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Abraham AJ, Duvall ES, Doughty CE, Riond B, Ortmann S, Terranova M, le Roux E, Clauss M. Sodium Retention in Large Herbivores: Physiological Insights and Zoogeochemical Consequences. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART A, ECOLOGICAL AND INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY 2025. [PMID: 40247661 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2025] [Accepted: 04/01/2025] [Indexed: 04/19/2025]
Abstract
The assimilation, retention, and release of nutrients by animals fundamentally shapes their physiology and contributions to ecological processes (e.g., zoogeochemistry). Yet, information on the transit of nutrients through the bodies of large mammals remains scarce. Here, we examined how sodium (Na), a key element for animal health and ecosystem functioning, travels differently through fecal and urinary systems of cows (Bos taurus) and horses (Equus ferus caballus). We provided a large dose of Na and compared its timing of release in feces and urine to that of nonabsorbable markers. Na excretion by urine occurred approximately twice as fast as excretion by feces, yet both were shorter than indigestible particle markers. These differences correspond to rapid absorption of Na in the upper gastrointestinal tract and transport by blood to the kidneys (urine Na excretion) or resecretion of Na into the lower intestinal tract (fecal Na excretion). Interestingly, for cows, we found a second peak of Na excretion in urine and feces > 96 h after dosage. This result may indicate that surplus Na can be rapidly absorbed and stored in specific body cells (e.g., skin), from which it is later released. Using a propagule dispersal model, we found that the distance of cattle- and horse-driven nutrient dispersal by urine was 31% and 36% less than the fecal pathway and 60% and 41% less than the particle marker pathway, which is commonly used to estimate nutrient dispersal. Future physiological and zoogeochemical studies should resolve different pathways of nutrient retention and release from large mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Abraham
- Section of EcoInformatics and Biodiversity, Department of Biology, Centre for Ecological Dynamics in a Novel Biosphere (ECONOVO), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- School of Informatics, Computing and Cyber Systems, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - Ethan S Duvall
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Christopher E Doughty
- School of Informatics, Computing and Cyber Systems, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - Barbara Riond
- Clinical Laboratory, Department for Clinical Diagnosis and Services, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sylvia Ortmann
- Leibniz-Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Elizabeth le Roux
- Section of EcoInformatics and Biodiversity, Department of Biology, Centre for Ecological Dynamics in a Novel Biosphere (ECONOVO), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Mammal Research Institute, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Marcus Clauss
- Clinic for Zoo Animals, Exotic Pets and Wildlife, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- AgroVet-Strickhof, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Lindau, Switzerland
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Clay NA, Herrmann MC, Evans-White MA, Entrekin SA, West C. Sodium as a subsidy in the spring: evidence for a phenology of sodium limitation. Oecologia 2023; 201:783-795. [PMID: 36853383 PMCID: PMC10038971 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-023-05336-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the factors that mediate carbon (C) cycling is increasingly important as anthropogenic activities and climate change alter ecosystems. Decomposition rates mediate C cycling and are in part regulated by sodium (Na) where Na is limiting up to some threshold after which Na becomes stressful and reduces decomposition rates (i.e., the Sodium Subsidy-Stress hypothesis). An overlooked pathway by which decomposers encounter increased salts like NaCl is through plants, which often take up Na in proportion to soil concentrations. Here we tested the hypothesis that Na addition through litter (detritus) and water and their interaction would impact detrital processing and leachate chemistry. Laboratory riparian soil mesocosms received either artificial litter (100% cellulose sponges) soaked in 0.05% NaCl (NaClL) or just H2O (H2OL: control) and half of each litter treatment received weekly additions of 150 ml of either 0.05% NaCl water (NaClW) or just H2O (H2OW: control). After 8 weeks decomposition was higher in NaCl addition treatments (both NaClL and NaClW and their combo) than controls (H2OL + H2OW) but reflected a unimodal relationship where the saltiest treatment (NaClL + NaClW) was only marginally higher than controls indicating a subsidy-stress response. Previous studies in this system found that Na addition in either water or litter decreased decomposition. However, differences may reflect a phenology of Na demand where Na-limitation increases in the spring (this study). These results indicate that our understanding of how Na impacts detrital processes, C cycling, and aquatic-terrestrial linkages necessitates incorporation of temporal dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie A Clay
- School of Biological Sciences, Louisiana Tech University, 1 Adams Blvd., Ruston, LA, 71272, USA.
