Effects of fire frequency and seasonality on insect herbivory andecosystem nutrient fluxes.

The challenge for understanding and predicting forest ecosystem responses to global change such as disturbances is increasing.

Many studies focus on the adaptations of species with increasing temperature and humidity but not necessarily on the effects caused by human activities and climatic disturbances. Through this study such disturbances will be analyzed from forest ecosystems around the world. Specifically, case studies from tropical and temperate forests of India, Peru and Borneo.

Disturbances in a forest ecosystem influences its composition, structure and functional processes which could have cascading impacts on the global system.Measurements of insect herbivory provide insight on patterns of ecosystem change. Nutrients through herbivory into the soil are comparable to the nutrients transferred via tree litter fall.

In contrast to common theories herbivory may increase nutrient fluxes of nitrogen and phosphorus even in unproductive ecosystems. Overall disturbance patterns suggest an increase in forest litter and herbivory.

Suggesting that herbivory could make great contributions to nutrient cycling, influence ecosystem change even in unproductive and or disturbed forests.

Understanding the effects of these disturbances in forest ecosystems globally could provide insight for suggestingsustainable forest management practices.