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Stelling‐Wood TP, Poore AGB, Hughes AR, Everett JD, Gribben PE. Habitat traits and predation interact to drive abundance and body size patterns in associated fauna. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10771. [PMID: 38053789 PMCID: PMC10694384 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Habitat-forming organisms provide three-dimensional structure that supports abundant and diverse communities. Variation in the morphological traits of habitat formers will therefore likely influence how they facilitate associated communities, either via food and habitat provisioning, or by altering predator-prey interactions. These mechanisms, however, are typically studied in isolation, and thus, we know little of how they interact to affect associated communities. In response to this, we used naturally occurring morphological variability in the alga Sargassum vestitum to create habitat units of distinct morphotypes to test whether variation in the morphological traits (frond size and thallus size) of S. vestitum or the interaction between these traits affects their value as habitat for associated communities in the presence and absence of predation. We found morphological traits did not interact, instead having independent effects on epifauna that were negligible in the absence of predation. However, when predators were present, habitat units with large fronds were found to host significantly lower epifaunal abundances than other morphotypes, suggesting that large frond alga provided low-value refuge from predators. The presence of predators also influenced the size structure of epifaunal communities from habitat units of differing frond size, suggesting that the refuge value of S. vestitum was also related to epifauna body size. This suggests that habitat formers may chiefly structure associated communities by mediating size-selective predation, and not through habitat provisioning. Furthermore, these results also highlight that habitat traits cannot be considered in isolation, for their interaction with biotic processes can have significant implications for associated communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talia P. Stelling‐Wood
- Evolution & Ecology Research CentreUNSW SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Centre of Marine Science and InnovationUNSW SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Alistair G. B. Poore
- Evolution & Ecology Research CentreUNSW SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Centre of Marine Science and InnovationUNSW SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | | | - Jason D. Everett
- Centre of Marine Science and InnovationUNSW SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- School of Mathematics and PhysicsThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueenslandAustralia
| | - Paul E. Gribben
- Centre of Marine Science and InnovationUNSW SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Sydney Institute of Marine ScienceMosmanNew South WalesAustralia
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Nauta J, Lammers C, Lexmond R, Christianen MJA, Borst A, Lamers LPM, van Lavieren H, Naipal S, Govers LL. Habitat complexity drives food web structure along a dynamic mangrove coast. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 196:115597. [PMID: 37832500 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Structurally complex habitats, such as mangrove forests, allow for rich assemblages of species that benefit from the provided space, volume and substrate. Changes in habitat complexity can affect species abundance, diversity and resilience. In this study, we explored the effects of habitat complexity on food web networks in four developmental stages of mangrove forests with differing structural complexities: climax > degrading > colonizing > bare, by analyzing food web structure, stable isotopes and habitat complexity. We found that food webs became gradually more biodiverse (species richness: +119 %), complex (link density: +39 %), and robust (connectance: -35 %) in climax versus bare stages with increasing complexity of the mangrove forest (i.e., number of trees, leaf cover, and pneumatophore densities). This study shows that habitat complexity drives food web network structure in dynamic mangrove forests. We recommend restoration practitioners to use this food web network approach to quantify habitat restoration successes complementary to traditional biodiversity metrics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janne Nauta
- Conservation Ecology Group, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, 9700 AA Groningen, the Netherlands; Aquatic Ecology and Environmental Biology, Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Carlijn Lammers
- Conservation Ecology Group, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, 9700 AA Groningen, the Netherlands; Aquatic Ecology and Environmental Biology, Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Coastal Systems, Royal Netherlands Institute of Sea Research (NIOZ), 1790 AB Den Burg, the Netherlands
| | - Robin Lexmond
- Aquatic Ecology and Environmental Biology, Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Plant Ecology and Physiology, Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Marjolijn J A Christianen
- Aquatic Ecology and Environmental Biology, Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management Group, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Annieke Borst
- Aquatic Ecology and Environmental Biology, Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Leon P M Lamers
- Aquatic Ecology and Environmental Biology, Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, the Netherlands; B-WARE Research Centre, Toernooiveld 1, 6525 ED Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Sieuwnath Naipal
- Anton de Kom University of Suriname, Leysweg 86, P.O.B. 9212, Paramaribo, Suriname
| | - Laura L Govers
- Conservation Ecology Group, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, 9700 AA Groningen, the Netherlands; Aquatic Ecology and Environmental Biology, Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Coastal Systems, Royal Netherlands Institute of Sea Research (NIOZ), 1790 AB Den Burg, the Netherlands
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Towne ZW, Judge ML, O’Connor NJ. Intertidal habitat complexity influences the density of the non-native crab Hemigrapsus sanguineus. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15161. [PMID: 37041978 PMCID: PMC10083005 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Habitat structural complexity can provide protection from predators, potentially affecting population density of native and non-native prey. The invasive Asian shore crab, Hemigrapsus sanguineus, occurs in variable densities in the rocky intertidal zone of eastern North America and northern Europe, often in densities greater than in its native range. The present study examined the influence of habitat complexity on the density of H. sanguineus. Artificial shelters of concrete pavers with stones arranged in increasing complexity were deployed in the intertidal zone along a rocky shore in southeastern Massachusetts, USA, for 21 consecutive weekly intervals in 2020. Crabs consistently reached the highest densities in the most complex shelters despite their lower internal surface area. In addition, crabs exhibited shelter selectivity based on body size, with large crabs occupying artificial shelters in greater numbers than adjacent natural substrate. In a subsequent lab study, crab activity over 1 h was observed in the presence of the same artificial shelters, under simulated tidal conditions. Shelter complexity had little influence on the number of crabs under the pavers although crabs were more active when submerged in water than exposed to air. These results show that crab density increases as habitat complexity increases, and complexity may serve as a predictor of H. sanguineus density but not short-term behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary W. Towne
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth, Dartmouth, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Michael L. Judge
- Department of Biology, Manhattan College, Riverdale, New York, United States
| | - Nancy J. O’Connor
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth, Dartmouth, Massachusetts, United States
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Jardim VL, Gauthier O, Toumi C, Grall J. Quantifying maerl (rhodolith) habitat complexity along an environmental gradient at regional scale in the Northeast Atlantic. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 181:105768. [PMID: 36240648 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2022.105768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Maerl beds are ecologically important marine biogenic habitats founded on a few species of free-living coralline algae that aggregate and form highly complex rhodoliths. The high biodiversity found in these habitats have been mainly justified by the structural complexity that they provide. However, few attempts to quantify this complexity have been made. Maerl species distribution, density, rhodolith growth forms, and shapes vary with environmental conditions. Hydrodynamics and depth have been shown to drive morphology. Using species-specific metrics such as sphericity and branching density, as well as diameter and fractal dimension at the rhodolith level, and maerl density at the habitat level, we quantified the habitat complexity within ten maerl beds at a regional scale (along ∼400 km of the coastline of Brittany in Western France). Using both long-term monitoring data and environmental models, we investigated how maerl habitat complexity varies among beds and which environmental conditions drive those differences. The effects of currents, exposure to wind-generated waves, temperature and sediment granulometry were evaluated. We confirmed variations in complexity in maerl beds at the habitat and rhodolith levels at local and regional scales, which might have ecological and conservational implications for their associated biodiversity. The analysed environmental conditions drive around a third of the variance in habitat complexity. Sediment granulometry is the main driver of maerl habitat complexity in Brittany, while the isolated effects of depth and hydrodynamics accounted for less than 5% of the variability each. Our results have important implications for paleoecology, and we suggest that maerl facies should be interpreted carefully. Our study provides a first attempt at explicitly quantifying maerl habitat complexity, and further contributes to the understanding of this fundamental ecological question.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor L Jardim
- LEMAR, Univ Brest, CNRS, IRD, Ifremer, 29280, Plouzané, France.
