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Piccoli GCDO, Antiqueira PAP, Srivastava DS, Romero GQ. Trophic cascades within and across ecosystems: The role of anti-predatory defences, predator type and detritus quality. J Anim Ecol 2024; 93:755-768. [PMID: 38404168 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.14063] [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: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Species in one ecosystem can indirectly affect multiple biodiversity components and ecosystem functions of adjacent ecosystems. The magnitude of these cross-ecosystem effects depends on the attributes of the organisms involved in the interactions, including traits of the predator, prey and basal resource. However, it is unclear how predators with cross-ecosystem habitat interact with predators with single-ecosystem habitat to affect their shared ecosystem. Also, unknown is how such complex top-down effects may be mediated by the anti-predatory traits of prey and quality of the basal resource. We used the aquatic invertebrate food webs in tank bromeliads as a model system to investigate these questions. We manipulated the presence of a strictly aquatic predator (damselfly larvae) and a predator with both terrestrial and aquatic habitats (spider), and examined effects on survival of prey (detritivores grouped by anti-predator defence), detrital decomposition (of two plant species differing in litter quality), nitrogen flux and host plant growth. To evaluate the direct and indirect effects each predator type on multiple detritivore groups and ultimately on multiple ecosystem processes, we used piecewise structural equation models. For each response variable, we isolated the contribution of different detritivore groups to overall effects by comparing alternate model formulations. Alone, damselfly larvae and spiders each directly decreased survival of detritivores and caused multiple indirect negative effects on detritus decomposition, nutrient cycling and host plant growth. However, when predators co-occurred, the spider caused a negative non-consumptive effect on the damselfly larva, diminishing the net direct and indirect top-down effects on the aquatic detritivore community and ecosystem functioning. Both detritivore traits and detritus quality modulated the strength and mechanism of these trophic cascades. Predator interference was mediated by undefended or partially defended detritivores as detritivores with anti-predatory defences evaded consumption by damselfly larvae but not spiders. Predators and detritivores affected ecosystem decomposition and nutrient cycling only in the presence of high-quality detritus, as the low-quality detritus was consumed more by microbes than invertebrates. The complex responses of this system to predators from both recipient and adjacent ecosystems highlight the critical role of maintaining biodiversity components across multiple ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Cauê de O Piccoli
- Laboratório de Interações Multitróficas e Biodiversidade, Instituto de Biologia (IB), Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Pablo Augusto P Antiqueira
- Laboratório de Interações Multitróficas e Biodiversidade, Instituto de Biologia (IB), Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Diane S Srivastava
- Department of Zoology & Biodiversity Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Gustavo Q Romero
- Laboratório de Interações Multitróficas e Biodiversidade, Instituto de Biologia (IB), Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
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Wang L, Atlihan R, Chai R, Dong Y, Luo C, Hu Z. Assessment of Non-Consumptive Predation Risk of Coccinella septempunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) on the Population Growth of Sitobion miscanthi (Hemiptera: Aphididae). INSECTS 2022; 13:insects13060524. [PMID: 35735862 PMCID: PMC9224950 DOI: 10.3390/insects13060524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Changes in prey biology driven by predation threats that do not involve direct consumption are referred to as non-consumptive effects (NCEs). In general, NCEs are considered common and can affect herbivores sometimes stronger than the direct consumptive effects. However, how the NCEs of predators affect the development, survival, fecundity, and population growth of prey has not been well documented, which is the primary consideration for the compatibility of prey with its natural enemies in agricultural ecosystems. We examined the NCEs of the predator Coccinella septempunctata on the life-history traits and population growth of Sitobion miscanthi via caged predator (i.e., S. miscanthi co-existed with caged C. septempunctata) and caged prey (i.e., C. septempunctata co-existed with caged S. miscanthi) treatments by employing the age-stage, two-sex life table. The findings indicate that S. miscanthi could respond to the predation risk of caged predators by either accelerating the developmental rate or reducing the net reproductive rate, while S. miscanthi might reduce their fitness in response to the predation risk of caged prey. Furthermore, S. miscanthi might also increase the number of winged morphs under both of the above treatments. The results have practical ramifications on managing this economically important pest on wheat production with reduced insecticide applications. Abstract