A Meta-analysis Reveals Knowledge Gaps in Our Understanding of the Spartina-Geukensia Mutualism

Abstract The relationship between Atlantic ribbed mussels ( Geukensia demissa ) and smooth cordgrass Spartina alterniflora represents a textbook example of facultative mutualism. It is also foundational to wetland ecosystems along the coast North America. plantings play an essential role in marsh reconstruction projects, rapidly gaining popularity as tool coastal restoration help marshes resist erosion remove nutrient pollution. However, it remains unclear whether positive effects documented primarily natural settings will translate urban constructed estuaries where they are most needed. Using systematic review meta-analysis, we compared influence - mutualism on growth species nitrogen-cycling processes. Our suggests potential for context dependence this mutualism, with substantial implications resilience restoration. Notably, effect their mutualist found was absent negative marshes. Encouragingly, each nitrogen cycling similar regardless context. We that severely understudied marshes, suggest future directions address knowledge gaps identified our analysis.