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Ang SBH, Lam WN, Png GK, Tan SKB, Lee BPYH, Khoo M, Luskin MS, Wardle DA, Slade EM. Isopod mouthpart traits respond to a tropical forest recovery gradient. Oecologia 2024; 204:147-159. [PMID: 38151651 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-023-05494-8] [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: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Functional trait ecology has the potential to provide generalizable and mechanistic predictions of ecosystem function from data of species distributions and traits. The traits that are selected should both respond to environmental factors and influence ecosystem functioning. Invertebrate mouthpart traits fulfill these criteria, but are seldom collected, lack standardized measurement protocols, and have infrequently been investigated in response to environmental factors. We surveyed isopod species that consume plant detritus, and tree communities in 58 plots across primary and secondary forests in Singapore. We measured body dimensions (body size traits), pereopod and antennae lengths (locomotory traits), dimensions of mandible structures (morphological mouthpart traits), and mechanical advantages generated by mandible shape (mechanical mouthpart traits) for six isopod species found in these plots and investigated if these traits respond to changes in tree community composition, tree diversity, and forest structure. Morphological mouthpart traits responded to a tree compositional gradient reflecting forest recovery degree. Mouthpart features associated with greater consumption of litter (broader but less serrated/rugose lacinia mobilis [an important cutting and chewing structure on the mandible]) were most prevalent in abandoned plantation and young secondary forests containing disturbance-associated tree species. Feeding strategies associated with fungi grazing (narrower and more serrated/rugose lacinia mobilis) were most prevalent in late secondary forests containing later successional tree species. Since morphological mouthpart traits likely also predict consumption and excretion rates of isopods, these traits advance our understanding of environment-trait-ecosystem functioning relationships across contrasting tropical forest plots that vary in composition, disturbance history, and post-disturbance recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawn B H Ang
- The Asian School of the Environment, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Republic of Singapore
| | - Weng Ngai Lam
- The Asian School of the Environment, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Republic of Singapore.
| | - G Kenny Png
- The Asian School of the Environment, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Republic of Singapore
| | - Sylvia K B Tan
- The Asian School of the Environment, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Republic of Singapore
| | - Benjamin P Y-H Lee
- Singapore Botanic Gardens, National Parks Board 1 Cluny Road, Singapore, 259569, Republic of Singapore
| | - Max Khoo
- Wildlife Management Division, National Parks Board, 1 Cluny Road, Singapore, 259569, Republic of Singapore
| | - Matthew S Luskin
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - David A Wardle
- Department of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Eleanor M Slade
- The Asian School of the Environment, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Republic of Singapore
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2
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Anselme P, Chrzanowska A, Goncikowska K, Pisula W. Reactivity to pseudorandom environmental patterns in woodlice: Effects of hydric deprivation and light exposure. Behav Processes 2023; 209:104888. [PMID: 37164124 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2023.104888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Exploratory activity is an essential component of animal behavior, including among invertebrate species. This study examined the effects of hydric deprivation and their possible modulation by light exposure on locomotion and rearing-up behavior in two woodlice species, Porcellio scaber (Latreille 1804) and Armadillidium vulgare (Latreille 1804). It was also an attempt to replicate previous findings on the stimulation of these behaviors in P. scaber, exposed to (pseudo)random vs. regular visual and tactile patterns in a small enclosure. In Experiment 1, two groups of P. scaber and two groups of A. vulgare were exposed to randomly vs. regularly distributed visual (black and white) and tactile (grained and smooth) patterns for approximately 20min. No rewards were present in the environment and the woodlice were tested without preliminary hydric deprivation. In Experiment 2, the same procedure was used but the woodlice were tested following a 20-min hydric deprivation under a bottle cap (darkness). Experiment 3 replicated this procedure with the 20-min hydric deprivation spent in a plastic cup (light exposure). The results of Experiments 1 and 3 provide partial replication with A. vulgare, but not P. scaber, of the previous findings: Random patterns stimulate rearing-up behavior on the apparatus' vertical walls more than regular patterns. Also, a more aversive stimulation in Experiment 3 compared to Experiment 2, increased locomotion, especially in the random environment. The role of hydric deprivation and light exposure in the process of escaping from a hostile environment is discussed, as well as the effects of the treatments used in these experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Anselme
- Department of Biopsychology, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany
| | - Anna Chrzanowska
- Laboratory of Comparative and Evolutionary Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Polish Academy of Science, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Goncikowska
- Laboratory of Comparative and Evolutionary Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Polish Academy of Science, Poland
| | - Wojciech Pisula
- Laboratory of Comparative and Evolutionary Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Polish Academy of Science, Poland
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Newell FL, Ausprey IJ, Robinson SK. Wet and dry extremes reduce arthropod biomass independently of leaf phenology in the wet tropics. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2023; 29:308-323. [PMID: 36102197 PMCID: PMC10087840 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Warming temperatures are increasing rainfall extremes, yet arthropod responses to climatic fluctuations remain poorly understood. Here, we used spatiotemporal variation in tropical montane climate as a natural experiment to compare the importance of biotic versus abiotic drivers in regulating arthropod biomass. We combined intensive field data on arthropods, leaf phenology and in situ weather across a 1700-3100 m elevation and rainfall gradient, along with desiccation-resistance experiments and multi-decadal modelling. We found limited support for biotic drivers with weak increases in some herbivorous taxa on shrubs with new leaves, but no landscape-scale effects of leaf phenology, which tracked light and cloud cover. Instead, rainfall explained extensive interannual variability with maximum biomass at intermediate rainfall (130 mm month-1 ) as both 3 months of high and low rainfall reduced arthropods by half. Based on 50 years of regional rainfall, our dynamic arthropod model predicted shifts in the timing of biomass maxima within cloud forests before plant communities transition to seasonally deciduous dry forests (mean annual rainfall 1000-2500 mm vs. <800 mm). Rainfall magnitude was the primary driver, but during high solar insolation, the 'drying power of air' (VPDmax ) reduced biomass within days contributing to drought related to the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Highlighting risks from drought, experiments demonstrated community-wide susceptibility to desiccation except for some caterpillars in which melanin-based coloration appeared to reduce the effects of evaporative drying. Overall, we provide multiple lines of evidence that several months of heavy rain or drought reduce arthropod biomass independently of deep-rooted plants with the potential to destabilize insectivore food webs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicity L. Newell
