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Milles A, Bielcik M, Banitz T, Gallagher CA, Jeltsch F, Jepsen JU, Oro D, Radchuk V, Grimm V. Defining ecological buffer mechanisms should consider diverse approaches. Trends Ecol Evol 2024; 39:119-120. [PMID: 38158240 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2023.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Milles
- Research Institute for Forest Ecology and Forestry Rhineland-Palatinate, Haupstr. 16, 67705 Trippstadt, Germany; Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Department of Ecological Modelling, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany; University of Potsdam, Department of Plant Ecology and Nature Conservation, Am Muhlenberg 3, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany.
| | - Milos Bielcik
- Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research - ZALF, Eberswalder Straße 84, 15374 Müncheberg, Germany; Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB), 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Banitz
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Department of Ecological Modelling, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Cara A Gallagher
- University of Potsdam, Department of Plant Ecology and Nature Conservation, Am Muhlenberg 3, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Florian Jeltsch
- University of Potsdam, Department of Plant Ecology and Nature Conservation, Am Muhlenberg 3, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany; Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB), 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jane U Jepsen
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Department of Arctic Ecology, Fram Centre, Hjalmar Johansens gt.14, 9007 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Daniel Oro
- Centre d'Estudis Avançats de Blanes (CEAB - CSIC), Acces Cala Sant Francesc 14, 17300 Blanes, Girona, Spain
| | - Viktoriia Radchuk
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Ecological Dynamics Department, 10315 Berlin, Germany
| | - Volker Grimm
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Department of Ecological Modelling, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany; University of Potsdam, Department of Plant Ecology and Nature Conservation, Am Muhlenberg 3, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany; German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Puschstr. 4, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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Milles A, Banitz T, Bielcik M, Frank K, Gallagher CA, Jeltsch F, Jepsen JU, Oro D, Radchuk V, Grimm V. Local buffer mechanisms for population persistence. Trends Ecol Evol 2023; 38:1051-1059. [PMID: 37558537 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2023.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Assessing and predicting the persistence of populations is essential for the conservation and control of species. Here, we argue that local mechanisms require a better conceptual synthesis to facilitate a more holistic consideration along with regional mechanisms known from metapopulation theory. We summarise the evidence for local buffer mechanisms along with their capacities and emphasise the need to include multiple buffer mechanisms in studies of population persistence. We propose an accessible framework for local buffer mechanisms that distinguishes between damping (reducing fluctuations in population size) and repelling (reducing population declines) mechanisms. We highlight opportunities for empirical and modelling studies to investigate the interactions and capacities of buffer mechanisms to facilitate better ecological understanding in times of ecological upheaval.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Milles
- Department of Plant Ecology and Nature Conservation, University of Potsdam, Am Muhlenberg 3, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany; Department of Ecological Modelling, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany; Nationalparkamt Hunsrück-Hochwald, Research, Biotope- and Wildlife Management, Brückener Straße 24, 55765 Birkenfeld, Germany.
| | - Thomas Banitz
- Department of Ecological Modelling, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Milos Bielcik
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Biology, Altensteinstr. 6, 14195 Berlin, Germany; Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB), 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Karin Frank
- Department of Ecological Modelling, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany; University of Osnabrück, Institute for Environmental Systems Research, Barbarastr. 12, 49076 Osnabrück, Germany; German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Puschstr. 4, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Cara A Gallagher
- Department of Plant Ecology and Nature Conservation, University of Potsdam, Am Muhlenberg 3, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Florian Jeltsch
- Department of Plant Ecology and Nature Conservation, University of Potsdam, Am Muhlenberg 3, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany; Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB), 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jane Uhd Jepsen
- Department of Arctic Ecology, Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Fram Centre, Hjalmar Johansens gt.14, 9007 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Daniel Oro
- Centre d'Estudis Avançats de Blanes (CEAB - CSIC), Acces Cala Sant Francesc 14, 17300 Blanes, Girona, Spain.