| | - Olivier Gauthier
- LEMAR, Univ Brest, CNRS, IRD, Ifremer, 29280, Plouzané, France; OSU IUEM, Univ Brest, CNRS, IRD, 29280, Plouzané, France
| | - Chirine Toumi
- LEMAR, Univ Brest, CNRS, IRD, Ifremer, 29280, Plouzané, France
| | - Jacques Grall
- LEMAR, Univ Brest, CNRS, IRD, Ifremer, 29280, Plouzané, France; OSU IUEM, Univ Brest, CNRS, IRD, 29280, Plouzané, France
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Loke LHL, Chisholm RA. Measuring habitat complexity and spatial heterogeneity in ecology. Ecol Lett 2022; 25:2269-2288. [PMID: 35977844 PMCID: PMC9804605 DOI: 10.1111/ele.14084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Habitat complexity has been considered a key driver of biodiversity and other ecological phenomena for nearly a century. However, there is still no consensus over the definition of complexity or how to measure it. Up-to-date and clear guidance on measuring complexity is urgently needed, particularly given the rise of remote sensing and advent of technologies that allow environments to be scanned at unprecedented spatial extents and resolutions. Here we review how complexity is measured in ecology. We provide a framework for metrics of habitat complexity, and for the related concept of spatial heterogeneity. We focus on the two most commonly used complexity metrics in ecology: fractal dimension and rugosity. We discuss the pros and cons of these metrics using practical examples from our own empirical data and from simulations. Fractal dimension is particularly widely used, and we provide a critical examination of it drawing on research from other scientific fields. We also discuss informational metrics of complexity and their potential benefits. We chart a path forward for research on measuring habitat complexity by presenting, as a guide, sets of essential and desirable criteria that a metric of complexity should possess. Lastly, we discuss the applied significance of our review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynette H. L. Loke
- School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and EngineeringMacquarie UniversityNorth RydeNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Ryan A. Chisholm
- Department of Biological SciencesNational University of SingaporeSingapore CitySingapore
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Aguilar-Baldosea W, López- Ramírez IC, Chávez- Mosquera LY, Rengifo Murillo L, Halaby- Guerrero JC. Efecto de la mineria en macroinvertebrados acuáticos de la ciénaga plaza seca, Atrato, Chocó. REVISTA POLITÉCNICA 2022. [DOI: 10.33571/rpolitec.v18n35a1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Los ecosistemas de humedales de la cuenca media del Atrato se han visto afectados por factores como la minería, que interrumpen la dinámica ecológica natural de estas comunidades acuáticas entre ellas el ensamblaje de macroinvertebrados acuáticos. Se determinó el efecto de la contaminación minera aurífera en la ciénaga Plaza Seca, cuenca Media del Atrato, Chocó, Colombia. Se analizó la estructura y dinámica. Los ejemplares de macroinvertebrados se colectaron en sustratos como las macrófitas, sedimento y vegetación de ribera, se fijaron con alcohol al 70%; se midieron parámetros fisicoquímicos e hidrológicos. Se colectaron un total de 175 organismos, distribuidos en 2 clases, 7 órdenes, 22 familias y 27 géneros. El orden Odonata fue el más representativo (34%), seguido de Coleóptera (28%). El índice de diversidad de Shannon-Wiener arrojó bajos valores (1,92 bits/ind). Las variables fisicoquímicas se vieron influenciadas por la actividad minera que se desarrolla en las áreas aledañas a la ciénaga.
The wetland ecosystems of the middle Atrato basin have been affected by factors such as mining, which interrupt the natural ecological dynamics of these aquatic communities, including the assemblage of aquatic macroinvertebrates. The effect of gold mining contamination in the Pla-za Seca marsh, Middle Atrato basin, Chocó, Colombia, was determined. The structure and dynamics were analyzed. Macroinvertebrate specimens were collected from substrates such as macrophytes, sediment and riparian vegetation, fixed with 70% alcohol; physicochemical and hydrological parameters were measured. A total of 175 organisms were collected, distributed in 2 classes, 7 orders, 22 families and 27 genera. The order Odonata was the most representative (34%), followed by Coleoptera (28%). The Shannon-Wiener diversity index showed low values (1.92 bits/ind). The physicochemical variables were influenced by mining activity in the areas surrounding the marsh.
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Ortega-Jiménez E, Sedano F, Espinosa F. Molluscs community as a keystone group for assessing the impact of urban sprawl at intertidal ecosystems. Urban Ecosyst 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11252-021-01192-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
AbstractMollusc communities are getting endangered in the aftermath of urban sprawl because artificial structures do not surrogate natural substrates. In this study, we compared the diversity, community and trophic arrangements of molluscs among different models of artificial substrate and their adjacent natural rock, to detect relationships between some abiotic variables and the mollusc communities. Complexity, chemical composition and age were tested as potential drivers of the community. Diversity, community and trophic structure differed between natural and artificial substrates. Complexity at the scale of cm was detected as the most important factor driving the community structure. In addition, a chemical composition based on silica and/or scarce calcium carbonates seems to be relevant for molluscs, as well as for the secondary substrate where they inhabit. However, age did not seem to be a driving factor. Among the different artificial structures, macroscale complexity was detected as the main factor diverging a drastically poor community at seawall from other artificial structures. In this context, macro and microscale complexity, chemical composition and mineral type are variables to consider in future designs of artificial substrates.
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Lafuente E, Lürig MD, Rövekamp M, Matthews B, Buser C, Vorburger C, Räsänen K. Building on 150 Years of Knowledge: The Freshwater Isopod Asellus aquaticus as an Integrative Eco-Evolutionary Model System. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.748212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Interactions between organisms and their environments are central to how biological diversity arises and how natural populations and ecosystems respond to environmental change. These interactions involve processes by which phenotypes are affected by or respond to external conditions (e.g., via phenotypic plasticity or natural selection) as well as processes by which organisms reciprocally interact with the environment (e.g., via eco-evolutionary feedbacks). Organism-environment interactions can be highly dynamic and operate on different hierarchical levels, from genes and phenotypes to populations, communities, and ecosystems. Therefore, the study of organism-environment interactions requires integrative approaches and model systems that are suitable for studies across different hierarchical levels. Here, we introduce the freshwater isopod Asellus aquaticus, a keystone species and an emerging invertebrate model system, as a prime candidate to address fundamental questions in ecology and evolution, and the interfaces therein. We review relevant fields of research that have used A. aquaticus and draft a set of specific scientific questions that can be answered using this species. Specifically, we propose that studies on A. aquaticus can help understanding (i) the influence of host-microbiome interactions on organismal and ecosystem function, (ii) the relevance of biotic interactions in ecosystem processes, and (iii) how ecological conditions and evolutionary forces facilitate phenotypic diversification.