- Florida Museum of Natural History & Department of BiologyUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFloridaUSA
- Division of Conservation BiologyInstitute of Ecology and Evolution, University of BernBernCH‐3012Switzerland
| | - Ian J. Ausprey
- Florida Museum of Natural History & Department of BiologyUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFloridaUSA
- Division of Conservation BiologyInstitute of Ecology and Evolution, University of BernBernCH‐3012Switzerland
| | - Scott K. Robinson
- Florida Museum of Natural History & Department of BiologyUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFloridaUSA
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Tuf IH, Weissová N. Bug cemetery: a case study of terrestrial isopod distribution on a brick wall in the Czech Republic. Zookeys 2022; 1101:191-201. [PMID: 36760979 PMCID: PMC9848974 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1101.76132] [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: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Although terrestrial isopods (Oniscidea) are primarily soil- and surface-dwelling invertebrates, they can also be found on tree trunks and walls. This study evaluated distribution patterns of terrestrial isopods on a brick wall during the first hours of night in autumn. Four species of terrestrial isopods were recorded with Armadillidiumversicolor being the dominant one. Terrestrial isopods were distributed from ground level up to a height of 2 m, but preferred a 70-80 cm height band. The highest number of active individuals was observed 3 h after astronomical dusk. Potential predators of terrestrial isopods were abundant during the same time and at the same height.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Hadrián Tuf
- Department of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech RepublicPalacký UniversityOlomoucCzech Republic
| | - Nelly Weissová
- Department of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech RepublicPalacký UniversityOlomoucCzech Republic
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5
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Yilmaz AR, Yoder A, Diamond SE, Martin RA. Adaptation to urban heat islands enhances thermal performance following development under chronic thermal stress, but not benign conditions in the terrestrial isopod Oniscus asellus. Physiol Biochem Zool 2022; 95:302-316. [DOI: 10.1086/720333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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6
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Engell Dahl J, Renault D. Ecophysiological Responses of the Lesser Mealworm Alphitobius diaperinus Exposed to Desiccating Conditions. Front Physiol 2022; 13:826458. [PMID: 35283797 PMCID: PMC8905145 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.826458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to improve predictions of the impacts of climate change on insects, this study aimed to uncover how exposure to dry conditions can affect the biology of the invasive pest beetle Alphitobius diaperinus in terms of longevity, activity, water content, metabolic profiles, and fecundity. We measured desiccation resistance in adults of A. diaperinus by recording the time the beetles could survive desiccation stress. We found that the species was highly desiccation resistant, with about 50% of the insects exposed to desiccation being able to survive for 30 days, and some individuals even survived for up to 50 days at 10% ± 2 relative humidity. There was no evidence of active upregulation of sugars or other metabolites which the beetles could have used to better tolerate desiccation. Food deprivation affected both control (food deprivation, no desiccation) and treatment (food deprivation, desiccation) groups, as their metabolic phenotypes changed similarly after 1 week of treatment. Also, the activity of beetles from both control and desiccation treatments was similarly increased 2 weeks after the experiment had started. Even if there were no changes in the metabolic phenotypes of the insects experiencing desiccating conditions, beetles exposed to desiccation for 8 days had a significantly reduced reproductive output as compared with control insects. This result indicated a physiological cost of drought resistance or repair of stress-incurred damages. The exact nature of that effect (e.g., direct or indirect physiological costs) has not yet been described for tenebrionid beetles and should be investigated in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Engell Dahl
- Université de Rennes, CNRS, EcoBio (Ecosystèmes, Biodiversité, Évolution)—UMR 6553, Rennes, France
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - David Renault
- Université de Rennes, CNRS, EcoBio (Ecosystèmes, Biodiversité, Évolution)—UMR 6553, Rennes, France
- Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
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Nervo B, Roggero A, Isaia M, Chamberlain D, Rolando A, Palestrini C. Integrating thermal tolerance, water balance and morphology: An experimental study on dung beetles. J Therm Biol 2021; 101:103093. [PMID: 34879911 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2021.103093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The impacts of extreme and rising mean temperatures due to climate change can pose significant physiological challenges for insects. An integrated approach that focuses on mechanisms of body temperature regulation, water balance and morphology may help to unravel the functional traits underpinning thermoregulation strategies and the most relevant trade-offs between temperature and water balance regulation. Here, we focused on four species of tunneler dung beetles as important providers of ecosystem services. In this experimental research, we first quantified two traits related to desiccation resistance and tolerance via experimental tests, and subsequently defined two levels of resistance and tolerance (i.e. low and high) according to significant differences among species. Second, we identified morphological traits correlated with water balance strategies, and we found that desiccation resistance and tolerance increased with small relative size of spiracles and wings. High levels of desiccation tolerance were also correlated with small body mass. Third, by integrating thermal tolerance with functional traits based on desiccation resistance and desiccation tolerance, we found that the species with the highest survival rates under elevated temperatures (Euoniticellus fulvus) was characterized by low desiccation resistance and high desiccation tolerance. Our results suggest shared physiological and morphological responses to temperature and desiccation, with potential conflicts between the need to regulate heat and water balance. They also highlighted the sensitivity of a large species such as Geotrupes stercorarius to warm and arid conditions with potential implications for its geographic distribution and the provisioning of ecosystem services under a climate change scenario.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Nervo
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123, Torino, Italy.
