Dead foundation species drive ecosystem dynamics.

The powerful community-structuring roles of foundation species (FS) are well recognized; however, ecological interactions involving their dead structures have yet to be broadly integrated within ecological theory or ecosystem management. As interacting components of ecosystems, dead foundation species (DFS) modify environments and mediate feedbacks underpinning ecosystem resilience. DFS are vulnerable to global change and often respond differently than living FS. Changes in DFS quantity, composition, and frequency of occurrence influence habitat heterogeneity within systems and subsidy dynamics across systems, provoking far-reaching effects on biodiversity and ecosystem functions. Enhanced recognition of DFS traits and ecological roles will improve restoration outcomes, inform ecological forecasts, and guide conservation of ecosystems challenged by global change. Foundation species facilitate communities, modulate energy flow, and define ecosystems, but their ecological roles after death are frequently overlooked. Here, we reveal the widespread importance of their dead structures as unique, interacting components of ecosystems that are vulnerable to global change. Key metabolic activity, mobility, and morphology traits of foundation species either change or persist after death with important consequences for ecosystem functions, biodiversity, and subsidy dynamics. Dead foundation species frequently mediate ecosystem stability, resilience, and transitions, often through feedbacks, and harnessing their structural and trophic roles can improve restoration outcomes. Enhanced recognition of dead foundation species and their incorporation into habitat monitoring, ecological theory, and ecosystem forecasting can help solve the escalating conservation challenges of the Anthropocene. Foundation species facilitate communities, modulate energy flow, and define ecosystems, but their ecological roles after death are frequently overlooked. Here, we reveal the widespread importance of their dead structures as unique, interacting components of ecosystems that are vulnerable to global change. Key metabolic activity, mobility, and morphology traits of foundation species can either change or persist after death with important consequences for ecosystem function, biodiversity, and subsidy dynamics. Dead foundation species frequently mediate ecosystem stability, resilience, and transitions, often through feedbacks, and harnessing their structural and trophic roles can improve restoration outcomes. Enhanced recognition of dead foundation species and their incorporation into habitat monitoring, ecological theory, and ecosystem forecasting can help solve the escalating conservation problems of the Anthropocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]