Yellowstone Carcass Metagenome

We assessed how predation by large carnivors affects soil properties and ecosystem functioning by altering microbial (bacteria, fungi) biodiversity and community composition. We compared ecosystem functioning (soil respiration, decomposition, vegetation N content and vegetation C:N ratio), soil abiotic (soil C and N content, soil temperature, soil moisture), and biotic properties (soil bacterial and fungal abundance, richness, diversity, community composition) sampled on wolf-killed ungulate carcasses [bison (Bison bison Hamilton Smith), elk] with close-by control sites in Yellowstone National Park.