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Unravelling facilitation among introduced species, a mechanistic approach. Biol Invasions 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-021-02592-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Ragazzola F, Marchini A, Adani M, Bordone A, Castelli A, Cerrati G, Kolzenburg R, Langeneck J, di Marzo C, Nannini M, Raiteri G, Romanelli E, Santos M, Vasapollo C, Pipitone C, Lombardi C. An intertidal life: Combined effects of acidification and winter heatwaves on a coralline alga (Ellisolandia elongata) and its associated invertebrate community. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 169:105342. [PMID: 33933902 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2021.105342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In coastal marine ecosystems coralline algae often create biogenic reefs. These calcareous algal reefs affect their associated invertebrate communities via diurnal oscillations in photosynthesis, respiration and calcification processes. Little is known about how these biogenic reefs function and how they will be affected by climate change. We investigated the winter response of a Mediterranean intertidal biogenic reef, Ellissolandia elongata exposed in the laboratory to reduced pH conditions (i.e. ambient pH - 0.3, RCP 8.5) together with an extreme heatwave event (+1.4 °C for 15 days). Response variables considered both the algal physiology (calcification and photosynthetic rates) and community structure of the associated invertebrates (at taxonomic and functional level). The combination of a reduced pH with a heatwave event caused Ellisolandia elongata to significantly increase photosynthetic activity. The high variability of calcification that occurred during simulated night time conditions, indicates that there is not a simple, linear relationship between these two and may indicate that it will be resilient to future conditions of climate change. In contrast, the associated fauna were particularly negatively affected by the heatwave event, which impoverished the communities as opportunistic taxa became dominant. Local increases in oxygen and pH driven by the algae can buffer the microhabitat in the algal fronds, thus favouring the survival of small invertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Ragazzola
- Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Ferry Road, Portsmouth, UK.
| | - Agnese Marchini
- Department of Earth and Environmental Science, University of Pavia, Via S. Epifanio 14, Pavia, Italy
| | - Mario Adani
- ENEA Research Centre Bologna, Via Martiri di Monte Sole, Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Bordone
- ENEA Marine Environment Research Centre, Via Forte Santa Teresa, 19032, Pozzuolo di Lerici (SP), Italy
| | - Alberto Castelli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via Derna 1, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gabriella Cerrati
- ENEA Marine Environment Research Centre, Via Forte Santa Teresa, 19032, Pozzuolo di Lerici (SP), Italy
| | - Regina Kolzenburg
- Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Ferry Road, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Joachim Langeneck
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via Derna 1, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Carlotta di Marzo
- ENEA Marine Environment Research Centre, Via Forte Santa Teresa, 19032, Pozzuolo di Lerici (SP), Italy; Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via Derna 1, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Matteo Nannini
- ENEA Marine Environment Research Centre, Via Forte Santa Teresa, 19032, Pozzuolo di Lerici (SP), Italy; National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Marine Sciences (ISMAR), Via Forte Santa Teresa, 19032, Pozzuolo di Lerici (SP), Italy
| | - Giancarlo Raiteri
- ENEA Marine Environment Research Centre, Via Forte Santa Teresa, 19032, Pozzuolo di Lerici (SP), Italy
| | - Elisa Romanelli
- ENEA Marine Environment Research Centre, Via Forte Santa Teresa, 19032, Pozzuolo di Lerici (SP), Italy; Interdepartmental Graduate Program in Marine Science, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Mar Santos
- Department of Earth and Environmental Science, University of Pavia, Via S. Epifanio 14, Pavia, Italy
| | - Claudio Vasapollo
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Biological Resources and Marine Biotechnologies (IRBIM), Largo Fiera della Pesca, 1, Ancona, Italy
| | - Carlo Pipitone
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Anthropic Impacts and Sustainability in Marine Environment (IAS), Lungomare Cristoforo Colombo 4521, 90149, Palermo, Italy
| | - Chiara Lombardi
- ENEA Marine Environment Research Centre, Via Forte Santa Teresa, 19032, Pozzuolo di Lerici (SP), Italy
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Altieri P, Paz LE, Jensen RF, Donadelli J, Capítulo AR. Transplanting macrophytes as a rehabilitation technique for lowland streams and their influence on macroinvertebrate assemblages. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2021; 93:e20191029. [PMID: 34231754 DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765202120191029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Lowland streams are usually affected by river engineering works that produce the loss of habitat heterogeneity. Our aim was to assess the transplantation of macrophytes with different complexity into a lowland stream which was dredged and widened. Stuckenia pectinata and Hydrocleys nymphoides were collected at an extraction site and installed at a transplant site. The growth and coverage of macrophytes beds were quantified. Taxonomic richness, Shannon-Wiener diversity, abundance, composition and proportion of functional feeding groups of the macroinvertebrate assemblage presented in macrophyte beds were assessed between sites and species. The growth of both macrophytes did not differ significantly between sites and the coverage of transplanted beds increased, therefore they established at the transplant site within a short period. Regarding to macroinvertebrate assemblage, only the functional feeding groups did not show differences between sites. Moreover, the proportion of predators presented differences between macrophytes at the same site, with H. nymphoides having a higher proportion. Our study showed that this technique is suitable for reintroducing these species and is applicable in rehabilitation projects that promote the restoration of habitat heterogeneity deteriorated by river engineering works. Also, we highlight the importance of incorporate macroinvertebrate functional traits to assess the ecological status after rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Altieri
- Instituto de Limnología, Dr.-Raúl A. Ringuelet (ILPLA) (CONICET La Plata, UNLP) C.C 712-1900, La Plata, Argentina.,Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo, Universidad Nacional de La Plata. C.C 712-1900, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Laura E Paz
- Instituto de Limnología, Dr.-Raúl A. Ringuelet (ILPLA) (CONICET La Plata, UNLP) C.C 712-1900, La Plata, Argentina.,Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo, Universidad Nacional de La Plata. C.C 712-1900, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Roberto F Jensen
- Instituto de Limnología, Dr.-Raúl A. Ringuelet (ILPLA) (CONICET La Plata, UNLP) C.C 712-1900, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Jorge Donadelli
- Instituto de Limnología, Dr.-Raúl A. Ringuelet (ILPLA) (CONICET La Plata, UNLP) C.C 712-1900, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Alberto Rodrigues Capítulo
- Instituto de Limnología, Dr.-Raúl A. Ringuelet (ILPLA) (CONICET La Plata, UNLP) C.C 712-1900, La Plata, Argentina.,Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo, Universidad Nacional de La Plata. C.C 712-1900, La Plata, Argentina
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Effect of the Human Utilization of Northern Snakehead (Channa argus Cantor, 1842) on the Settlement of Exotic Fish and Cladoceran Community Structure. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13052486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Empirical studies suggest that changes in the density of top predators, such as carnivorous fish, in freshwater food webs, strongly affect not only fish communities but also various primary and secondary consumers. Based on these findings, we explored how differences in the utilization of carnivorous fish (i.e., Northern Snakehead, Channa argus) by humans affected the fish and cladoceran community structure as well as the settlement of exotic fish species (i.e., Lepomis macrochirus and Micropterus salmoides) in 30 wetlands located in the upper and lower reaches of the Nakdong River. Our results show that in the mid–lower reaches of the Nakdong River, the density of C. argus was low, while high densities of L. macrochirus and M. salmoides were observed. Exotic fish species are frequently consumed by C. argus, leading to a low density of L. macrochirus and M. salmoides in the upper reaches, which supported a high density of C. argus. However, in the mid–lower reaches, the density of L. macrochirus was high because of the frequent collection of C. argus by fishing activities. The dominance of L. macrochirus significantly changed the structure of cladoceran communities. L. macrochirus mainly feeds on pelagic species, increasing the density of epiphytic species in the mid–lower reaches. The continued utilization of C. argus by humans induced a stable settlement of exotic fish species and strongly affected the community structures of primary consumers in the 30 wetlands. The frequency of C. argus collection has to be reduced to secure biodiversity in the mid–lower reaches of the Nakdong River, which will reduce the proportion of exotic fish species and increase the conservation of native fish.