| | - Maggie C Herrmann
- School of Biological Sciences, Louisiana Tech University, 1 Adams Blvd., Ruston, LA, 71272, USA
| | - Michelle A Evans-White
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Arkansas, 525 Old Main, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA
| | - Sally A Entrekin
- Department of Entomology, Virginia Tech, 170 Drillfield Drive, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Colton West
- School of Biological Sciences, Louisiana Tech University, 1 Adams Blvd., Ruston, LA, 71272, USA
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Almeida RPS, Teresa FB, Camarota F, Izzo TJ, Silva RR, Andrade-Silva J, de Arruda FV. The role of morphological traits in predicting the functional ecology of arboreal and ground ants in the Cerrado-Amazon transition. Oecologia 2023; 201:199-212. [PMID: 36520222 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-022-05304-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
There is often a vertical stratification of the vegetation in tropical forests, where each forest stratum has a unique set of environmental conditions, including marked differences in habitat heterogeneity, physical complexity, and microclimate. Additionally, many tropical forests are highly seasonal, and we need to consider the temporal variation in environmental conditions when assessing the functional aspects of their organisms. Here, we tested the hypothesis that vertical stratification and seasonality shape tropical ants' functional ecology and that there are differences in the functional trait diversity and composition between arboreal and ground-dwelling ant communities. We collected ants in the arboreal and ground strata in the rainy and dry seasons in six different areas, measuring seven morphological traits to characterize their functional ecology and diversity. Irrespective of the season, we found a distinct functional composition between arboreal and ground-dwelling ants and a higher functional richness on the ground. However, ground ants were more functionally redundant than arboreal ants. The differences in functional richness and redundancy between ant inhabiting strata and season could also be observed in the community-weighted mean traits: arboreal and ground ant traits can be distinguished in Weber's length, mandible length, eye length, and eye position on the head capsule. The differences in these functional traits are mainly related to the ants' feeding habits and the complexity of their foraging substrates. Overall, by providing the first systematic comparison of continuous traits between arboreal and ground-dwelling ants, our study opens new investigation paths, indicating important axes of functional diversification of tropical ants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rony P S Almeida
- Laboratório de Morfologia e Ecologia Funcional de Formigas (AntMor), Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi, Av. Perimetral, 1901, Terra Firme, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Fabrício B Teresa
- Universidade Estadual de Goiás, Campus Central, Anápolis, GO, Brazil
| | - Flávio Camarota
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
| | - Thiago Junqueira Izzo
- Departamento de Botânica e Ecologia, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
| | - Rogério R Silva
- Laboratório de Morfologia e Ecologia Funcional de Formigas (AntMor), Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi, Av. Perimetral, 1901, Terra Firme, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Joudellys Andrade-Silva
- Laboratório de Morfologia e Ecologia Funcional de Formigas (AntMor), Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi, Av. Perimetral, 1901, Terra Firme, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Filipe Viegas de Arruda
- Instituto de Pesquisa Ambiental da Amazônia (IPAM), Asa Norte Comércio Local Norte 211 BL B Sala 201-Asa Norte, Brasília, DF, 70863-520, Brazil
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Herrmann MC, Entrekin SA, Evans-White MA, Clay NA. Salty water and salty leaf litter alters riparian detrital processes: Evidence from sodium-addition laboratory mesocosm experiments. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 806:151392. [PMID: 34740665 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Terrestrial and freshwater secondary salinization is a global phenomenon arising partially from anthropogenic activities. How low-level direct (e.g., sodium exposure through irrigation runoff) or indirect (e.g., sodium exposure through sodium-enriched leaves as riparian plants uptake sodium that via senescence enters detrital systems) impacts detrital processes in riparia have received little attention. Based on the sodium ecosystem respiration hypothesis, we predicted low-level salinization of an inland mesic riparia would result in increased detrital processing and increased leachate dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and conductivity. Two riparian soil mesocosm experiments tested how low-level salinization affects leachate chemistry and conductivity and riparian decomposition rates and detritivore community structure: 1) direct low-level NaCl deposition in water (weekly additions of 300 ml of 0.05% NaCl or just H2O (controls)), and 2) indirect low-level NaCl deposition through Na-enriched artificial litter (0.05% NaCl or just H2O (controls)). After three months, leachate Na+ concentrations were 12-fold and 1.5-fold higher in Na-addition than control mesocosms for direct and indirect Na-addition experiments, respectively. Contrary to predictions, decomposition rate was 1.3-fold lower in indirect Na-addition than control mesocosms but invertebrate communities were similar. Decomposition rate did not differ in direct Na-addition experiments, and although invertebrate abundance was lower, diversity was 1.4-fold higher in Na-addition than control mesocosms. Leachate DOC did not differ between Na-addition and control mesocosms for either direct or indirect Na-addition experiments. This study adds to the growing evidence that even low-level Na addition can stress inland mesic terrestrial systems and demonstrates that even Na-enriched detritus alone can induce salt-stress in riparian soil systems. These results suggest that even low-level salinization of riparia can impact riparian ecosystem function and leachate chemistry through direct exposure and indirectly through Na-enriched detritus, a previously overlooked pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Herrmann
- Louisiana Tech University, School of Biological Sciences, 1 Adams Blvd., Ruston, LA 71272, USA
| | - S A Entrekin
- Virginia Tech, Department of Entomology, 170 Drillfield Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - M A Evans-White
- University of Arkansas, Department of Biological Sciences, 525 Old Main, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - N A Clay
- Louisiana Tech University, School of Biological Sciences, 1 Adams Blvd., Ruston, LA 71272, USA.