How the non-consumptive effects (NCEs) of predators influence the development, survival, fecundity, and population growth of prey has not been well documented, which is the primary consideration for the compatibility of prey with its natural enemies in agricultural ecosystems. We herein employed the age-stage, two-sex life table to examine the NCEs of the predator Coccinella septempunctata on the life-history traits and population growth of prey Sitobion miscanthi via caged predator (prey co-existing with caged predator) and caged prey (predator co-existing with caged prey) treatments with daily different exposure times (i.e., 0 h (control), 12 h, and 24 h). The results indicated that the predation risk of a caged predator could reduce the first nymphal duration and net reproductive rate (R0) of S. miscanthi at 12 h, and the first nymphal duration, preadult duration, and mean generation time (T) at 24 h. However, the predation risk of the caged prey resulted in the prolongation of the pre-adult development time and total pre-reproductive period (TPRP) as well as lowered the intrinsic rate of increase (r), finite rate of increase (𝜆), R0, life expectancy, and reproductive value of S. miscanthi after both 12 h and 24 h. Furthermore, the predation risk of both the caged predator and caged prey could increase the percent of winged morph at 24 h. These findings indicate that S. miscanthi could respond to the predation risk of the caged predator by either accelerating the developmental rate or reducing the net reproductive rate, while S. miscanthi might reduce their fitness in response to the predation risk of caged prey. Furthermore, S. miscanthi might also alter to winged morphs for dispersal under both of the above treatments. The findings obtained have practical ramifications for managing this economically important pest in wheat production with reduced insecticide applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China; (L.W.); (R.C.); (Y.D.); (C.L.)
| | - Remzi Atlihan
- Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, 65080 Van, Turkey;
| | - Ruirui Chai
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China; (L.W.); (R.C.); (Y.D.); (C.L.)
| | - Yao Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China; (L.W.); (R.C.); (Y.D.); (C.L.)
| | - Chen Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China; (L.W.); (R.C.); (Y.D.); (C.L.)
| | - Zuqing Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China; (L.W.); (R.C.); (Y.D.); (C.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-29-8708-2710
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Jermacz Ł, Kobak J. On the importance of concomitant conditions: Light and conspecific presence modulate prey response to predation cue. Curr Zool 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/cz/zoac043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Assessment of individual costs of the anti-predator defence translating into changes in population parameters is meagre. This is because prey responses are likely to be modulated by additional factors, commonly present in the environment, but often neglected in experimental studies. To evaluate the effect of external factors on prey behaviour and physiology, we exposed amphipods Dikerogammarus villosus and Gammarus jazdzewskii to the predation cue of Perca fluviatilis in different densities and light conditions. Singletons of both species exposed to the predation cue in light modified their oxygen consumption (D. villosus: reduction, G. jadzewskii: increase) compared to their respiration in predator-free conditions. However , in the presence of conspecifics or in darkness, their respiration became insensitive to the predation cue. On the other hand, the swimming activity of prey was reduced in the presence of the predation cue irrespective of prey density and light conditions, but singletons were consistently more active than groups. Thus, external factors, such as conspecifics and darkness, constantly or periodically occurring in the field, may reduce the costs of predator non-consumptive effects compared to the costs measured under laboratory conditions (in light or absence of conspecifics). Moreover, we showed that behavioural and physiological parameters of prey may change differently in response to predation risk. Thus, conclusions drawn on the basis of single defence mechanisms and/or results obtained in artificial conditions, not reflecting the environmental complexity, strongly depend on the experimental design and endpoint selection and therefore should be treated with care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz Jermacz
- Nicolaus Copernicus University, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Department of Ecology and Biogeography , Lwowska 1, 87-100 Toruń, Poland
| | - Jarosław Kobak
- Nicolaus Copernicus University, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Department of Invertebrate Zoology and Parasitology , Lwowska 1, 87-100 Toruń, Poland
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Okamiya H, Kishida O. Proximate stimuli: An overlooked driving force for risk‐induced trait responses affecting interactions in aquatic ecosystems. POPUL ECOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/1438-390x.12115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hisanori Okamiya
- Department of Biological Sciences Graduate School of Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan University Hachioji Tokyo Japan