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Coastal ocean acidification and nitrogen loading facilitate invasions of the non-indigenous red macroalga, Dasysiphonia japonica. Biol Invasions 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-020-02445-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
AbstractCoastal ecosystems are prone to multiple anthropogenic and natural stressors including eutrophication, acidification, and invasive species. While the growth of some macroalgae can be promoted by excessive nutrient loading and/or elevated pCO2, responses differ among species and ecosystems. Native to the western Pacific Ocean, the filamentous, turf-forming rhodophyte, Dasysiphonia japonica, appeared in estuaries of the northeastern Atlantic Ocean during the 1980s and the northwestern Atlantic Ocean during the late 2000s. Here, we report on the southernmost expansion of the D. japonica in North America and the effects of elevated nutrients and elevated pCO2 on the growth of D. japonica over an annual cycle in Long Island, New York, USA. Growth limitation of the macroalga varied seasonally. During winter and spring, when water temperatures were < 15 °C, growth was significantly enhanced by elevated pCO2 (p < 0.05). During summer and fall, when the water temperature was 15–24 °C, growth was significantly higher under elevated nutrient treatments (p < 0.05). When temperatures reached 28 °C, the macroalga grew poorly and was unaffected by nutrients or pCO2. The δ13C content of regional populations of D. japonica was −30‰, indicating the macroalga is an obligate CO2-user. This result, coupled with significantly increased growth under elevated pCO2 when temperatures were < 15 °C, indicates this macroalga is carbon-limited during colder months, when in situ pCO2 was significantly lower in Long Island estuaries compared to warmer months when estuaries are enriched in metabolically derived CO2. The δ15N content of this macroalga (9‰) indicated it utilized wastewater-derived N and its N limitation during warmer months coincided with lower concentrations of dissolved inorganic N in the water column. Given the stimulatory effect of nutrients on this macroalga and that eutrophication can promote seasonally elevated pCO2, this study suggests that eutrophic estuaries subject to peak annual temperatures < 28 °C may be particularly vulnerable to future invasions of D. japonica as ocean acidification intensifies. Conversely, nutrient reductions would serve as a management approach that would make coastal regions more resilient to invasions by this macroalga.
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Lennon O, Wittmer HU, Nelson NJ. Modelling three‐dimensional space to design prey refuges using video game software. Ecosphere 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ox Lennon
- School of Biological Sciences Victoria University of Wellington PO Box 600 Wellington 6140 New Zealand
| | - Heiko U. Wittmer
- School of Biological Sciences Victoria University of Wellington PO Box 600 Wellington 6140 New Zealand
| | - Nicola J. Nelson
- School of Biological Sciences Victoria University of Wellington PO Box 600 Wellington 6140 New Zealand
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16
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Fraser KM, Lefcheck JS, Ling SD, Mellin C, Stuart-Smith RD, Edgar GJ. Production of mobile invertebrate communities on shallow reefs from temperate to tropical seas. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 287:20201798. [PMID: 33352078 PMCID: PMC7779515 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.1798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary productivity of marine ecosystems is largely driven by broad gradients in environmental and ecological properties. By contrast, secondary productivity tends to be more variable, influenced by bottom-up (resource-driven) and top-down (predatory) processes, other environmental drivers, and mediation by the physical structure of habitats. Here, we use a continental-scale dataset on small mobile invertebrates (epifauna), common on surfaces in all marine ecosystems, to test influences of potential drivers of temperature-standardized secondary production across a large biogeographic range. We found epifaunal production to be remarkably consistent along a temperate to tropical Australian latitudinal gradient of 28.6°, spanning kelp forests to coral reefs (approx. 3500 km). Using a model selection procedure, epifaunal production was primarily related to biogenic habitat group, which explained up to 45% of total variability. Production was otherwise invariant to predictors capturing primary productivity, the local biomass of fishes (proxy for predation pressure), and environmental, geographical, and human impacts. Highly predictable levels of epifaunal productivity associated with distinct habitat groups across continental scales should allow accurate modelling of the contributions of these ubiquitous invertebrates to coastal food webs, thus improving understanding of likely changes to food web structure with ocean warming and other anthropogenic impacts on marine ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. M. Fraser
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Taroona, Tasmania 7053, Australia
| | - J. S. Lefcheck
- Tennenbaum Marine Observatories Network, MarineGEO, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, 647 Contees Wharf Road, Edgewater, MD 21037, USA
| | - S. D. Ling
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Taroona, Tasmania 7053, Australia
| | - C. Mellin
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Taroona, Tasmania 7053, Australia
- The Environment Institute and School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - R. D. Stuart-Smith
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Taroona, Tasmania 7053, Australia
| | - G. J. Edgar
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Taroona, Tasmania 7053, Australia
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Bué M, Smale DA, Natanni G, Marshall H, Moore PJ. Multiple‐scale interactions structure macroinvertebrate assemblages associated with kelp understory algae. DIVERS DISTRIB 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.13140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Bué
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences Aberystwyth University Aberystwyth UK
| | - Dan A. Smale
- The Laboratory Marine Biological Association Plymouth UK
| | - Giulia Natanni
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences Aberystwyth University Aberystwyth UK
| | - Helen Marshall
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences Aberystwyth University Aberystwyth UK
| | - Pippa J. Moore
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences Aberystwyth University Aberystwyth UK
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences Newcastle University Newcastle upon Tyne UK
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18
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Lanham BS, Poore AGB, Gribben PE. Facilitation cascades create a predation refuge for biodiversity in a novel connected habitat. Ecosphere 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Brendan S. Lanham
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science University of New South Wales Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Alistair G. B. Poore
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science University of New South Wales Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science University of New South Wales Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Paul E. Gribben
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science University of New South Wales Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science 19 Chowder Bay Road Mosman New South Wales 2088 Australia
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19
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Stelling‐Wood TP, Gribben PE, Poore AGB. Habitat variability in an underwater forest: Using a trait‐based approach to predict associated communities. Funct Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Talia P. Stelling‐Wood
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre UNSW Sydney Sydney NSW Australia
- Centre of Marine Science and Innovation UNSW Sydney Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Paul E. Gribben
- Centre of Marine Science and Innovation UNSW Sydney Sydney NSW Australia
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science Mosman NSW Australia
| | - Alistair G. B. Poore
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre UNSW Sydney Sydney NSW Australia
- Centre of Marine Science and Innovation UNSW Sydney Sydney NSW Australia
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Sadchatheeswaran S, Moloney CL, Branch GM, Robinson TB. Using empirical and simulation approaches to quantify merits of rival measures of structural complexity in marine habitats. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 149:157-169. [PMID: 31122654 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2019.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2018] [Revised: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Ecosystem engineers often affect structural complexity of habitats. There are multiple methods of quantifying complexity, variously measuring topography, surface area, volume, fractal dimension, or rugosity. We compared eight methods, four employing the 3D modelling program 'Blender' to estimate total surface area, top surface area, their ratio, and interstitial volume; and four empirically measuring interstitial volume, fractals and two indices of rugosity. We compared these using seven metrics: 1) correlations among comparable measures; 2) consistency; 3) accuracy; 4) precision; 5) discrimination among configurations of objects; 6) discernment of complexities among zones on rocky shores; and 7) practicality. Of the eight methods, the virtual volumetric method, Blender interstitial volume, performed the best. Direct measurements of three-dimensional space related more closely to patterns in biodiversity than did measurements of two-dimensional space or indirect measures of complexity like fractals. Blender interstitial volume is thus the recommended means of measuring structural complexity of benthic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saachi Sadchatheeswaran
- Department of Biological Sciences and Marine Research Institute, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa.