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Evidence of sodium limitation in ants and termites in a Neotropical savanna. JOURNAL OF TROPICAL ECOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1017/s0266467421000535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Nutritional ecology of ropical ecosystems like Neotropical savannas, which are of high conservation concern, is understudied. Sodium is essential for heterotrophs but availability often falls short relative to plant consumer requirements. Savanna plant consumers like ants and termites should be sodium-limited due to high temperatures, nutrient-poor soils, and lack of oceanic sodium deposition. We tested the hypothesis that Neotropical savanna ants and termites are sodium-limited. Termites were tested by supplementing 0.25 m2 plots with H2O (control), 0.1%, 0.5%, or 1.0% NaCl and measuring termite presence and artificial substrate mass loss after 1 week. Ants were tested by collecting ants that recruited to H2O (control), 0.1%, 0.5%, and 1.0% NaCl and 1.0%, 10%, and 20% sugar baits on paired diurnal–nocturnal transects. Termites were 16 times more likely to occur on 1% NaCl than H2O plots and wood-feeding termites were most frequent. However, the decomposition rate did not differ among treatments. Ant bait use increased with increasing NaCl concentration and 1% NaCl usage was similar to sugar bait usage. Ants were 3.7 times more active nocturnally than diurnally, but contrary to predictions bait type (water, sugar or NaCl) usage did not differ between day and night. Together, these results provide strong evidence of sodium limitation in Neotropical savannas.
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Kaspari M. The Invisible Hand of the Periodic Table: How Micronutrients Shape Ecology. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ECOLOGY, EVOLUTION, AND SYSTEMATICS 2021. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ecolsys-012021-090118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Beyond the better-studied carbohydrates and the macronutrients nitrogen and phosphorus, a remaining 20 or so elements are essential for life and have distinct geographical distributions, making them of keen interest to ecologists. Here, I provide a framework for understanding how shortfalls in micronutrients like iodine, copper, and zinc can regulate individual fitness, abundance, and ecosystem function. With a special focus on sodium, I show how simple experiments manipulating biogeochemistry can reveal why many of the variables that ecologists study vary so dramatically from place to place. I conclude with a discussion of how the Anthropocene's changing temperature, precipitation, and atmospheric CO2 levels are contributing to nutrient dilution (decreases in the nutrient quality at the base of food webs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Kaspari
- Geographical Ecology Group, Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, USA
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Dead Wood Necromass in a Moist Tropical Forest: Stocks, Fluxes, and Spatiotemporal Variability. Ecosystems 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10021-019-00341-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Entrekin SA, Clay NA, Mogilevski A, Howard-Parker B, Evans-White MA. Multiple riparian-stream connections are predicted to change in response to salinization. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2018; 374:20180042. [PMID: 30509922 PMCID: PMC6283969 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2018.0042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Secondary freshwater salinization, a common anthropogenic alteration, has detrimental, lethal and sub-lethal effects on aquatic biota. Ions from secondary salinization can become toxic to terrestrial and aquatic organisms when exposed to salinized runoff that causes periodic high-concentration pulses. Gradual, low-level (less than 1000 ppm salinity) increases in salt concentrations are also commonly documented in regions with urbanization, agriculture, drilling and mining. Despite widespread low-level salt increases, little is known about the biological and ecological consequences in coupled riparian-stream systems. Recent research indicates lethal and even sub-lethal levels of ions can subsidize or stress microbial decomposer and macroinvertebrate detritivores that could lead to alterations of three riparian-stream pathways: (i) salinized runoff that changes microbial decomposer and macroinvertebrate detritivore and algae performance leading to changes in composition and processing of detrital pools; (ii) riparian plant salt uptake and altered litter chemistry, and litterfall for riparian and aquatic detritivores and their subsequent enrichment, stimulating decomposition rates and production of dissolved and fine organic matter; and (iii) salt consumption in salinized soils could increase riparian detritivore growth, decomposition and dissolved organic matter production. Subsidy-stress and reciprocal flows in coupled riparian-stream connections provide frameworks to identify the extent and magnitude of changes in detrital processing from salinization.This article is part of the theme issue 'Salt in freshwaters: causes, ecological consequences and future prospects'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally A Entrekin
