment through nutrient cycling, this study provides new insight into the ecosystem services provided by bees. It also demonstrates the role of wind-pollinated plants in pollinator nutrition and highlights the importance of complex landscape conservation beyond the traditionally used seed mixes for bee conservation.

Keywords

ionome elementome ecological stoichiometry nutrient cycle bee pollinator biogeochemistry biogeochemical niche osmia osmia bicornis pollen food web trophic ecology nutrient consumer consumer driven nutrient recycling consumer-driven

Citation

Filipiak, Michał, Wild Bee is an Important Contributor to the Nutrient Cycle, as Shown by Biogeochemical Niche Analysis of Osmia Bicornis. Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4591616 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4591616

URI

https://ssrn.com/abstract=4591616
https://depot.ceon.pl/handle/123456789/22912

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