| | - Osamu Kishida
- Tomakomai Experimental Forest, Field Science Center for Northern Biosphere, Hokkaido University Takaoka Tomakomai Japan
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Cuthbert RN, Wasserman RJ, Dalu T, Kaiser H, Weyl OLF, Dick JTA, Sentis A, McCoy MW, Alexander ME. Influence of intra- and interspecific variation in predator-prey body size ratios on trophic interaction strengths. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:5946-5962. [PMID: 32607203 PMCID: PMC7319243 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Predation is a pervasive force that structures food webs and directly influences ecosystem functioning. The relative body sizes of predators and prey may be an important determinant of interaction strengths. However, studies quantifying the combined influence of intra- and interspecific variation in predator-prey body size ratios are lacking.We use a comparative functional response approach to examine interaction strengths between three size classes of invasive bluegill and largemouth bass toward three scaled size classes of their tilapia prey. We then quantify the influence of intra- and interspecific predator-prey body mass ratios on the scaling of attack rates and handling times.Type II functional responses were displayed by both predators across all predator and prey size classes. Largemouth bass consumed more than bluegill at small and intermediate predator size classes, while large predators of both species were more similar. Small prey were most vulnerable overall; however, differential attack rates among prey were emergent across predator sizes. For both bluegill and largemouth bass, small predators exhibited higher attack rates toward small and intermediate prey sizes, while larger predators exhibited greater attack rates toward large prey. Conversely, handling times increased with prey size, with small bluegill exhibiting particularly low feeding rates toward medium-large prey types. Attack rates for both predators peaked unimodally at intermediate predator-prey body mass ratios, while handling times generally shortened across increasing body mass ratios.We thus demonstrate effects of body size ratios on predator-prey interaction strengths between key fish species, with attack rates and handling times dependent on the relative sizes of predator-prey participants.Considerations for intra- and interspecific body size ratio effects are critical for predicting the strengths of interactions within ecosystems and may drive differential ecological impacts among invasive species as size ratios shift.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross N. Cuthbert
- GEOMARHelmholtz‐Zentrum für Ozeanforschung KielKielGermany
- Institute for Global Food SecuritySchool of Biological SciencesQueen's University BelfastBelfastUK
- South African Institute for Aquatic BiodiversityMakhandaSouth Africa
| | - Ryan J. Wasserman
- South African Institute for Aquatic BiodiversityMakhandaSouth Africa
- Department of Zoology and EntomologyRhodes UniversityMakhandaSouth Africa
| | - Tatenda Dalu
- South African Institute for Aquatic BiodiversityMakhandaSouth Africa
- Department of Ecology and Resource ManagementUniversity of VendaThohoyandouSouth Africa
| | - Horst Kaiser
- Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries ScienceRhodes UniversityMakhandaSouth Africa
| | - Olaf L. F. Weyl
- Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries ScienceRhodes UniversityMakhandaSouth Africa
- DSI/NRF Research Chair in Inland Fisheries and Freshwater EcologySouth African Institute for Aquatic BiodiversityMakhandaSouth Africa
| | - Jaimie T. A. Dick
- Institute for Global Food SecuritySchool of Biological SciencesQueen's University BelfastBelfastUK
| | - Arnaud Sentis
- INRAEAix Marseille UniversityUMR RECOVERAix‐en‐ProvenceFrance
| | | | - Mhairi E. Alexander
- South African Institute for Aquatic BiodiversityMakhandaSouth Africa
- Institute for Biomedical and Environmental Health ResearchSchool of Health and Life SciencesUniversity of the West of ScotlandPaisleyUK
- Department of Botany and ZoologyCentre for Invasion BiologyStellenbosch UniversityMatielandSouth Africa
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Jourdan J, Piro K, Weigand A, Plath M. Small-scale phenotypic differentiation along complex stream gradients in a non-native amphipod. Front Zool 2019; 16:29. [PMID: 31338113 PMCID: PMC6624920 DOI: 10.1186/s12983-019-0327-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Selective landscapes in rivers are made up by an array of selective forces that vary from source to downstream regions or between seasons, and local/temporal variation in fitness maxima can result in gradual spatio-temporal variation of phenotypic traits. This study aimed at establishing freshwater amphipods as future model organisms to study adaptive phenotypic diversification (evolutionary divergence and/or adaptive plasticity) along stream gradients. Methods We collected Gammarus roeselii from 16 sampling sites in the Rhine catchment during two consecutive seasons (summer and winter). Altogether, we dissected n = 1648 individuals and quantified key parameters related to morphological and life-history diversification, including naturally selected (e.g., gill surface areas) as well as primarily sexually selected traits (e.g., male antennae). Acknowledging