- Department of Biology, University of Central Arkansas, Conway, AR 72035, USA
- Department of Entomology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Natalie A Clay
- School of Biological Sciences, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, LA 71272, USA
| | | | - Brooke Howard-Parker
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
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García-Martínez MA, Presa-Parra E, Valenzuela-González JE, Lasa R. The Fruit Fly Lure CeraTrap: An Effective Tool for the Study of the Arboreal Ant Fauna (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2018; 18:5077779. [PMID: 30137475 PMCID: PMC6105092 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/iey078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Despite preliminary reports of ants trapped in food-baited fruit fly traps, little is known regarding the identity of the myrmecofauna that can be sampled using this technique. This study aimed to examine the inventory completeness, activity and species occurrence of canopy ant assemblages collected in baited traps used for monitoring fruit flies in different fruit orchards in central Veracruz, Mexico. The trap models used in the sampling were Multilure, McPhail glass, and 500 ml blue polyethylene bottles. Three commercial fruit fly food attractants (CeraTrap, Captor + Borax, and BioLure) and two grape juice products (Jumex grape juice and Tang) were used as baits for sampling. In total 3,626 ant workers belonging to 54 species, 19 genera, 10 tribes, and 5 subfamilies were collected. Among the five food attractants used in this study, CeraTrap recorded a markedly higher inventory completeness, ant activity and species occurrence per trap. This study reports for the first time the use of CeraTrap, as a promising and effective food attractant for collecting the foraging ants in the canopy of agroecosystems, which may be applicable to other habitats such as natural forests, mangroves, or agricultural settings such as coffee plantations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A García-Martínez
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, Universidad Veracruzana, Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez S/N, Centro Peñuela, Amatlán de los Reyes, Veracruz, Mexico
- Unidad Académica de Biotecnología y Agroindustrial, Universidad Politécnica de Huatusco, Calle 9 Sur entre Avenida 7 y 9 s/n Col. Centro, Huatusco, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Ehdibaldo Presa-Parra
- Red de Manejo Biorracional de Plagas y Vectores, Instituto de Ecología, A.C., Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
| | | | - Rodrigo Lasa
- Red de Manejo Biorracional de Plagas y Vectores, Instituto de Ecología, A.C., Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
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Camenzind T, Lehmberg J, Weimershaus P, Álvarez-Garrido L, Andrade Linares DR, Súarez JP, Rillig MC. Do fungi need salt licks? No evidence for fungal contribution to the Sodium Ecosystem Respiration Hypothesis based on lab and field experiments in Southern Ecuador. FUNGAL ECOL 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.funeco.2017.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Camenzind T, Hättenschwiler S, Treseder KK, Lehmann A, Rillig MC. Nutrient limitation of soil microbial processes in tropical forests. ECOL MONOGR 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/ecm.1279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tessa Camenzind
- Institute of Biology; Freie Universität Berlin; Altensteinstr. 6 14195 Berlin Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB); 14195 Berlin Germany
| | - Stephan Hättenschwiler
- Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive (CEFE); UMR 5175; CNRS, Université de Montpellier, Université Paul-Valéry Montpellier, EPHE; 1919 route de Mende 34293 Montpellier Cedex 5 France
| | - Kathleen K. Treseder
- School of Biological Sciences; University of California; Irvine California 92697 USA
| | - Anika Lehmann
- Institute of Biology; Freie Universität Berlin; Altensteinstr. 6 14195 Berlin Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB); 14195 Berlin Germany
| | - Matthias C. Rillig
- Institute of Biology; Freie Universität Berlin; Altensteinstr. 6 14195 Berlin Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB); 14195 Berlin Germany
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Clay NA, Lehrter RJ, Kaspari M. Towards a geography of omnivory: Omnivores increase carnivory when sodium is limiting. J Anim Ecol 2017; 86:1523-1531. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.12754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michael Kaspari
- Department of Biology University of Oklahoma Norman OK USA
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute Balboa Panama
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