| | - Angela Roggero
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123, Torino, Italy
| | - Marco Isaia
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123, Torino, Italy
| | - Dan Chamberlain
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123, Torino, Italy
| | - Antonio Rolando
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123, Torino, Italy
| | - Claudia Palestrini
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123, Torino, Italy
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Water-seeking behavior among terrestrial arthropods and mollusks in a cool mesic region: Spatial and temporal patterns. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0260070. [PMID: 34807930 PMCID: PMC8608307 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Dehydration can have negative effects on animal physiological performance, growth, reproduction, and survival, and most animals seek to minimize these effects by reducing water losses or seeking water sources. Much-but not all-of the research on animal water balance comes from dryland ecosystems. However, animals inhabiting mesic regions may also experience desiccating conditions, for example within urban heat islands or during heatwaves and droughts. Here we examined how spatial variation in impervious surface and spatial and temporal variation in microclimate impact water demand behavior of terrestrial arthropods and mollusks in three areas of mesic Northwest Ohio, with analysis of taxa that exhibited the greatest water demand behavior. Water demand behavior was measured as the frequency that individuals were observed at an artificial water source (a moistened pouch), relative to the frequency at a control (a dry pouch). Overall, terrestrial arthropods and mollusks were found about twice as often at the water source than at the control (equivalent to 86 more observations on the wet pouch than on dry at each site, on average), with ants accounting for over 50% of the overall response in urban areas. Daily fluctuations in vapor pressure deficit (VPD) best predicted daily variation in water demand behavior, with increased demand at higher VPD. Mean VPD was generally highest near urbanized areas, but effects of VPD on water demand behavior were generally lower in urbanized areas (possibly related to reductions in overall abundance reducing the potential response). On certain days, VPD was high in natural areas and greenspaces, and this coincided with the highest arthropod water demand behavior observed. Our results suggest that terrestrial arthropod communities do experience periods of water demand within mesic regions, including in greenspaces outside cities, where they appear to respond strongly to short periods of dry conditions-an observation with potential relevance for understanding the effects of climate change.
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Nervo B, Roggero A, Chamberlain D, Caprio E, Rolando A, Palestrini C. Physiological, morphological and ecological traits drive desiccation resistance in north temperate dung beetles. BMC ZOOL 2021; 6:26. [PMID: 37170349 PMCID: PMC10127359 DOI: 10.1186/s40850-021-00089-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Increasing temperatures and changes in precipitation patterns threaten the existence of many organisms. It is therefore informative to identify the functional traits that underlie differences in desiccation resistance to understand the response of different species to changes in water availability resulting from climate change. We used adult dung beetles as model species due to their importance to ecosystem services. We investigated: (i) the effect of physiological (water loss rate, water loss tolerance, body water content), morphological (body mass) and ecological (nesting behaviour) traits on desiccation resistance; (ii) the role of phylogenetic relatedness in the above associations; and, (iii) whether relatively large or small individuals within a species have similar desiccation resistance and whether these responses are consistent across species.
Results
Desiccation resistance decreased with increasing water loss rate and increased with increasing water loss tolerance (i.e. proportion of initial water content lost at the time of death). A lack of consistent correlation between these traits due to phylogenetic relatedness suggests that the relationship is not determined by a shared evolutionary history. The advantage of a large body size in favouring desiccation resistance depended on the nesting behaviour of the dung beetles. In rollers (one species), large body sizes increased desiccation resistance, while in tunnelers and dwellers, desiccation resistance seemed not to be dependent on body mass. The phylogenetic correlation between desiccation resistance and nesting strategies was significant. Within each species, large individuals showed greater resistance to desiccation, and these responses were consistent across species.