| | - Viktoriia Radchuk
- Ecological Dynamics Department, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, 10315 Berlin, Germany
| | - Volker Grimm
- Department of Plant Ecology and Nature Conservation, University of Potsdam, Am Muhlenberg 3, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany; Department of Ecological Modelling, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany; German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Puschstr. 4, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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Gonzalez SV, Dafforn KA, Gribben PE, O'Connor WA, Johnston EL. Organic enrichment reduces sediment bacterial and archaeal diversity, composition, and functional profile independent of bioturbator activity. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 196:115608. [PMID: 37797537 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115608] [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: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Eutrophication is a worldwide issue that can disrupt ecosystem processes in sediments. Studies have shown that macrofauna influences sediment processes by engineering environments that constrain microbial communities. Here, we explored the effect of different sizes of the Sydney cockle (Anadara trapezia), on bacterial and archaeal communities in natural and experimentally enriched sediments. A mesocosm experiment was conducted with two enrichment conditions (natural or enriched) and 5 cockle treatments (small, medium, large, mixed sizes and a control). This study was unable to detect A. trapezia effects on microbial communities irrespective of body size. However, a substantial decrease of bacterial richness, diversity, and structural and functional shifts, were seen with organic enrichment of sediments. Archaea were similarly changed although the magnitude of effect was less than for bacteria. Overall, we found evidence to suggest that A. trapezia had limited capacity to affect sediment microbial communities and mitigate the effects of organic enrichment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Vadillo Gonzalez
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Chowder Bay Road, Mosman, NSW 2088, Sydney, Australia; The University of Sydney, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Katherine A Dafforn
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Chowder Bay Road, Mosman, NSW 2088, Sydney, Australia; School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW 2109, Sydney, Australia
| | - Paul E Gribben
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Chowder Bay Road, Mosman, NSW 2088, Sydney, Australia; Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, NSW, 2052 Sydney, Australia; Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Wayne A O'Connor
- New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Fisheries NSW, Port Stephens Fisheries Institute, Taylors Beach, NSW 2316, Australia
| | - Emma L Johnston
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Chowder Bay Road, Mosman, NSW 2088, Sydney, Australia; Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, NSW, 2052 Sydney, Australia
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Byers JE, Blaze JA, Dodd AC, Hall HL, Gribben PE. Exotic asphyxiation: interactions between invasive species and hypoxia. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2023; 98:150-167. [PMID: 36097368 PMCID: PMC10087183 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Non-indigenous species (NIS) and hypoxia (<2 mg O2 l-1 ) can disturb and restructure aquatic communities. Both are heavily influenced by human activities and are intensifying with global change. As these disturbances increase, understanding how they interact to affect native species and systems is essential. To expose patterns, outcomes, and generalizations, we thoroughly reviewed the biological invasion literature and compiled 100 studies that examine the interaction of hypoxia and NIS. We found that 64% of studies showed that NIS are tolerant of hypoxia, and 62% showed that NIS perform better than native species under hypoxia. Only one-quarter of studies examined NIS as creators of hypoxia; thus, NIS are more often considered passengers associated with hypoxia, rather than drivers of it. Paradoxically, the NIS that most commonly create hypoxia are primary producers. Taxa like molluscs are typically more hypoxia tolerant than mobile taxa like fish and crustaceans. Most studies examine individual-level or localized responses to hypoxia; however, the most extensive impacts occur when hypoxia associated with NIS affects communities and ecosystems. We discuss how these influences of hypoxia at higher levels of organization better inform net outcomes of the biological invasion process, i.e. establishment, spread, and impact, and are thus most useful to management. Our review identifies wide variation in the way in which the interaction between hypoxia and NIS is studied in the literature, and suggests ways to address the number of variables that affect their interaction and refine insight gleaned from future studies. We also identify a clear need for resource management to consider the interactive effects of these two global stressors which are almost exclusively managed independently.