the complexity of selective regimes in streams and the interrelated nature of selection factors, we assessed several abiotic (e.g., temperature, flow velocity) and biotic ecological parameters (e.g., conspecific densities, sex ratios) and condensed them into four principal components (PCs). Results Generalized least squares models revealed pronounced phenotypic differentiation in most of the traits investigated herein, and components of the stream gradient (PCs) explained parts of the observed differences. Depending on the trait under investigation, phenotypic differentiation could be ascribed to variation in abiotic conditions, anthropogenic disturbance (influx of thermally polluted water), or population parameters. For example, female fecundity showed altitudinal variation and decreased with increasing conspecific densities, while sexual dimorphism in the length of male antennae—used for mate finding and assessment—increased with increasing population densities and towards female-biased sex ratios. Conclusions We provide a comprehensive protocol for comparative analyses of intraspecific variation in life history traits in amphipods. Whether the observed phenotypic differentiation over small geographical distances reflects evolutionary divergence or plasticity (or both) remains to be investigated in future studies. Independent of the mechanisms involved, variation in several traits is likely to have consequences for ecosystem functions. For example, leaf-shredding in G. roeselii strongly depends on body size, which varied in dependence of several ecological parameters. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12983-019-0327-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Jourdan
- 1Department of Aquatic Ecotoxicology, Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Department of River Ecology and Conservation, Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt, Gelnhausen, Germany
| | - Kathrin Piro
- Department of River Ecology and Conservation, Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt, Gelnhausen, Germany
| | - Alexander Weigand
- National Museum of Natural History Luxembourg, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
| | - Martin Plath
- 4College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, People's Republic of China.,5Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Molecular Biology for Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, People's Republic of China
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Rodrigues ACM, Bordalo MD, Golovko O, Koba O, Barata C, Soares AMVM, Pestana JLT. Combined effects of insecticide exposure and predation risk on freshwater detritivores. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2018; 27:794-802. [PMID: 29313302 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-017-1887-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Insecticides usually present in low concentrations in streams are known to impair behaviour and development of non-target freshwater invertebrates. Moreover, there is growing awareness that the presence of natural stressors, such as predation risk may magnify the negative effects of pesticides. This is because perception of predation risk can by itself lead to changes on behaviour and physiology of prey species. To evaluate the potential combined effects of both stressors on freshwater detritivores we studied the behavioural and developmental responses of Chironomus riparius to chlorantraniliprole (CAP) exposure under predation risk. Also, we tested whether the presence of a shredder species would alter collector responses under stress. Trials were conducted using a simplified trophic chain: Alnus glutinosa leaves as food resource, the shredder Sericostoma vittatum and the collector C. riparius. CAP toxicity was thus tested under two conditions, presence/absence of the dragonfly predator Cordulegaster boltonii. CAP exposure decreased leaf decomposition. Despite the lack of significance for interactive effects, predation risk marginally modified shredder effect on leaf decomposition, decreasing this ecosystem process. Shredders presence increased leaf decomposition, but impaired chironomids performance, suggesting interspecific competition rather than facilitation. C. riparius growth rate was decreased independently by CAP exposure, presence of predator and shredder species. A marginal interaction between CAP and predation risk was observed regarding chironomids development. To better understand the effects of chemical pollution to natural freshwater populations, natural stressors and species interactions must be taken into consideration, since both vertical and horizontal species interactions play their role on response to stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreia C M Rodrigues
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
- Department of Environmental Chemistry (IDAEA-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria D Bordalo
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Oksana Golovko
- South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Vodnany, Czech Republic
| | - Olga Koba
- South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Vodnany, Czech Republic
| | - Carlos Barata
- Department of Environmental Chemistry (IDAEA-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - João L T Pestana
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.