Conclusions
Resistance to desiccation was explained mainly by the dung beetles’ ability to reduce water loss rate (avoidance) and to tolerate water loss (tolerance). A reduction in water availability may impose a selection pressure on body size that varies based on nesting strategies, even though these responses may be phylogenetically constrained. Changes in water availability are more likely to affect dweller species, and hence the ecosystem services they provide.
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10
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Perez-Martinez CA, Leal M. Lizards as models to explore the ecological and neuroanatomical correlates of miniaturization. BEHAVIOUR 2021. [DOI: 10.1163/1568539x-bja10104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Extreme body size reductions bring about unorthodox anatomical arrangements and novel ways in which animals interact with the environment. Drawing from studies of vertebrates and invertebrates, we provide a theoretical framework for miniaturization to inform hypotheses using lizards as a study system. Through this approach, we demonstrate the repeated evolution of miniaturization across 11 families and a tendency for miniaturized species to occupy terrestrial microhabitats, possibly driven by physiological constraints. Differences in gross brain morphology between two gecko species demonstrate a proportionally larger telencephalon and smaller olfactory bulbs in the miniaturized species, though more data are needed to generalize this trend. Our study brings into light the potential contributions of miniaturized lizards to explain patterns of body size evolution and its impact on ecology and neuroanatomy. In addition, our findings reveal the need to study the natural history of miniaturized species, particularly in relation to their sensory and physiological ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Manuel Leal
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
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11
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Antoł A, Berg MP, Verberk WC. Effects of body size and lung type on desiccation resistance, hypoxia tolerance and thermal preference in two terrestrial isopods species. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 132:104247. [PMID: 33940041 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2021.104247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Terrestrial isopods have evolved adaptations to reduce water loss, which is necessary for life in low humidity environments. However, the evolution of a waterproofed cuticle to prevent loss of water to the environment could also impede oxygen uptake from the environment. We therefore postulate an evolutionary trade-off between water retention and gas exchange in this group of soil animals. The outcome of this trade-off is expected to be affected by both differences across species (different types of lung) and differences within species (body size and resulting surface area to volume ratios). To test these ideas, we compared two sympatric isopods: Porcellio scaber and Oniscus asellus. While P. scaber possesses covered lungs typical for drier habitats, O. asellus has simple open respiratory fields which are in direct contact with external air. For each species, we assessed how individuals across a broad range in body size differed in their hypoxia and desiccation tolerance. In addition, we assessed how hypoxia and low humidity affected their thermal preference. We found clear effects of species identity and body size on tolerance to hypoxia and low humidity. Desiccation resistance was tightly linked to water loss rates (R2 = 0.96) and strongly resembled the interspecific pattern across 20 isopod species. However, our results did not support the postulated trade-off. Tolerance to hypoxia and low humidity covaried, both increasing with body size and being higher in P. scaber. Thermal preference was affected by both hypoxia and low humidity, but not by body size. Our study increases understanding of the ecophysiology of both species, which can be useful in explaining the geographical distribution and use of microhabitats of isopod species in a climate change context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej Antoł
- Institute of Nature Conservation, Polish Academy of Sciences, Al. Adama Mickiewicza 33, 31-120 Kraków, Poland; Institute of Environmental Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Matty P Berg
- Department of Ecological Science, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Community and Conservation Ecology Group, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Post Box 11103 9700 CC, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Wilco Cep Verberk
- Department of Animal Ecology and Ecophysiology, Radboud University Nijmegen, Toernooiveld 1, 6525 ED Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Functional trait effects on ecosystem stability: assembling the jigsaw puzzle. Trends Ecol Evol 2021; 36:822-836. [PMID: 34088543 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2021.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Under global change, how biological diversity and ecosystem services are maintained in time is a fundamental question. Ecologists have long argued about multiple mechanisms by which local biodiversity might control the temporal stability of ecosystem properties. Accumulating theories and empirical evidence suggest that, together with different population and community parameters, these mechanisms largely operate through differences in functional traits among organisms. We review potential trait-stability mechanisms together with underlying tests and associated metrics. We identify various trait-based components, each accounting for different stability mechanisms, that contribute to buffering, or propagating, the effect of environmental fluctuations on ecosystem functioning. This comprehensive picture, obtained by combining different puzzle pieces of trait-stability effects, will guide future empirical and modeling investigations.