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Affiliation(s)
- James E. Byers
- Odum School of EcologyUniversity of Georgia140 E. Green St.AthensGA30602USA
| | - Julie A. Blaze
- Odum School of EcologyUniversity of Georgia140 E. Green St.AthensGA30602USA
| | - Alannah C. Dodd
- Odum School of EcologyUniversity of Georgia140 E. Green St.AthensGA30602USA
| | - Hannah L. Hall
- Odum School of EcologyUniversity of Georgia140 E. Green St.AthensGA30602USA
| | - Paul E. Gribben
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental ScienceUniversity of New South WalesRm 4115, Building E26SydneyNew South Wales2052Australia
- Sydney Institute of Marine ScienceChowder Bay RdMosmanNew South Wales2088Australia
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Malo AF, Taylor A, Díaz M. Native seed dispersal by rodents is negatively influenced by an invasive shrub. ANIMAL BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION 2021. [DOI: 10.32800/abc.2022.45.0053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Refuge–mediated apparent competition is the mechanism by which invasive plants increase pressure on native plants by providing refuge for generalist consumers. In the UK, the invasive Rhododendron ponticum does not provide food for generalist seed consumers like rodents, but evergreen canopy provides refuge from rodent predators, and predation and pilferage risk are key factors affecting rodent foraging and caching behaviour. Here we used a seed removal/ seed fate experiment to understand how invasion by an evergreen shrub can alter seed dispersal, seed fate and early recruitment of native trees. We used seeds of four species, small and wind–dispersed (sycamore maple Acer pseudoplatanus and European ash Fraxinus excelsior) and large and animal–dispersed (pedunculate oak Quercus robur and common hazel Corylus avellana), and monitored seed predation and caching in open woodland, edge habitats, and under Rhododendron. In the open woodland, wind–dispersed seeds had a higher probability of being eaten in situ than cached seeds, while the opposite occurred with animal–dispersed seeds. The latter were removed from the open woodland and edge habitats and cached under Rhododendron. This pattern was expected if predation risk was the main factor influencing the decision to eat or to cach a seed. Enhanced dispersal towards Rhododendron cover did not increase the prospects for seed survival, as density of hazel and oak saplings under its cover was close to zero as compared to open woodland, possibly due to increased cache pilferage or low seedling survival under dense shade, or both. Enhanced seed predation of ash and sycamore seeds close to Rhododendron cover also decreased recruitment of these trees. Rhododendron patches biased rodent foraging behaviour towards the negative (net predation) side of the conditional rodent / tree interaction. This effect will potentially impact native woodland regeneration and further facilitate Rhododendron spread due to refuge–mediated apparent competition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - M. Díaz
- Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (BGC–MNCN–CSIC), Madrid, Spain
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Gippet JMW, George L, Bertelsmeier C. Local coexistence of native and invasive ant species is associated with micro-spatial shifts in foraging activity. Biol Invasions 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-021-02678-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Vadillo Gonzalez S, Johnston EL, Dafforn KA, O'Connor WA, Gribben PE. Body size affects lethal and sublethal responses to organic enrichment: Evidence of associational susceptibility for an infaunal bivalve. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 169:105391. [PMID: 34217096 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2021.105391] [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: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Eutrophication is an increasing problem worldwide and can disrupt ecosystem processes in which macrobenthic bioturbators play an essential role. This study explores how intraspecific variation in body size affects the survival, mobility and impact on sediment organic matter breakdown in enriched sediments of an infaunal bivalve. A mesocosm experiment was conducted in which monocultures and all size combinations of three body sizes (small, medium and large) of the Sydney cockle, Anadara trapezia, were exposed to natural or organically enriched sediments. Results demonstrate that larger body sizes have higher tolerance to enriched conditions and can reduce survival of smaller cockles when grown together. Also, large A. trapezia influenced sediment organic matter breakdown although a direct link to bioturbation activity was not clear. Overall, this study found that intraspecific variation in body size influences survival and performance of bioturbators in eutrophic scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Vadillo Gonzalez
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, NSW, 2033, Sydney, Australia; Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Chowder Bay Road, Mosman, NSW, 2088, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Emma L Johnston
