1
|
Jackrel SL, Broe TY. Intraspecific variation in leaf litter alters fitness metrics and the gut microbiome of consumers. Oecologia 2023; 202:769-782. [PMID: 37594599 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-023-05435-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Biodiversity can have cascading effects throughout ecosystems. While these effects are better understood at coarser taxonomic scales of biodiversity, there has been a resurgence in investigating how biodiversity within species may have cascading effects on communities and ecosystems. We investigate the broader trophic implications of intraspecific variation in the riparian tree, Alnus rubra, where immediately local or 'home' litter decomposes faster than 'away' litter in aquatic and terrestrial systems. With climate change shifting the distributions of plants across the globe, it is essential to understand how shifts in the intraspecific traits of leaf litter may have reverberating effects throughout ecosystems. Here, we find that intraspecific variation in leaf litter has fitness implications for invertebrate consumers, including the algivorous Dicosmoecus and detrivorous Psychoglypha caddisflies, which exhibited increased body size and muscle nitrogen content when incubated within in-situ river mesocosms supplied with local A. rubra litter. Litter source altered caddisfly gut microbiomes by increasing relative abundance of methanogens and methanotrophs among the non-local treatment group. Additionally, Dicosmoecus supplied with non-local litter may have shifted their diet towards a higher proportion of algae, as inferred from shifts in gut microbiome composition and isotopic ratios of muscle tissue. Overall, our study demonstrates that shifting distributions of plant genotypes across the globe may cause plant-microbe mismatches that will disrupt patterns of decomposition and may have consequences on the fitness and foraging behavior of consumers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara L Jackrel
- Department of Ecology, Behavior & Evolution, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0116, USA.
| | - Taryn Y Broe
- Department of Ecology, Behavior & Evolution, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0116, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rubio‐Ríos J, Pérez J, Salinas MJ, Fenoy E, Boyero L, Casas JJ. Climate‐induced plasticity in leaf traits of riparian plants. DIVERS DISTRIB 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.13493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Rubio‐Ríos
- Department of Biology and Geology University of Almeria (UAL) Almería Spain
- Andalusian Centre for the Evaluation and Monitoring of Global Change CAESCG Almería Spain
| | - Javier Pérez
- Department of Plant Biology and Ecology University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) Leioa Spain
| | - María J. Salinas
- Department of Biology and Geology University of Almeria (UAL) Almería Spain
- Andalusian Centre for the Evaluation and Monitoring of Global Change CAESCG Almería Spain
| | - Encarnación Fenoy
- Department of Biology and Geology University of Almeria (UAL) Almería Spain
- Andalusian Centre for the Evaluation and Monitoring of Global Change CAESCG Almería Spain
| | - Luz Boyero
- Department of Plant Biology and Ecology University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) Leioa Spain
| | - José Jesús Casas
- Department of Biology and Geology University of Almeria (UAL) Almería Spain
- Andalusian Centre for the Evaluation and Monitoring of Global Change CAESCG Almería Spain
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Nutrient effects on aquatic litter decomposition of free-floating plants are species dependent. Glob Ecol Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
|
4
|
Jeplawy JR, Cooper HF, Marks J, Lindroth RL, Andrews MI, Compson ZG, Gehring C, Hultine KR, Grady K, Whitham TG, Allan GJ, Best RJ. Plastic responses to hot temperatures homogenize riparian leaf litter, speed decomposition, and reduce detritivores. Ecology 2021; 102:e03461. [PMID: 34236702 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.3461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Efforts to maintain the function of critical ecosystems under climate change often begin with foundation species. In the southwestern United States, cottonwood trees support diverse communities in riparian ecosystems that are threatened by rising temperatures. Genetic variation within cottonwoods shapes communities and ecosystems, but these effects may be modified by phenotypic plasticity, where genotype traits change in response to environmental conditions. Here, we investigated plasticity in Fremont cottonwood (Populus fremontii) leaf litter traits as well as the consequences of plasticity for riparian ecosystems. We used three common gardens each planted with genotypes from six genetically divergent populations spanning a 12°C temperature gradient, and a decomposition experiment in a common stream environment. We found that leaf litter area, specific leaf area, and carbon to nitrogen ratio (C:N) were determined by interactions between genetics and growing environment, as was the subsequent rate of litter decomposition. Most of the genetic variation in leaf litter traits appeared among rather than within source populations with distinct climate histories. Source populations from hotter climates generally produced litter that decomposed more quickly, but plasticity varied the magnitude of this effect. We also found that hotter growing conditions reduced the variation in litter traits produced across genotypes, homogenizing the litter inputs to riparian ecosystems. All genotypes in the hottest garden produced comparatively small leaves that decomposed quickly and supported lower abundances of aquatic invertebrates, whereas the same genotypes in the coldest garden produced litter with distinct morphologies and decomposition rates. Our results suggest that plastic responses to climate stress may constrict the expression of genetic variation in predictable ways that impact communities and ecosystems. Understanding these interactions between genetic and environmental variation is critical to our ability to plan for the role of foundation species when managing and restoring riparian ecosystems in a warming world.