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13
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Joly FX, McAvoy E, Subke JA. Synergistic interactions between detritivores disappear under reduced rainfall. Ecology 2021; 102:e03299. [PMID: 33566362 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.3299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the consequences of altered rainfall patterns on litter decomposition is critical to predicting the feedback effect of climate change on atmospheric CO2 concentrations. Although their effect on microbial decomposition has received considerable attention, their effect on litter fragmentation by detritivores, the other dominant decomposition pathway, remains largely unexplored. Particularly, it remains unclear how different detritivore species and their interactions respond to changes in rainfall quantity and frequency. To fill this knowledge gap, we determined the contribution to litter decomposition of two detritivore species (millipede and isopod), separately and in combination, under contrasting rainfall quantity and frequency in a temperate forest. Although halving rainfall quantity and frequency decreased topsoil moisture by 7.8 and 13.1%, respectively, neither millipede- nor isopod-driven decomposition were affected by these changes. In contrast, decomposition driven by both detritivore species in combination was 65.5% higher than expected based on monospecific treatments under high rainfall quantity, but unchanged or even lower under low rainfall quantity. This indicates that although detritivore activity is relatively insensitive to changes in rainfall patterns, large synergistic interactions between detritivore species may disappear under future rainfall patterns. Incorporating interspecific interactions between decomposers thus seems critical to evaluate the sensitivity of decomposition to altered rainfall patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- François-Xavier Joly
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
| | - Euan McAvoy
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
| | - Jens-Arne Subke
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
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14
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Yilmaz AR, Diamond SE, Martin RA. Evidence for the evolution of thermal tolerance, but not desiccation tolerance, in response to hotter, drier city conditions in a cosmopolitan, terrestrial isopod. Evol Appl 2021; 14:12-23. [PMID: 33519953 PMCID: PMC7819561 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cities are often hotter and drier compared with nearby undeveloped areas, but how organisms respond to these multifarious stressors associated with urban heat islands is largely unknown. Terrestrial isopods are especially susceptible to temperature and aridity stress as they have retained highly permeable gills from their aquatic ancestors. We performed a two temperature common garden experiment with urban and rural populations of the terrestrial isopod, Oniscus asellus, to uncover evidence for plastic and evolutionary responses to urban heat islands. We focused on physiological tolerance traits including tolerance of heat, cold, and desiccation. We also examined body size responses to urban heat islands, as size can modulate physiological tolerances. We found that different mechanisms underlie responses to urban heat islands. While evidence suggests urban isopods may have evolved higher heat tolerance, urban and rural isopods had statistically indistinguishable cold and desiccation tolerances. In both populations, plasticity to warmer rearing temperature diminished cold tolerance. Although field-collected urban and rural isopods were the same size, rearing temperature positively affected body size. Finally, larger size improved desiccation tolerance, which itself was influenced by rearing temperature. Our study demonstrates how multifarious changes associated with urban heat islands will not necessarily contribute to contemporary evolution in each of the corresponding physiological traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron R. Yilmaz
- Department of BiologyCase Western Reserve UniversityClevelandOhioUSA
| | - Sarah E. Diamond
- Department of BiologyCase Western Reserve UniversityClevelandOhioUSA
| | - Ryan A. Martin
- Department of BiologyCase Western Reserve UniversityClevelandOhioUSA
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15
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16
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Reyns W, Rineau F, Spaak JW, Franken O, Berg MP, Van Der Plas F, Bardgett RD, Beenaerts N, De Laender F. Food Web Uncertainties Influence Predictions of Climate Change Effects on Soil Carbon Sequestration in Heathlands. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2020; 79:686-693. [PMID: 31654107 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-019-01444-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Carbon cycling models consider soil carbon sequestration a key process for climate change mitigation. However, these models mostly focus on abiotic soil processes and, despite its recognized critical mechanistic role, do not explicitly include interacting soil organisms. Here, we use a literature study to show that even a relatively simple soil community (heathland soils) contains large uncertainties in temporal and spatial food web structure. Next, we used a Lotka-Volterra-based food web model to demonstrate that, due to these uncertainties, climate change can either increase or decrease soil carbon sequestration to varying extents. Both the strength and direction of changes strongly depend on (1) the main consumer's (enchytraeid worms) feeding preferences and (2) whether decomposers (fungi) or enchytraeid worms are more sensitive to stress. Hence, even for a soil community with a few dominant functional groups and a simulation model with a few parameters, filling these knowledge gaps is a critical first step towards the explicit integration of soil food web dynamics into carbon cycling models in order to better assess the role soils play in climate change mitigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wouter Reyns
- Environmental Biology Research Group, Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium.
- Research Unit of Environmental and Evolutionary Biology, Namur Institute of Complex Systems, and Institute of Life, Earth, and the Environment, University of Namur, Namur, Belgium.