| | - Coleen L Moloney
- Department of Biological Sciences and Marine Research Institute, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
| | - George M Branch
- Department of Biological Sciences and Marine Research Institute, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
| | - Tamara B Robinson
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Centre for Invasion Biology, Stellenbosch University, South Africa
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21
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Buffagni A, Barca E, Erba S, Balestrini R. In-stream microhabitat mosaic depicts the success of mitigation measures and controls the Ecological Potential of benthic communities in heavily modified rivers. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 673:489-501. [PMID: 30995583 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.04.124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The positive effect of mitigation measures on in-stream habitat conditions and the benthic community is recognised. In heavily modified rivers, though, the response of aquatic invertebrates to mitigation measures and habitat mosaic changes is scarcely documented. We used non-metric multidimensional scaling to explore the benthic community of leveed rivers in the agricultural lowlands of Northern Italy. The relevance of in-stream substrate microhabitat for the benthic community was assessed, together with the impact of mitigation measures. We proposed a straightforward approach to quantify similarity of microhabitat mosaic between sites testing its statistical significance based on Bayesian statistics. We hypothesised that changes of microhabitat mosaic would reflect the level of implementation of mitigation measures and benthic invertebrates would respond accordingly. Alpha, beta diversity and benthic metrics used to classify ecological status/potential were considered and their variation tested against different levels of measure implementation. Lastly, ecological potential classification was paralleled to both the level of measure implementation and habitat attributes. The microhabitats found at sites where measures were fully implemented differed from those observed elsewhere and they clearly mirrored morphological alteration and mitigation measures. Moreover, alongside morphological alteration, microhabitat diversity and mosaic were the main factors for benthic community structure. While benthic beta diversity strictly reflected microhabitat diversity, alpha diversity and ecological status metrics copied the mosaic gradient. Microhabitat attributes and most benthic metrics showed significant changes following measure implementation and they were accompanied by a gradual shift in ecological potential classes. We demonstrated the importance of in-stream substrate microhabitats as a bridge between mitigation measures and the benthic community. Particularly when ecological classification is under focus, microhabitat mosaic should be evaluated for achieving a better understanding of biological responses. The huge amount of data available worldwide could support a straightforward use of river mosaic information for river management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Buffagni
- Water Research Institute, National Research Council (CNR-IRSA), Brugherio, Italy; Dipartimento di Scienze Ecologiche e Biologiche (DEB), Università della Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy.
| | - Emanuele Barca
- Water Research Institute, National Research Council (CNR-IRSA), Bari, Italy
| | - Stefania Erba
- Water Research Institute, National Research Council (CNR-IRSA), Brugherio, Italy
| | - Raffaella Balestrini
- Water Research Institute, National Research Council (CNR-IRSA), Brugherio, Italy
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22
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Lürig MD, Best RJ, Svitok M, Jokela J, Matthews B. The role of plasticity in the evolution of cryptic pigmentation in a freshwater isopod. J Anim Ecol 2019; 88:612-623. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.12950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Moritz D. Lürig
- Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag Kastanienbaum) Kastanienbaum Switzerland
- Center for Adaption to a Changing Environment (ACE)Institute of Integrative Biology Zürich Switzerland
| | - Rebecca J. Best
- Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag Kastanienbaum) Kastanienbaum Switzerland
- School of Earth and SustainabilityNorthern Arizona University Flagstaff Arizona
| | - Marek Svitok
- Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag Kastanienbaum) Kastanienbaum Switzerland
- Department of Biology and General EcologyFaculty of Ecology and Environmental SciencesTechnical University in Zvolen Zvolen Slovakia
- Department of Ecosystem BiologyFaculty of ScienceUniversity of South Bohemia České Budějovice Czech Republic
| | - Jukka Jokela
- Center for Adaption to a Changing Environment (ACE)Institute of Integrative Biology Zürich Switzerland
- Department of Aquatic EcologySwiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and TechnologyEAWAG Dübendorf Switzerland
| | - Blake Matthews
- Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag Kastanienbaum) Kastanienbaum Switzerland
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23
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PRINCIPE ROMINAE, MÁRQUEZ JAVIERA, CIBILS-MARTINA LUCIANA. Distribution and habitat preference of Ephemeroptera and Trichoptera in subtropical mountain streams: implications for monitoring and conservation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 91:e20180692. [DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765201920180692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Silva JN, Oliveira GD, Rocha SSD. Microhabitat preferences of the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium jelskii (Decapoda: Palaemonidae). IHERINGIA. SERIE ZOOLOGIA 2019. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-4766e2019027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT We analyzed the microhabitat preferences of Macrobrachium jelskii (Miers, 1877) males and females inhabiting an urban water reservoir in Cruz das Almas, Bahia, Brazil. Prawns were collected monthly, from March 2015 to February 2016, in three microhabitats, using a sieve. Each microhabitat was dominated by one macrophyte species: Eleocharis sp. (M1), Cabomba sp. (M2), and Nymphaea sp. (M3). The prawns were measured (carapace length), and categorized as juvenile males, adult males, juvenile females, non-ovigerous adult females and ovigerous adult females. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the number and size of individuals. The sex ratio and frequency of ovigerous females in the three microhabitats were also calculated. The sex ratio was biased towards females in M1 and did not deviate from 1:1 in M2 and M3. When prawns were separated into five categories we observed that non-ovigerous adult females were more abundant in M1, while adult males were the most abundant demographic category in M2 and M3. Juveniles of both sexes and ovigerous females showed no microhabitat preference, although M1 and M2 appeared to be more suitable for the latter. Adult females were the largest individuals in all microhabitats. Food availability, lower depth and lower predation pressure in M1 are the main factors that make M1 more suitable for M. jelskii, particularly non-ovigerous adult females and larger adult males. Intraspecific competition for shelter in M1 might also occur and adult females win this competition due to their larger body size. Therefore, adult males are found in higher abundance in M2 and M3 and the juvenile of both sexes spread evenly across all microhabitats. Our results help to understand the ecological role and the niche used by M. jelskii. Future studies on the habitat choice and predation under laboratory conditions should help to understand the behavior of this species.