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Jermacz Ł, Kobak J. The Braveheart amphipod: a review of responses of invasive Dikerogammarus villosus to predation signals. PeerJ 2018; 6:e5311. [PMID: 30083455 PMCID: PMC6076984 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.5311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Predator pressure is a fundamental force driving changes at all levels of the community structure. It may protect native ecosystems from alien species. Therefore, resistance to diverse predators resulting from a universal anti-predator strategy seems crucial for invasion success. We present a comprehensive review of the responses of an invasive amphipod Dikerogammarus villosus to sympatric and allopatric predator signals. We summarize diverse aspects of the gammarid anti-predator strategy, including predator identification, morphological and behavioural adaptations, effectiveness of shelter use and resistance to indirect predator effects. The response of D. villosus is independent of predator species (including totally allopatric taxa), which assures the high flexibility of its predator recognition system. It has a harder exoskeleton and better capability of utilizing shelters compared to other gammarids, resulting in relatively high resistance to predators. Therefore, it can use predator kairomones as indirect food signals (sharing the diet with the predator) and follow the predator scent. This resistance may allow D. villosus to reduce the costs of its physiological responses to predators and sustain growth in their presence. This might facilitate invasion success by increasing its competitive advantage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz Jermacz
- Department of Invertebrate Zoology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland
| | - Jarosław Kobak
- Department of Invertebrate Zoology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland
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Multi-species suppression of herbivores through consumptive and non-consumptive effects. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0197230. [PMID: 29791456 PMCID: PMC5965886 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0197230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Most studies investigating the importance of non-consumptive interactions for herbivore suppression focus on pairwise interactions between one predator and one prey, ignoring any community context. Further, the potential for non-consumptive interactions to arise between herbivores and non-enemy organisms is commonly overlooked. We investigated the relative contributions of consumptive and non-consumptive effects to aphid suppression by a wasp assemblage containing both enemies and non-enemies. We examined the suppression of two aphid species with different defensive strategies, pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum), which drop from their host plant to the ground, and green peach aphids (Myzus persicae), which remain on the plant and merely walk away. The expectation was that riskier defensive behaviors, like abandoning the plant, would result in larger non-consumptive effects. We found that the outcome of multi-species interactions differed depending on the mechanism of suppression, with interference among wasps in their consumptive effects and additivity in their non-consumptive effects. We also found that, despite differences in defensive strategies, the non-consumptive effects of wasps on aphid abundance were significant for both aphid species. Furthermore, when part of a multi-species assemblage, non-enemies enhanced aphid suppression via complementary non-consumptive effects with lethal enemies, but this increase in suppression was offset by disruption in the consumptive suppression of aphids by lethal enemies. We conclude that non-consumptive effects arise from interactions with both enemy and non-enemy species and that both can contribute to herbivore suppression when part of a broader community. We predict that encouraging the presence of non-enemy organisms may provide insurance against fluctuations in the size of consumptive enemy populations and buffer against herbivore outbreaks.