| | - Francois Rineau
- Environmental Biology Research Group, Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Jürg W Spaak
- Research Unit of Environmental and Evolutionary Biology, Namur Institute of Complex Systems, and Institute of Life, Earth, and the Environment, University of Namur, Namur, Belgium
| | - Oscar Franken
- Section of Animal Ecology, Department of Ecological Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081, HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Matty P Berg
- Section of Animal Ecology, Department of Ecological Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081, HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Community and Conservation Ecology Group, Groningen Institute of Evolutionary Life Science, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747, AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Fons Van Der Plas
- Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung, Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325, Frankfurt, Germany
- Department of Systematic Botany and Functional Biodiversity, University of Leipzig, Johannisallee 21-23, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Richard D Bardgett
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Michael Smith Building, The University of Manchester, M13 9PT, Manchester, UK
| | - Natalie Beenaerts
- Environmental Biology Research Group, Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Frederik De Laender
- Research Unit of Environmental and Evolutionary Biology, Namur Institute of Complex Systems, and Institute of Life, Earth, and the Environment, University of Namur, Namur, Belgium
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17
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De Smedt P, Baeten L, Proesmans W, Van de Poel S, Van Keer J, Giffard B, Martin L, Vanhulle R, Brunet J, Cousins SA, Decocq G, Deconchat M, Diekmann M, Gallet‐Moron E, Le Roux V, Liira J, Valdés A, Wulf M, Andrieu E, Hermy M, Bonte D, Verheyen K. Strength of forest edge effects on litter‐dwelling macro‐arthropods across Europe is influenced by forest age and edge properties. DIVERS DISTRIB 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.12909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Lander Baeten
- Forest & Nature Lab Ghent University Melle‐Gontrode Belgium
| | | | | | | | - Brice Giffard
- UMR 1201 DYNAFOR, INRA Chemin de Borde Rouge Castanet France
- Bordeaux Sciences Agro Université Bordeaux Gradignan France
| | - Ludmilla Martin
- Jules Verne University of Picardie UR Ecologie et Dynamique des Systèmes Anthropisés (EDYSAN, UMR 7058 CNRS) Amiens Cedex France
| | | | - Jörg Brunet
- Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Alnarp Sweden
| | - Sara A.O. Cousins
- Biogeography and Geomatics, Department of Physical Geography Stockholm University Stockholm Sweden
| | - Guillaume Decocq
- Jules Verne University of Picardie UR Ecologie et Dynamique des Systèmes Anthropisés (EDYSAN, UMR 7058 CNRS) Amiens Cedex France
| | - Marc Deconchat
- UMR 1201 DYNAFOR, INRA Chemin de Borde Rouge Castanet France
| | - Martin Diekmann
- Institute of Ecology, FB02 University of Bremen Bremen Germany
| | - Emilie Gallet‐Moron
- Jules Verne University of Picardie UR Ecologie et Dynamique des Systèmes Anthropisés (EDYSAN, UMR 7058 CNRS) Amiens Cedex France
| | - Vincent Le Roux
- Jules Verne University of Picardie UR Ecologie et Dynamique des Systèmes Anthropisés (EDYSAN, UMR 7058 CNRS) Amiens Cedex France
| | - Jaan Liira
- Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences University of Tartu Tartu Estonia
| | - Alicia Valdés
- Jules Verne University of Picardie UR Ecologie et Dynamique des Systèmes Anthropisés (EDYSAN, UMR 7058 CNRS) Amiens Cedex France
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences Stockholm University Stockholm Sweden
| | | | - Emilie Andrieu
- UMR 1201 DYNAFOR, INRA Chemin de Borde Rouge Castanet France
| | - Martin Hermy
- Division of Forest, Nature and Landscape University of Leuven Leuven Belgium
| | - Dries Bonte
- Terrestrial Ecology Unit (TEREC), Department of Biology Ghent University Ghent Belgium
| | - Kris Verheyen
- Forest & Nature Lab Ghent University Melle‐Gontrode Belgium
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18
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Sonka D, Halasy K, Buczkó K, Hornung E. Morphological traits - desiccation resistance - habitat characteristics: a possible key for distribution in woodlice (Isopoda, Oniscidea). Zookeys 2018:481-499. [PMID: 30564050 PMCID: PMC6288246 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.801.23088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Terrestrial isopods, as successful colonizers of land habitats, show a great variety in species distribution patterns on a global, continental, or regional scale. On a local, within-habitat level these patterns reflect the species’ tolerance limits and the presence of suitable hiding places (shelter sites, refugia). Humidity preference reflects a species’ capability for water retention which, in turn, depends on the integumental barrier. Desiccation resistance is a key feature in isopod survival under different environmental conditions. The present study shows a correlation between cuticle thickness and desiccation resistance under three relative humidity (RH) ranges (about 30, 75 and 100% RH) in nine species, relating these to the species’ differences in meso- and microhabitat choices. Habitat preferences are also associated with differences in cuticle surface morphology. The results support our hypothesis that species distribution and desiccation resistance are associated with particular cuticular morphological traits. Phylogenetic relations seem to be less important in desiccation resistance than cuticle thickness and external morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diána Sonka
- Department of Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, H-1077 Budapest, Rottenbiller St. 50., Hungary
| | - Katalin Halasy
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, H-1078 Budapest, István St. 2., Hungary
| | - Krisztina Buczkó
- Department of Botany, Hungarian Natural History Museum, H-1087 Budapest, Könyves Kálmán Blvd. 40., Hungary.,HAS Centre for Ecological Research, Danube Research Institute, H-1113 Budapest, Karolina St. 29., Hungary
| | - Elisabeth Hornung
- Department of Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, H-1077 Budapest, Rottenbiller St. 50., Hungary
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19
