#Trees, #grasses, #corals, and #oysters are foundational to the structure of an #ecosystem while they are alive. But new research shows that when they die — due to extreme events like storms, wildfires, or marine heatwaves — the physical remains of these species continue shaping the ecosystem.
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1130586

#science #ecology #foundationSpecies #habitat

Dead organisms have a lasting ecological legacy

New research shows foundation species have an afterlife.

EurekAlert!