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Bertolini C, Montgomery WI, O’Connor NE. Habitat with small inter-structural spaces promotes mussel survival and reef generation. MARINE BIOLOGY 2018; 165:163. [PMID: 30363846 PMCID: PMC6182589 DOI: 10.1007/s00227-018-3426-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Spatially complex habitats provide refuge for prey and mediate many predator-prey interactions. Increasing anthropogenic pressures are eroding such habitats, reducing their complexity and potentially altering ecosystem stability on a global scale. Yet, we have only a rudimentary understanding of how structurally complex habitats create ecological refuges for most ecosystems. Better informed management decisions require an understanding of the mechanisms underpinning the provision of physical refuge and this may be linked to prey size, predator size and predator identity in priority habitats. We tested each of these factors empirically in a model biogenic reef system. Specifically, we tested whether mortality rates of blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) of different sizes differed among: (i) different forms of reef structural distribution (represented as 'clumped', 'patchy' and 'sparse'); (ii) predator species identity (shore crab, Carcinus maenas and starfish, Asterias rubens); and (iii) predator size. The survival rate of small mussels was greatest in the clumped experimental habitat and larger predators generally consumed more prey regardless of the structural organisation of treatment. Small mussels were protected from larger A. rubens but not from larger C. maenas in the clumped habitats. The distribution pattern of structural objects, therefore, may be considered a useful proxy for reef complexity when assessing predator-prey interactions, and optimal organisations should be considered based on both prey and predator sizes. These findings are essential to understand ecological processes underpinning predation rates in structurally complex habitats and to inform future restoration and ecological engineering practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Bertolini
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University of Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL Northern Ireland, UK
- NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Department of Estuarine and Delta Systems, Utrecht University, PO Box 140, 4401 NT Yerseke, The Netherlands
| | - W. I. Montgomery
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University of Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Nessa E. O’Connor
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University of Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL Northern Ireland, UK
- School of Natural Sciences, Zoology Building, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
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Navarro-Barranco C, Florido M, Ros M, González-Romero P, Guerra-García JM. Impoverished mobile epifaunal assemblages associated with the invasive macroalga Asparagopsis taxiformis in the Mediterranean Sea. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 141:44-52. [PMID: 30093236 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2018.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Revised: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
There is an increasing concern about the ecosystem consequences of altering macroalgal assemblages. Many macrophytes are foundation species in coastal habitats, supporting much of the biodiversity of these ecosystems by providing essential resources such as food and habitat. The addition of invasive species strongly contributes to habitat modification, but the bottom-up impacts of non-native macroalgae on higher trophic levels remains difficult to predict. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the invasive macroalga Asparagopsis taxiformis on biodiversity by comparing the mobile macrofauna inhabiting this species to the dominant native species Halopteris scoparia. This is the first comprehensive study of the possible effects of this widespread invasive species on higher trophic levels. A hierarchical sampling design with two different spatial scales was conducted to explore the consistency of the patterns observed. Fifty-nine species belonging to superorder Peracarida were found, accounting 90% of all organisms. A. taxiformis hosted an impoverished epifaunal assemblage in comparison to that associated with the native seaweed, showing significantly lower values of diversity, abundance and number of epifaunal species across study locations. The structure of the associated macrofauna (both in terms of species composition, variability among samples and relative abundance of the species) was also different. Our results highlighted the strong influence of A. taxiformis in the resident community, with differences among the two macroalgae in all the parameters considered. Finally, our results also reflect a biotic homogenization of the epifaunal assemblages associated to A. taxiformis, a scarcely explored consequence of invasive processes in marine environments. Future studies exploring the cascading effects of the observed changes in the epifaunal assemblages would be necessary in order to estimate system responses to macroalgal invasions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Navarro-Barranco
- Departamento de Biología (Zoología), Campus de Cantoblanco, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049, Madrid, Spain; Laboratorio de Biología Marina, Dpto. Zoología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Avda Reina Mercedes 6, 41012, Sevilla, Spain.
| | - Marta Florido
- Laboratorio de Biología Marina, Dpto. Zoología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Avda Reina Mercedes 6, 41012, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Macarena Ros
- Laboratorio de Biología Marina, Dpto. Zoología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Avda Reina Mercedes 6, 41012, Sevilla, Spain; Departamento de Biología, CASEM, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Ambientales, Campus Universitario de Puerto Real, 11510, Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Pablo González-Romero
- Laboratorio de Biología Marina, Dpto. Zoología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Avda Reina Mercedes 6, 41012, Sevilla, Spain
| | - José Manuel Guerra-García
- Laboratorio de Biología Marina, Dpto. Zoología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Avda Reina Mercedes 6, 41012, Sevilla, Spain
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Martínez-Laiz G, Ros M, Navarro-Barranco C, Guerra-García J. Habitat selection of intertidal caprellid amphipods in a changing scenario. Behav Processes 2018; 153:16-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2018.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2017] [Revised: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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28
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Parker SP, Bowden WB, Flinn MB, Giles CD, Arndt KA, Beneš JP, Jent DG. Effect of particle size and heterogeneity on sediment biofilm metabolism and nutrient uptake scaled using two approaches. Ecosphere 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.2137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel P. Parker
- Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources University of Vermont Burlington Vermont 05405 USA
| | - William B. Bowden
- Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources University of Vermont Burlington Vermont 05405 USA
| | - Michael B. Flinn
- Biological Sciences Murray State University Murray Kentucky 42071 USA
| | - Courtney D. Giles
- College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences University of Vermont Burlington Vermont 05405 USA
| | - Kyle A. Arndt
- Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources University of Vermont Burlington Vermont 05405 USA
| | - Joshua P. Beneš
- Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources University of Vermont Burlington Vermont 05405 USA
| | - Derrick G. Jent
- Biological Sciences Murray State University Murray Kentucky 42071 USA
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Zepon T, Bichuette ME. Influence of substrate on the richness and composition of Neotropical cave fauna. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2017; 89:1615-1628. [PMID: 28876384 DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765201720160452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The food base in the subterranean environment consists mainly of allochthonous materials. In this environment the resources are distributed generally in a heterogeneous dispersed way and the distribution of resources and their availability determine where the terrestrial invertebrates will reside, which is important for understanding ecological relationships and to establish conservation strategies. Thus, we tested how the complexity of substrates influences the richness and composition of the subterranean terrestrial invertebrates in the Presidente Olegário karst area, southeastern Brazil. We carried out collections in six caves during both dry and wet seasons, using combined collection methods. We observed different distributions in relation to the substrate, because the environmental heterogeneity increases the amount of available niches for the fauna. Some taxa showed a preference for specific substrates, probably related to the availability of food resources and humidity and to body size restriction, emphasizing the niche differentiation between species. Anthropogenic impacts can cause irreversible alterations in the subterranean fauna because the subterranean environment is dependent on the surface for input of trophic resources. On-going impacts in the Presidente Olegario karst area, like agriculture, pastures, gas extraction, and hydroelectric projects, are therefore a serious threat to subterranean biodiversity and this region should be prioritized for conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamires Zepon