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Hassall M, Moss A, Dixie B, Gilroy JJ. Interspecific variation in responses to microclimate by terrestrial isopods: implications in relation to climate change. Zookeys 2018:5-24. [PMID: 30564030 PMCID: PMC6288266 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.801.24934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The importance of considering species-specific biotic interactions when predicting feedbacks between the effects of climate change and ecosystem functions is becoming widely recognised. The responses of soil animals to predicted changes in global climate could potentially have far-reaching consequences for fluxes of soil carbon, including climatic feedbacks resulting from increased emissions of carbon dioxide from soils. The responses of soil animals to different microclimates can be summarised as norms of reaction, in order to compare phenotypic differences in traits along environmental gradients. Thermal and moisture reaction norms for physiological, behavioural and life history traits of species of terrestrial isopods differing in their morphological adaptations for reducing water loss are presented. Gradients of moisture reaction norms for respiratory rates and thermal reaction norms for water loss, for a species from the littoral zone were steeper than those for species from mesic environments. Those for mesic species were steeper than for those from xeric habitats. Within mesic species, gradients of thermal reaction norms for aggregation were steeper for Oniscusasellus than for Porcellioscaber or Armadilliumvulgare, and moisture reaction norms for sheltering and feeding behaviours were steeper for Philosciamuscorum than for either P.scaber or A.vulgare. These differences reflect differences in body shape, permeability of the cuticle, and development of pleopodal lungs. The implications of differences between different species of soil animals in response to microclimate on the possible influence of the soil fauna on soil carbon dynamics under future climates are discussed. In conclusion a modelling approach to bridging the inter-disciplinary gap between carbon cycling and the biology of soil animals is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Hassall
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK University of East Anglia Norwich United Kingdom
| | - Anna Moss
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK University of East Anglia Norwich United Kingdom.,School of Social Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 4HN, UK University of Dundee Dundee United Kingdom
| | - Bernice Dixie
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK University of East Anglia Norwich United Kingdom
| | - James J Gilroy
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK University of East Anglia Norwich United Kingdom
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20
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Sfenthourakis S, Hornung E. Isopod distribution and climate change. Zookeys 2018:25-61. [PMID: 30564031 PMCID: PMC6288265 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.801.23533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The unique properties of terrestrial isopods regarding responses to limiting factors such as drought and temperature have led to interesting distributional patterns along climatic and other environmental gradients at both species and community level. This paper will focus on the exploration of isopod distributions in evaluating climate change effects on biodiversity at different scales, geographical regions, and environments, in view of isopods’ tolerances to environmental factors, mostly humidity and temperature. Isopod distribution is tightly connected to available habitats and habitat features at a fine spatial scale, even though different species may exhibit a variety of responses to environmental heterogeneity, reflecting the large interspecific variation within the group. Furthermore, isopod distributions show some notable deviations from common global patterns, mainly as a result of their ecological features and evolutionary origins. Responses to human disturbance are not always traceable, but a trend towards community homogenisation is often found under strong global urbanisation processes. In general, even though it is still not clear how predicted climate change will affect isopod distribution, there is evidence that mixed effects are to be expected, depending on the region under study. We still lack robust and extensive analyses of isopod distributions at different scales and at different biomes, as well as applications of distribution models that might help evaluate future trends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spyros Sfenthourakis
- Department of Biological Sciences, University Campus, University of Cyprus, Panepistimiou Ave. 1, 2109 Aglantzia, Nicosia, Cyprus University of Cyprus Nicosia Cyprus
| | - Elisabeth Hornung
- Department of Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1077 Budapest, Rottenbiller str. 50, Hungary University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest Hungary
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21
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Large body size constrains dispersal assembly of communities even across short distances. Sci Rep 2018; 8:10911. [PMID: 30026548 PMCID: PMC6053415 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-29042-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Dispersal limitation has been considered to decrease with body size in animals and to be an important factor limiting community assembly on spatially isolated patches. Here we hypothesize that for flightless bark-dwelling oribatid mites dispersal limitation onto young trees might increase with body size (due to a decrease in aerial dispersal capacities), and it might occur even within a spatially contiguous forest canopy. We suppressed dispersal limitation towards branches from young trees by physically connecting them to branches from old trees and analyzed the impacts on community composition, accounting for branch microhabitat variables. Suppression of dispersal limitation increased community evenness and mean body size of mites on branches from young trees. Across all species, large species body-size corresponds to an abundance increase after suppression of dispersal limitation. Consistently, on no-contact control branches, mite body-sizes were larger on branches from old compared to young trees. Our study suggests that colonization/performance trade-offs might affect community assembly even across seemingly contiguous habitats. Overall, a previously underappreciated factor selecting against large body size in flightless canopy-dwelling invertebrates might be that large bodies makes these invertebrates fall faster and disperse less, not more.
