Chemical ecology

The importance of chemical ecology

Chemical ecology, has helped to understand terrestrial ecosystems. How bees pollinate flowers, how birds find their nests and human attractiveness to a partner are some of the many examples of interactions which are mediated by chemicals. It is not difficult to imagine the catastrophic consequences of the absence of such crucial relationships. Imagine a similar scenario without chemical interactions in the marine environment. Species would no longer be able to identify their food, locate their pray, recognize mates,... . Species-specific chemicals can shape community processes such as seasonal succession, niche structure, selective feeding and population dynamics.

The [www.marBEF.org MarBEF] ROSEMEB (Role of Secondary Metabolites in Ecosystem Biodiversity) project has provided a better understanding of the roles of these chemicals in maintaining marine biodiversity and driving ecosystem functionality.