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joann R Jeplawy
- School of Earth and Sustainability, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, 86011, USA.,Tetra Tech, Inc., Denver, Colorado, 80202, USA
| | - Hillary F Cooper
- School of Earth and Sustainability, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, 86011, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, 86011, USA.,Center for Adaptable Western Landscapes, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, 86011, USA
| | - Jane Marks
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, 86011, USA.,Center for Ecosystem Science and Society, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, 86011, USA
| | - Richard L Lindroth
- Department of Entomology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, 53706, USA
| | - Morgan I Andrews
- School of Earth and Sustainability, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, 86011, USA
| | - Zacchaeus G Compson
- Department of Biological Sciences, Advanced Environmental Research Institute, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, 76203, USA
| | - Catherine Gehring
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, 86011, USA.,Center for Adaptable Western Landscapes, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, 86011, USA
| | - Kevin R Hultine
- Department of Research, Conservation and Collections, Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix, Arizona, 85008, USA
| | - Kevin Grady
- Department of Forestry, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, 86011, USA
| | - Thomas G Whitham
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, 86011, USA.,Center for Adaptable Western Landscapes, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, 86011, USA
| | - Gerard J Allan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, 86011, USA.,Center for Adaptable Western Landscapes, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, 86011, USA
| | - Rebecca J Best
- School of Earth and Sustainability, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, 86011, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hoffman AM, Bushey JA, Ocheltree TW, Smith MD. Genetic and functional variation across regional and local scales is associated with climate in a foundational prairie grass. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2020; 227:352-364. [PMID: 32176814 DOI: 10.1111/nph.16547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Global change forecasts in ecosystems require knowledge of within-species diversity, particularly of dominant species within communities. We assessed site-level diversity and capacity for adaptation in Bouteloua gracilis, the dominant species in the Central US shortgrass steppe biome. We quantified genetic diversity from 17 sites across regional scales, north to south from New Mexico to South Dakota, and local scales in northern Colorado. We also quantified phenotype and plasticity within and among sites and determined the extent to which phenotypic diversity in B. gracilis was correlated with climate. Genome sequencing indicated pronounced population structure at the regional scale, and local differences indicated that gene flow and/or dispersal may also be limited. Within a common environment, we found evidence of genetic divergence in biomass-related phenotypes, plasticity, and phenotypic variance, indicating functional divergence and different adaptive potential. Phenotypes were differentiated according to climate, chiefly median Palmer Hydrological Drought Index and other aridity metrics. Our results indicate conclusive differences in genetic variation, phenotype, and plasticity in this species and suggest a mechanism explaining variation in shortgrass steppe community responses to global change. This analysis of B. gracilis intraspecific diversity across spatial scales will improve conservation and management of the shortgrass steppe ecosystem in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ava M Hoffman
- Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
- Graduate Degree Program in Ecology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
| | - Julie A Bushey
- Graduate Degree Program in Ecology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
- Department of Forest and Rangeland Stewardship, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
| | - Troy W Ocheltree
- Graduate Degree Program in Ecology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
- Department of Forest and Rangeland Stewardship, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
| | - Melinda D Smith
- Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