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, NSW, 2033, Sydney, Australia; Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Chowder Bay Road, Mosman, NSW, 2088, Sydney, Australia
| | - Katherine A Dafforn
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Chowder Bay Road, Mosman, NSW, 2088, Sydney, Australia; Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, 2113, Sydney, Australia
| | - Wayne A O'Connor
- New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Port Stephens Fisheries Institute, Taylors Beach, NSW, 2316, Australia
| | - Paul E Gribben
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, NSW, 2033, Sydney, Australia; Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Chowder Bay Road, Mosman, NSW, 2088, Sydney, Australia
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Lewis NS, DeWitt TH. Effect of Green Macroalgal Blooms on the Behavior, Growth, and Survival of Cockles ( Clinocardium nuttallii) in Pacific NW Estuaries. MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES 2017; 582:105-120. [PMID: 29375170 PMCID: PMC5783308 DOI: 10.3354/meps12328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Nutrient over-enrichment can produce adverse ecological effects within coastal ecosystems and negatively impact the production of ecosystem goods and services. In small estuaries of the U.S. Pacific Northwest, seasonal blooms of green macroalgae (GMA; Family Ulvaceae) are primarily associated with natural nutrient input, rather than anthropogenic sources. This provided us a unique opportunity to investigate the effects of naturally-stimulated macroalgal blooms on intertidal bivalves. Clinocardium nuttallii (heart cockles) are an important species for shellfisheries in the region. In summer population surveys, we found that cockles emerged from the sediment with greater frequency as GMA biomass increased. Experimental manipulation of GMA biomass in the field showed that GMA elicited emergence, evoked above-ground lateral movement, inhibited shell growth, and increased mortality (by 34.0 ± 15.2%) in cockles. Laboratory experiments revealed that the interaction of a weighted barrier at the sediment surface and GMA presence elicited rapid emergence among cockles. Risk assessment of the emergence response in cockles showed that the in situ emergent population experienced 11.0 ± 8.0% mortality due to gull predation, while laboratory exposure to elevated temperatures (≥34 °C) slowed valve-closure, inhibited reburial, and increased mortality, which could have translated to 7.1 ± 1.5% in situ mortality. We found that cockles avoided mortality due to burial below GMA mats by emerging from the sediment, but that behavior consequently put them at risk of mortality due to heat stress or gull predation. Regardless of nutrient source, our research showed that GMA blooms pose a threat to the survival of intertidal bivalves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel S. Lewis
- ORISE Research Fellow, Pacific Coastal Ecology Branch, Western Ecology Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Newport, OR 97365, USA
| | - Theodore H. DeWitt
- Pacific Coastal Ecology Branch, Western Ecology Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Newport, OR 97365, USA
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Gribben PE, Nielsen S, Seymour JR, Bradley DJ, West MN, Thomas T. Microbial communities in marine sediments modify success of an invasive macrophyte. Sci Rep 2017; 7:9845. [PMID: 28852143 PMCID: PMC5575248 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-10231-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive plants have extensive impacts on ecosystem function and biodiversity globally. Our inability to manage invasive species stems in part from a lack of understanding of the processes that control their successful establishment and spread. To date, studies have largely considered how above-ground processes control native/invasive plant interactions. Emerging research from terrestrial and wetland ecosystems demonstrates that below-ground processes under microbial control can determine the outcome of interactions between native and invasive plants. Whether sediment microbes modify the success of invasive macrophytes in marine ecosystems is untested, despite marine sediment microbes controlling many ecological processes (e.g. nutrient cycling) comparable to those in terrestrial ecosystems. We first show that sediment bacterial communities differ between the native seagrass Zostera capricorni and the invasive alga Caulerpa taxifolia and that those differences relate to functional changes in sulfur cycling between the macrophytes. Second, by experimentally manipulating the microbial communities we show that intact microbial communities in Z. capricorni sediments provide biotic resistance by reducing C. taxifolia fragment growth 119% compared to when they are inactive, and intact microbial communities in C. taxifolia sediments have positive feedbacks by increasing fragment growth 200%. Thus, similar to terrestrial ecosystems, microorganisms appear to indirectly control the success of invasive macrophytes in marine ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul E Gribben
- Centre for Marine Bio-Innovation, and School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052, Australia. .,Sydney Institute of Marine Science, 19 Chowder Bay Road, Mosman, NSW 2088, Australia.