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Rodrigues ACM, Machado AL, Bordalo MD, Saro L, Simão FCP, Rocha RJM, Golovko O, Žlábek V, Barata C, Soares AMVM, Pestana JLT. Invasive Species Mediate Insecticide Effects on Community and Ecosystem Functioning. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2018; 52:4889-4900. [PMID: 29565569 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b00193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic activities increase pesticide contamination and biological invasions in freshwater ecosystems. Understanding their combined effects on community structure and on ecosystem functioning presents challenges for an improved ecological risk assessment. This study focuses on an artificial stream mesocosms experiment testing for direct and indirect effects of insecticide (chlorantraniliprole - CAP) exposure on the structure of a benthic macroinvertebrate freshwater community and on ecosystem functioning (leaf decomposition, primary production). To understand how predator identity and resource quality alter the community responses to chemical stress, the mediating effects of an invasive predator species (crayfish Procambarus clarkii) and detritus quality (tested by using leaves of the invasive Eucalyptus globulus) on insecticide toxicity were also investigated. Low concentrations of CAP reduced the abundance of shredders and grazers, decreasing leaf decomposition and increasing primary production. Replacement of autochthonous predators and leaf litter by invasive species decreased macroinvertebrate survival, reduced leaf decomposition, and enhanced primary production. Structural equation modeling (SEM) highlighted that CAP toxicity to macroinvertebrates was mediated by the presence of crayfish or eucalypt leaf litter which are now common in many Mediterranean freshwaters. In summary, our results demonstrate that the presence of these two invasive species alters the effects of insecticide exposure on benthic freshwater communities. The approach used here also allowed for a mechanistic evaluation of indirect effects of these stressors and of their interaction on ecosystem functional endpoint, emphasizing the value of incorporating biotic stressors in ecotoxicological experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreia C M Rodrigues
- Departamento de Biologia & CESAM , Universidade de Aveiro , Campus Universitário de Santiago , 3810-193 Aveiro , Portugal
- Department of Environmental Chemistry , IDAEA-CSIC , Jordi Girona, 18-26 , 08034 Barcelona , Spain
| | - Ana L Machado
- Departamento de Biologia & CESAM , Universidade de Aveiro , Campus Universitário de Santiago , 3810-193 Aveiro , Portugal
| | - Maria D Bordalo
- Departamento de Biologia & CESAM , Universidade de Aveiro , Campus Universitário de Santiago , 3810-193 Aveiro , Portugal
| | - Liliana Saro
- Departamento de Biologia & CESAM , Universidade de Aveiro , Campus Universitário de Santiago , 3810-193 Aveiro , Portugal
| | - Fátima C P Simão
- Departamento de Biologia & CESAM , Universidade de Aveiro , Campus Universitário de Santiago , 3810-193 Aveiro , Portugal
| | - Rui J M Rocha
- Departamento de Biologia & CESAM , Universidade de Aveiro , Campus Universitário de Santiago , 3810-193 Aveiro , Portugal
| | - Oksana Golovko
- Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses , University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice , 389 25 Vodnany , Czech Republic
| | - Vladimír Žlábek
- Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses , University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice , 389 25 Vodnany , Czech Republic
| | - Carlos Barata
- Department of Environmental Chemistry , IDAEA-CSIC , Jordi Girona, 18-26 , 08034 Barcelona , Spain
| | - Amadeu M V M Soares
- Departamento de Biologia & CESAM , Universidade de Aveiro , Campus Universitário de Santiago , 3810-193 Aveiro , Portugal
| | - João L T Pestana
- Departamento de Biologia & CESAM , Universidade de Aveiro , Campus Universitário de Santiago , 3810-193 Aveiro , Portugal
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11
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Keep calm and don't stop growing: Non-consumptive effects of a sympatric predator on two invasive Ponto-Caspian gammarids Dikerogammarus villosus and Pontogammarus robustoides. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0182481. [PMID: 28771578 PMCID: PMC5542608 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Predators shape prey populations by elimination of individuals (consumptive effects) and by inducing modifications in prey behaviour, physiology or morphology (NCE—non-consumptive effects). Due to the resource allocation to defence, decreased feeding and higher stress, the costs of predator NCEs can be considerable. Therefore, the resistance to NCEs may be crucial for population growth and interspecific competition. We tested the resistance of Ponto-Caspian gammarids Dikerogammarus villosus and Pontogammarus robustoides to NCEs imposed by their predator, the racer goby Babka gymnotrachelus. As D. villosus is often avoided by predators in the presence of alternative food, we hypothesised that it would bear lower behavioural and physiological costs of anti-predator responses. We tested gammarid feeding in short-time experiments (2–4 h) with food (chironomid larvae) located at various distances from the stony shelter (to enforce food searching, Experiment I) or in the direct gammarid proximity (no searching needed, Experiment II). Moreover, we checked the predator effect on gammarid growth in a 2-week Experiment III. Both gammarids exposed to predators reduced feeding efficiency outside the shelter (Experiment I). Contrary to our expectations, the response of D. villosus was stronger. When food was provided in their direct proximity (Experiment II), the feeding of both species was unaffected by predators, indicating that a shelter supplied with food can reduce predator NCEs. The growth of P. robustoides was reduced in the presence of predators (Experiment III), whereas that of D. villosus was unaffected. Although D. villosus has a more effective defence strategy than P. robustoides, it bears similar or even higher behavioural costs of NCEs. However, it exhibits the higher resistance to the long-term predator presence, sustaining its growth rate under such conditions. This may be one of the factors contributing to the great invasion success of D. villosus, currently taking place in European fresh waters.
