Almost all organisms on the earth are multicellular and exhibit ontogenetic growth. Notably, body size is the most fundamental aspect of an organism, largely determining its behavior, physiology, and life history, as known as ontogenetic niche shifts. Further, body sizes of interacting organisms (e.g., predator and prey) critically affect their interaction strength. Thus, body size can strongly influence community structure and dynamics. Nevertheless, our body size-based understanding of ecological community remains poor, because community ecology is traditionally species-based. Body size-based approaches is currently needed for a better understanding of mechanisms underlying biodiversity maintenance and disturbance response of ecosystems. The primary aim of the symposium is to illustrate the general importance of body size-based approaches in community ecology, to introduce recent progresses in this research field, and to discuss and share future perspectives within a wide range of ecological researchers.

Commentator: Michio Kondoh (Ryukoku University)