| | - Shaun Nielsen
- Centre for Marine Bio-Innovation, and School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052, Australia
| | - Justin R Seymour
- Plant Functional Biology and Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology, Sydney, 2007, Australia
| | - Daniel J Bradley
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology, Sydney, 2007, Australia
| | - Matthew N West
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science, 19 Chowder Bay Road, Mosman, NSW 2088, Australia
| | - Torsten Thomas
- Centre for Marine Bio-Innovation, and School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052, Australia
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Crooks JA, Chang AL, Ruiz GM. Decoupling the response of an estuarine shrimp to architectural components of habitat structure. PeerJ 2016; 4:e2244. [PMID: 27547551 PMCID: PMC4975033 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.2244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to explore biotic attraction to structure, we examined how the amount and arrangement of artificial biotic stalks affected responses of a shrimp, Palaemon macrodactylus, absent other proximate factors such as predation or interspecific competition. In aquaria, we tested the effect of differing densities of both un-branched and branched stalks, where the amount of material in the branched stalk equaled four-times that of the un-branched. The results clearly showed that it was the amount of material, not how it was arranged, that elicited responses from shrimp. Also, although stalks were not purposefully designed to mimic structural elements found in nature, they did resemble biogenic structure such as hydroids, algae, or plants. In order to test shrimp attraction to a different, perhaps more unfamiliar habitat type, we examined responses to plastic "army men." These structural elements elicited similar attraction of shrimp, and, in general, shrimp response correlated well with the fractal dimension of both stalks and army men. Overall, these results indicate that attraction to physical structure, regardless of its nature, may be an important driver of high abundances often associated with complex habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey A Crooks
- Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve, Imperial Beach, CA, United States; Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Tiburon, California, United States
| | - Andrew L Chang
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center , Tiburon, California , United States
| | - Gregory M Ruiz
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center , Edgewater, Maryland , United States
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Booth DJ, Gribben P, Parkinson K. Impact of cigarette butt leachate on tidepool snails. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2015; 95:362-364. [PMID: 25913792 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2014] [Revised: 03/24/2015] [Accepted: 04/10/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
In urban areas, cigarette butts are the most common discarded refuse articles. In marine intertidal zones, they often fall into tidepools. We tested how common intertidal molluscs were affected by butt leachate in a laboratory experiment, where snails were exposed to various leachate concentrations. Mortality was very high, with all species showing 100% mortality at the full leachate concentration (5 butts per litre and 2h soak time) after 8days. However, Austrocochlea porcata showed higher mortality than the other 2 species at lower concentrations (10%, 25%) which may affect the relative abundance of the 3 snails under different concentrations of leachate pollution. Also, sublethal effects of leachate on snail activity were observed, with greater activity of Nerita atramentosa than the other 2 species at higher concentrations, suggesting it is more resilient than the other 2 species. While human health concerns predominate with respect to smoking, we show strong lethal and sublethal (via behavioural modifications) impacts of discarded butts on intertidal organisms, with even closely-related taxa responding differently.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Booth
- Fish Ecology Lab, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology, Sydney, PO Box 123, Broadway, New South Wales 2007, Australia.