- Graduate Degree Program in Ecology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Xiang H, Zhang Y, Atkinson D, Sekar R. Combined effects of water temperature, grazing snails and terrestrial herbivores on leaf decomposition in urban streams. PeerJ 2019; 7:e7580. [PMID: 31608164 PMCID: PMC6788434 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.7580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The decomposition of organic matter in freshwaters, such as leaf litter, can affect global nutrient (e.g., carbon) cycling. This process can be influenced by fast urbanization through increased water temperature, reduced aquatic diversity and changed leaf litter quality traits. In this study, we performed a mesocosm experiment to explore the individual and combined effects of warming (8°C higher and ambient), the presence versus absence of grazing snails (Parafossarulus striatulus), and intraspecific difference of leaf litter quality (intact versus > 40% area of Liriodendron chinense leaves grazed by terrestrial insects) on litter decomposition in urban streams. Litter decomposition rates ranged from 0.019 d−1 to 0.058 d−1 with an average decomposition rate of 0.032 ± 0.002 d−1. All the three factors had significant effects on litter decomposition rate. Warming and the presence of snails accelerated litter decomposition rates by 60% and 35% respectively. Litter decomposition rates of leaves damaged by terrestrial insects were 5% slower than that of intact leaves, because litter quality of terrestrial insect-damaged leaves was lower (i.e., higher specific leaf weight) than intact leaves. For treatments with snails, warming stimulated microbial and snail mediated litter decomposition rates by 35% and 167%, respectively. All combinations of treatments showed additive effects on litter decomposition except for the interaction between warming and snails which showed positive synergistic effects. In addition, neither temperature nor litter quality affected snail growth rate. These results imply that higher water temperature and the presence of abundant snails in urban streams greatly enhanced litter decomposition. Moreover, the effect of pest outbreaks, which resulted in lower litter quality, can cascade to aquatic ecosystems by retarding microbe-mediated litter decomposition. When these factors co-occurred, warming could synergistically interact with snails to speed up the depletion of organic matter, while the effect of leaf quality on litter decomposition may be diminished at high water temperature. These effects could further influence stream food webs and nutrient cycling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongyong Xiang
- Department of Health and Environmental Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Yixin Zhang
- Research Center of Environmental Protection and Ecological Restoration Technology, Gold Mantis School of Architecture, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - David Atkinson
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Raju Sekar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Roubeau Dumont E, Larue C, Pujol B, Lamaze T, Elger A. Environmental variations mediate duckweed (Lemna minor L.) sensitivity to copper exposure through phenotypic plasticity. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:14106-14115. [PMID: 30852756 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-04630-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Environmentally mediated sensitivity of Lemna minor to copper (Cu) was evaluated for the first time in three experiments: the effects of two levels of nutrient concentration, light irradiance or Cu pre-exposure were tested. Various Cu concentrations (ranging from 0.05 to 0.25 mg/L) were used to assess the sensitivity of L. minor to this metal, using one common strain previously acclimatized to two different levels of light intensity, nutrient enrichment and Cu pre-exposure. Our results showed a phenotypic plastic response of the relative growth rates based on frond number and fresh mass production, and maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (Fv/Fm). Growth was affected by the three environmental conditions both prior and during Cu exposure, whereas Fv/Fm was mostly affected during Cu exposure. Copper significantly influenced all the parameters measured in the three experiments. Environmental conditions significantly modified L. minor sensitivity to Cu in all experiments, with up to twofold difference depending on the treatment. Growth rate was the parameter that was most impacted. Our study revealed for the first time the existence of phenotypic plasticity in L. minor sensitivity to chemical contamination, and implies that environmental context needs to be taken into account for a relevant risk assessment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva Roubeau Dumont
- EcoLab, CNRS, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France.
- EcoLab, Campus INPT-ENSAT, Avenue de l'Agrobiopole - BP 32607, 31326, Castanet Tolosan Cedex, France.
| | - Camille Larue
- EcoLab, CNRS, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Benoît Pujol
- Laboratoire Évolution & Diversité Biologique (EDB UMR 5174), CNRS, IRD, UPS, Université Fédérale de Toulouse Midi-Pyrénées, Toulouse, France
- EPHE, CNRS, UPVD, PSL Research University, USR 3278 CRIOBE, F-66360, Perpignan, France
| | - Thierry Lamaze
- Laboratoire CESBIO, CNRS, IRD, CNES, UPS, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Arnaud Elger
- EcoLab, CNRS, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| |
Collapse
|