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Recursos Naturais, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Rodovia Washington Luís, Km 235, Caixa Postal 676, 13565-905 São Carlos, SP, Brazil.,Laboratório de Estudos Subterrâneos, Departamento de Ecologia e Biologia Evolutiva, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Rodovia Washington Luís, Km 235, Caixa Postal 676, 13565-905 São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria Elina Bichuette
- Laboratório de Estudos Subterrâneos, Departamento de Ecologia e Biologia Evolutiva, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Rodovia Washington Luís, Km 235, Caixa Postal 676, 13565-905 São Carlos, SP, Brazil
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Abstract
Two decades since calls for stream restoration projects to be scientifically assessed, most projects are still unevaluated, and conducted evaluations yield ambiguous results. Even after these decades of investigation, do we know how to define and measure success? We systematically reviewed 26 studies of stream restoration projects that used macroinvertebrate indicators to assess the success of habitat heterogeneity restoration projects. All 26 studies were previously included in two meta-analyses that sought to assess whether restoration programs were succeeding. By contrast, our review focuses on the evaluations themselves, and asks what exactly we are measuring and learning from these evaluations. All 26 studies used taxonomic diversity, richness, or abundance of invertebrates as biological measures of success, but none presented explicit arguments why those metrics were relevant measures of success for the restoration projects. Although changes in biodiversity may reflect overall ecological condition at the regional or global scale, in the context of reach-scale habitat restoration, more abundance and diversity may not necessarily be better. While all 26 studies sought to evaluate the biotic response to habitat heterogeneity enhancement projects, about half of the studies (46%) explicitly measured habitat alteration, and 31% used visual estimates of grain size or subjectively judged ‘habitat quality’ from protocols ill-suited for the purpose. Although the goal of all 26 projects was to increase habitat heterogeneity, 31% of the studies either sampled only riffles or did not specify the habitats sampled. One-third of the studies (35%) used reference ecosystems to define target conditions. After 20 years of stream restoration evaluation, more work remains for the restoration community to identify appropriate measures of success and to coordinate monitoring so that evaluations are at a scale capable of detecting ecosystem change.
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Hesterberg SG, Duckett CC, Salewski EA, Bell SS. Three-dimensional interstitial space mediates predator foraging success in different spatial arrangements. Ecology 2017; 98:1153-1162. [PMID: 28144935 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.1762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Revised: 11/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Identifying and quantifying the relevant properties of habitat structure that mediate predator-prey interactions remains a persistent challenge. Most previous studies investigate effects of structural density on trophic interactions and typically quantify refuge quality using one or two-dimensional metrics. Few consider spatial arrangement of components (i.e., orientation and shape) and often neglect to measure the total three-dimensional (3D) space available as refuge. This study tests whether the three-dimensionality of interstitial space, an attribute produced by the spatial arrangement of oyster (Crassostrea virginica) shells, impacts the foraging success of nektonic predators (primary blue crab, Callinectes sapidus) on mud crab prey (Eurypanopeus depressus) in field and mesocosm experiments. Interstices of 3D-printed shell mimics were manipulated by changing either their orientation (angle) or internal shape (crevice or channel). In both field and mesocosm experiments, under conditions of constant structural density, predator foraging success was influenced by 3D aspects of interstitial space. Proportional survivorship of tethered mud crabs differed significantly as 3D interstitial space varied by orientation, displaying decreasing prey survivorship as angle of orientation increased (0° = 0.76, 22.5° = 0.13, 45° = 0.0). Tethered prey survivorship was high when 3D interstitial space of mimics was modified by internal shape (crevice survivorship = 0.89, channel survivorship = 0.96) and these values did not differ significantly. In mesocosms, foraging success of blue crabs varied with 3D interstitial space as mean proportional survivorship (± SE) of mud crabs was significantly lower in 45° (0.27 ± 0.06) vs. 0° (0.86 ± 0.04) orientations and for crevice (0.52 ± 0.11) vs. channel shapes (0.95 ± 0.02). These results suggest that 3D aspects of interstitial space, which have direct relevance to refuge quality, can strongly influence foraging success in our oyster reef habitat. Our findings highlight the importance of spatial arrangement in mediating consumptive pathways in hard-structured habitats and demonstrate how quantifying the three-dimensionality of living space captures aspects of habitat structure that have been missing from previous empirical studies of trophic interactions and structural complexity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen G Hesterberg
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, 4202 East Fowler Ave, SCA 110, Tampa, Florida, 33620, USA
| | - C Cole Duckett
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, 4202 East Fowler Ave, SCA 110, Tampa, Florida, 33620, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Salewski
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, 4202 East Fowler Ave, SCA 110, Tampa, Florida, 33620, USA
| | - Susan S Bell
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, 4202 East Fowler Ave, SCA 110, Tampa, Florida, 33620, USA
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Kietzka GJ, Pryke JS, Samways MJ. Aerial adult dragonflies are highly sensitive to in-water conditions across an ancient landscape. DIVERS DISTRIB 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.12493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella J. Kietzka
- Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology; Stellenbosch University; Private Bag X1 Matieland 7602 South Africa
| | - James S. Pryke
- Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology; Stellenbosch University; Private Bag X1 Matieland 7602 South Africa
| | - Michael J. Samways
- Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology; Stellenbosch University; Private Bag X1 Matieland 7602 South Africa
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33
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Floating-leaved macrophyte (Trapa japonica) drastically changes seasonal dynamics of a temperate lake ecosystem. Ecol Res 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s11284-016-1378-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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34
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Lürig MD, Best RJ, Stachowicz JJ. Microhabitat partitioning in seagrass mesograzers is driven by consistent species choices across multiple predator and competitor contexts. OIKOS 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.02932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Moritz D. Lürig
- Swiss Federal Inst. of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag); Seestrasse 79 CH-6047 Kastanienbaum Switzerland
- ETH Zürich, Adaption to a Changing Environment (ACE), Inst. of Integrative Biology; CH-8092 Zürich Switzerland
| | - Rebecca J. Best
- Swiss Federal Inst. of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag); Seestrasse 79 CH-6047 Kastanienbaum Switzerland
| | - John J. Stachowicz
- Dept of Evolution and Ecology and Bodega Marine Laboratory; Univ. of California; Davis CA 95616 USA
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Barrios‐O'Neill D, Dick JTA, Emmerson MC, Ricciardi A, MacIsaac HJ. Predator‐free space, functional responses and biological invasions. Funct Ecol 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.12347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Barrios‐O'Neill
- Institute for Global Food Security School of Biological Sciences Queen's University Belfast 97 Lisburn RoadBelfast BT9 7BL UK
| | - Jaimie T. A. Dick
- Institute for Global Food Security School of Biological Sciences Queen's University Belfast 97 Lisburn RoadBelfast BT9 7BL UK