| | - Paul Gribben
- Centre for Marine Bio-Innovation and School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Kerryn Parkinson
- Fish Ecology Lab, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology, Sydney, PO Box 123, Broadway, New South Wales 2007, Australia
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Kallenborn R, Blais JM. Tracking Contaminant Transport From Biovectors. ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINANTS 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/978-94-017-9541-8_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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Lyons DA, Arvanitidis C, Blight AJ, Chatzinikolaou E, Guy-Haim T, Kotta J, Orav-Kotta H, Queirós AM, Rilov G, Somerfield PJ, Crowe TP. Macroalgal blooms alter community structure and primary productivity in marine ecosystems. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2014; 20:2712-2724. [PMID: 24890042 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.12644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2013] [Revised: 04/14/2014] [Accepted: 05/02/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Eutrophication, coupled with loss of herbivory due to habitat degradation and overharvesting, has increased the frequency and severity of macroalgal blooms worldwide. Macroalgal blooms interfere with human activities in coastal areas, and sometimes necessitate costly algal removal programmes. They also have many detrimental effects on marine and estuarine ecosystems, including induction of hypoxia, release of toxic hydrogen sulphide into the sediments and atmosphere, and the loss of ecologically and economically important species. However, macroalgal blooms can also increase habitat complexity, provide organisms with food and shelter, and reduce other problems associated with eutrophication. These contrasting effects make their overall ecological impacts unclear. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the overall effects of macroalgal blooms on several key measures of ecosystem structure and functioning in marine ecosystems. We also evaluated some of the ecological and methodological factors that might explain the highly variable effects observed in different studies. Averaged across all studies, macroalgal blooms had negative effects on the abundance and species richness of marine organisms, but blooms by different algal taxa had different consequences, ranging from strong negative to strong positive effects. Blooms' effects on species richness also depended on the habitat where they occurred, with the strongest negative effects seen in sandy or muddy subtidal habitats and in the rocky intertidal. Invertebrate communities also appeared to be particularly sensitive to blooms, suffering reductions in their abundance, species richness, and diversity. The total net primary productivity, gross primary productivity, and respiration of benthic ecosystems were higher during macroalgal blooms, but blooms had negative effects on the productivity and respiration of other organisms. These results suggest that, in addition to their direct social and economic costs, macroalgal blooms have ecological effects that may alter their capacity to deliver important ecosystem services.
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Gribben PE, Wright JT. Habitat-former effects on prey behaviour increase predation and non-predation mortality. J Anim Ecol 2013; 83:388-96. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.12139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2013] [Accepted: 08/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Paul E. Gribben
- Plant Functional Biology and Climate Change Cluster; School of the Environment; University of Technology; Sydney NSW 2007 Australia
| | - Jeffrey T. Wright
- National Centre for Marine Conservation and Resource Sustainability; Australian Maritime College; University of Tasmania; P.O. Box 986 Launceston Tas. 7250 Australia
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Gribben PE, Byers JE, Wright JT, Glasby TM. Positive versus negative effects of an invasive ecosystem engineer on different components of a marine ecosystem. OIKOS 2012. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0706.2012.20868.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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16
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Bishop MJ, Kelaher BP. Replacement of native seagrass with invasive algal detritus: impacts to estuarine sediment communities. Biol Invasions 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-012-0267-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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17
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Byers JE, Gribben PE, Yeager C, Sotka EE. Impacts of an abundant introduced ecosystem engineer within mudflats of the southeastern US coast. Biol Invasions 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-012-0254-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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18
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Wright JT, Gribben PE, Byers JE, Monro K. Invasive ecosystem engineer selects for different phenotypes of an associated native species. Ecology 2012; 93:1262-8. [DOI: 10.1890/11-1740.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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19
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Berger-Tal O, Polak T, Oron A, Lubin Y, Kotler BP, Saltz D. Integrating animal behavior and conservation biology: a conceptual framework. Behav Ecol 2011. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arq224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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20
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Effects of Caulerpa racemosa invasion on soft-bottom assemblages in the Western Mediterranean Sea. Biol Invasions 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-011-9938-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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