Herbivore Population Differences Rival Geographic and Biophysical Variation in Structuring Ecosystem Function.

Geographic variation in ecosystem function is often attributed to differences in climate and soil properties, with biophysical constraints assumed to dictate spatial patterns in nutrient cycling, carbon storage, and plant productivity. However, biotic interactions, particularly herbivory, also vary geographically and can generate feedbacks that influence ecosystem processes. Using a replicated three-year field experiment, we tested how population-level functional differences in a widespread arthropod herbivore mediate geographic variation in ecosystem function. Structural equation modeling revealed that herbivores exerted strong direct effects on plant biomass, soil carbon, and nitrogen mineralization, often surpassing the influence of historical conditions and geographic variation in climate. Moreover, functionally distinct herbivore populations had divergent effects on nutrient cycling and plant diversity, demonstrating that population-level differences introduce novel pathways of influence on ecosystem function. These findings challenge ecosystem models that prioritize abiotic constraints and highlight the need to incorporate consumer-driven feedbacks into ecological frameworks.