| | - Mark C. Emmerson
- Institute for Global Food Security School of Biological Sciences Queen's University Belfast 97 Lisburn RoadBelfast BT9 7BL UK
| | - Anthony Ricciardi
- Redpath Museum McGill University 859 Sherbrooke Street WestMontreal QCH3AOC4 Canada
| | - Hugh J. MacIsaac
- Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research University of Windsor Windsor ONN9B 3P4 Canada
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Kamal S, Lee SY, Warnken J. Investigating three-dimensional mesoscale habitat complexity and its ecological implications using low-cost RGB-D sensor technology. Methods Ecol Evol 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/2041-210x.12210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shafagh Kamal
- Australian Rivers Institute and School of Environment; Griffith University; Gold Coast campus; Southport QLD 4222 Australia
| | - Shing Yip Lee
- Australian Rivers Institute and School of Environment; Griffith University; Gold Coast campus; Southport QLD 4222 Australia
| | - Jan Warnken
- Australian Rivers Institute and School of Environment; Griffith University; Gold Coast campus; Southport QLD 4222 Australia
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37
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Best RJ, Chaudoin AL, Bracken MES, Graham MH, Stachowicz JJ. Plant–animal diversity relationships in a rocky intertidal system depend on invertebrate body size and algal cover. Ecology 2014; 95:1308-22. [DOI: 10.1890/13-1480.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Brown LA, Furlong JN, Brown KM, La Peyre MK. Oyster Reef Restoration in the Northern Gulf of Mexico: Effect of Artificial Substrate and Age on Nekton and Benthic Macroinvertebrate Assemblage Use. Restor Ecol 2013. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.12071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Laura A. Brown
- Department of Biological Sciences; Louisiana State University; 383 Life Sciences Building Baton Rouge LA 70803 U.S.A
| | - Jessica N. Furlong
- School of Renewable Natural Resources; Louisiana State University Agricultural Center; Baton Rouge LA 70803 U.S.A
| | - Kenneth M. Brown
- Department of Biological Sciences; Louisiana State University; 383 Life Sciences Building Baton Rouge LA 70803 U.S.A
| | - Megan K. La Peyre
- U.S. Geological Survey, Louisiana Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit; School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center; Baton Rouge LA 70803 U.S.A
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Pérez-Rodríguez L, Jovani R, Mougeot F. Fractal geometry of a complex plumage trait reveals bird's quality. Proc Biol Sci 2013; 280:20122783. [PMID: 23345576 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2012.2783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal coloration is key in natural and sexual selection, playing significant roles in intra- and interspecific communication because of its linkage to individual behaviour, genetics and physiology. Simple animal traits such as the area or the colour intensity of homogeneous patches have been profusely studied. More complex patterns are widespread in nature, but they escape our understanding because their variation is difficult to capture effectively by standard, simple measures. Here, we used fractal geometry to quantify inter-individual variation in the expression of a complex plumage trait, the heterogeneous black bib of the red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa). We show that a higher bib fractal dimension (FD) predicted better individual body condition, as well as immune responsiveness, which is condition-dependent in our study species. Moreover, when food intake was experimentally reduced during moult as a means to reduce body condition, the bib's FD significantly decreased. Fractal geometry therefore provides new opportunities for the study of complex animal colour patterns and their roles in animal communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Pérez-Rodríguez
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN-CSIC), José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006, Madrid, Spain.
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Humphries AT, La Peyre MK, Decossas GA. The effect of structural complexity, prey density, and "predator-free space" on prey survivorship at created oyster reef mesocosms. PLoS One 2011; 6:e28339. [PMID: 22145037 PMCID: PMC3228732 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0028339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2011] [Accepted: 11/06/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Interactions between predators and their prey are influenced by the habitat they occupy. Using created oyster (Crassostrea virginica) reef mesocosms, we conducted a series of laboratory experiments that created structure and manipulated complexity as well as prey density and “predator-free space” to examine the relationship between structural complexity and prey survivorship. Specifically, volume and spatial arrangement of oysters as well as prey density were manipulated, and the survivorship of prey (grass shrimp, Palaemonetes pugio) in the presence of a predator (wild red drum, Sciaenops ocellatus) was quantified. We found that the presence of structure increased prey survivorship, and that increasing complexity of this structure further increased survivorship, but only to a point. This agrees with the theory that structural complexity may influence predator-prey dynamics, but that a threshold exists with diminishing returns. These results held true even when prey density was scaled to structural complexity, or the amount of “predator-free space” was manipulated within our created reef mesocosms. The presence of structure and its complexity (oyster shell volume) were more important in facilitating prey survivorship than perceived refugia or density-dependent prey effects. A more accurate indicator of refugia might require “predator-free space” measures that also account for the available area within the structure itself (i.e., volume) and not just on the surface of a structure. Creating experiments that better mimic natural conditions and test a wider range of “predator-free space” are suggested to better understand the role of structural complexity in oyster reefs and other complex habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin T Humphries
- School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University AgCenter, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States of America.
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41
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Bartholomew A, Ebeid K. Habitat Complexity Influences the Microhabitat Choices of Desert Beetles. Isr J Ecol Evol 2011. [DOI: 10.1560/ijee.57.3.213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
We present a model for prey survivorship varying with average space size/prey width (Sp/Py) and total cover within an area (Ct/At), which are habitat complexity indices. The model predicts that prey survivorship is maximized at intermediate Sp/Py values, such that prey can fit through the spaces in a habitat, but their larger predators cannot. The model also predicts that prey survivorship increases with increasing cover (Ct/At), which interferes with predators' ability to detect prey. We deployed high-, medium-, and low-complexity artificial vegetation treatments with pit traps to determine if desert beetles respond to differences in habitat complexity consistent with our model's predictions for prey survivorship. We also deployed pit traps in natural vegetation and open sand to determine beetle microhabitat preference. The median number of both large and small beetles was higher in natural vegetation compared with open sand. The median number of large beetles was significantly higher in medium-complexity artificial treatments compared with both low- and high-complexity treatments.Prionotheca coronata, a common species of large beetle, was excluded from the high complexity treatments, as Sp/Py was <1 for them. This demonstrates that high-complexity habitats may exclude larger fauna, reducing community diversity. There was no difference in the mean number of small beetles captured in the different artificial complexity treatments. The results for large beetles are consistent with our model. Small beetles' distribution may be "predator-independent" since they did not respond to differences in complexity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Bartholomew
- American University of Sharjah, Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Science
| | - Karim Ebeid
- American University of Sharjah, Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Science
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42
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Matias MG, Underwood AJ, Hochuli DF, Coleman RA. Independent effects of patch size and structural complexity on diversity of benthic macroinvertebrates. Ecology 2010; 91:1908-15. [PMID: 20715609 DOI: 10.1890/09-1083.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Miguel G Matias
- Centre for Research on Ecological Impacts of Coastal Cities, Marine Ecology Laboratories A11, School of Biological Sciences, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
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