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Hermann SL, Landis DA. Scaling up our understanding of non-consumptive effects in insect systems. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2017; 20:54-60. [PMID: 28602236 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2017.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2016] [Revised: 02/24/2017] [Accepted: 03/30/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Non-consumptive effects (NCEs) of predators on prey is an important topic in insect ecology with potential applications for pest management. NCEs are changes in prey behavior and physiology that aid in predation avoidance. While NCEs can have positive outcomes for prey survival there may also be negative consequences including increased stress and reduced growth. These effects can cascade through trophic systems influencing ecosystem function. Most NCEs have been studied at small spatial and temporal scales. However, recent studies show promise for the potential to manipulate NCEs for pest management. We suggest the next frontier for NCE studies includes manipulating the landscape of fear to improve pest control, which requires scaling-up to field and landscape levels, over ecologically relevant time frames.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara L Hermann
- Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, United States; Program in Ecology, Evolutionary Biology and Behavior, Michigan State University, United States.
| | - Douglas A Landis
- Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, United States; Program in Ecology, Evolutionary Biology and Behavior, Michigan State University, United States
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Rodríguez-Lozano P, Rieradevall M, Prat N. Top predator absence enhances leaf breakdown in an intermittent stream. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 572:1123-1131. [PMID: 27522291 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Revised: 08/03/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Current biodiversity loss is characterized by the extinction of top predators, but small-bodied freshwater fish are often overlooked in research and conservation management even when threatened because they usually lack commercial value. Therefore, the ecosystem impacts of their possible loss remain mostly unknown. We assessed whether the presence/absence of an endangered predatory fish (Barbus meridionalis (A. Risso, 1827)) in an intermittent stream affects leaf fungal biomass and leaf quality (i.e. leaf carbon:nitrogen ratio and leaf toughness), macroinvertebrate assemblages colonizing leaf packs, and leaf breakdown rates. We conducted a leaf bag experiment comparing a control reach with a population of B. meridionalis with an adjacent upstream fishless reach. In the fishless reach, leaf fungal biomass and microbially mediated breakdown rate were lower compared to the control reach. This was probably caused by the lack of the bottom-up stimulation through nutrient recycling by fish. Shredders and scrapers were found at higher abundance and biomass in the fishless compared to the control reach, and the whole macroinvertebrate community composition changed with fish absence. Consequently, macroinvertebrate mediated leaf breakdown was faster in the fishless than in the control reach, not only compensating for the lower microbially mediated leaf breakdown in the fishless reach, but accelerating the overall leaf breakdown rate. Our study contributes to understand the potential cascading effects produced by the extirpation of endangered small-bodied fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Rodríguez-Lozano
- Freshwater Ecology and Management (F.E.M.) Research Group, Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Maria Rieradevall
- Freshwater Ecology and Management (F.E.M.) Research Group, Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Narcís Prat
- Freshwater Ecology and Management (F.E.M.) Research Group, Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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