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22
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Ellers J, Berg MP, Dias ATC, Fontana S, Ooms A, Moretti M. Diversity in form and function: Vertical distribution of soil fauna mediates multidimensional trait variation. J Anim Ecol 2018; 87:933-944. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.12838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 03/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jacintha Ellers
- Department of Ecological Science; Animal Ecology Group; Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam; Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Matty P. Berg
- Department of Ecological Science; Animal Ecology Group; Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam; Amsterdam The Netherlands
- Groningen Institute of Evolutionary Life Science; Community and Conservation Ecology Group; Rijksuniversiteit Groningen; Groningen The Netherlands
| | - André T. C. Dias
- Departamento de Ecologia; Instituto de Biologia; Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ); Rio de Janeiro Brazil
| | - Simone Fontana
- Biodiversity and Conservation Biology; Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL; Birmensdorf Switzerland
| | - Astra Ooms
- Department of Ecological Science; Animal Ecology Group; Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam; Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Marco Moretti
- Biodiversity and Conservation Biology; Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL; Birmensdorf Switzerland
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23
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Franken O, Huizinga M, Ellers J, Berg MP. Heated communities: large inter- and intraspecific variation in heat tolerance across trophic levels of a soil arthropod community. Oecologia 2018; 186:311-322. [PMID: 29224117 PMCID: PMC5799326 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-017-4032-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Temperature extremes are predicted to increase in frequency, intensity and duration under global warming and are believed to significantly affect community composition and functioning. However, the effect of extreme climatic events on communities remains difficult to predict, especially because species can show dissimilar responses to abiotic changes, which may affect the outcome of species interactions. To anticipate community responses we need knowledge on within and among species variation in stress tolerance. We exposed a soil arthropod community to experimental heat waves in the field and measured heat tolerance of species of different trophic levels from heated and control plots. We measured the critical thermal maximum (CTmax) of individuals to estimate inter- and intraspecific variation in heat tolerance in this community, and how this was affected by experimental heat waves. We found interspecific variation in heat tolerance, with the most abundant prey species, the springtail Isotoma riparia, being more sensitive to high temperatures than its predators (various spider species). Moreover, intraspecific variation in CTmax was substantial, suggesting that individuals within a single species were unequally affected by heat extremes. However, heat tolerance of species did not increase after being exposed to an experimental heat wave. We conclude that interspecific variation in tolerance traits potentially causes trophic mismatches during extreme events, but that intraspecific variation could lessen these effects by enabling partial survival of populations. Therefore, ecophysiological traits can provide a better understanding of abiotic effects on communities, not only within taxonomic or functional groups, but also when comparing different trophic levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Franken
- Section of Animal Ecology, Department of Ecological Science, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Milou Huizinga
- Section of Animal Ecology, Department of Ecological Science, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jacintha Ellers
- Section of Animal Ecology, Department of Ecological Science, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Matty P Berg
- Section of Animal Ecology, Department of Ecological Science, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, Community and Conservation Ecology Group, University of Groningen, PO Box 11103, 9700 CC, Groningen, The Netherlands
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24
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Kulkarni D, De Laender F. The combined effects of biotic and abiotic stress on species richness and connectance. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0172828. [PMID: 28248985 PMCID: PMC5383007 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0172828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 02/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Food web structure and species richness are both subject to biotic (e.g. predation pressure and resource limitation) and abiotic stress (e.g. environmental change). We investigated the combined effects of both types of stress on richness and connectance, and on their relationship, in a predator-prey system. To this end, we developed a mathematical two trophic level food-web model to investigate the effects of biotic and abiotic stress on food web connectance and species richness. We found negative effects of top-down and bottom-up control on prey and predator richness, respectively. Effects of top-down and bottom-up control were stronger when initial connectance was high and low, respectively. Bottom-up control could either aggravate or buffer negative effects of top-down control. Abiotic stress affecting predator richness had positive indirect effects on prey richness, but only when initial connectance was low. However, no indirect effects on predator richness were observed following direct effects on prey richness. Top-down and bottom-up control selected for weakly connected prey and highly connected predators, thereby decreasing and increasing connectance, respectively. Our simulations suggest a broad range of negative and positive richness-connectance relationships, thereby revisiting the often found negative relationship between richness and connectance in food webs. Our results suggest that (1) initial food-web connectance strongly influences the effects of biotic stress on richness and the occurrence of indirect effects on richness; and (2) the shape of the richness-connectance relationship depends on the type of biotic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devdutt Kulkarni
- Laboratory of Environmental Ecosystem Ecology, Research Unit in Environmental and Evolutionary Biology (URBE), University of Namur, Namur, Belgium
| | - Frederik De Laender
- Laboratory of Environmental Ecosystem Ecology, Research Unit in Environmental and Evolutionary Biology (URBE), University of Namur, Namur, Belgium
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25
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Moretti M, Dias ATC, Bello F, Altermatt F, Chown SL, Azcárate FM, Bell JR, Fournier B, Hedde M, Hortal J, Ibanez S, Öckinger E, Sousa JP, Ellers J, Berg MP. Handbook of protocols for standardized measurement of terrestrial invertebrate functional traits. Funct Ecol 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.12776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 227] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Moretti
- Biodiversity and Conservation Biology Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL Zürcherstrasse 111 8903 Birmensdorf Switzerland
| | - André T. C. Dias
- Departamento de Ecologia Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcântara Gomes Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ) Maracanã Rio de Janeiro Brazil
| | - Francesco Bello
- Institute of Botany Czech Academy of Sciences Dukelska 135 379 82 Třeboň Czech Republic
- Faculty of Sciences University of South Bohemia Na Zlate Stoce 1 370 05 České Budějovice Czech Republic
| | - Florian Altermatt
- Department of Aquatic Ecology Eawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology 8600 Dübendorf Switzerland
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies University of Zurich Winterthurerstrasse 190 8057 Zürich Switzerland
| | - Steven L. Chown
- School of Biological Sciences Monash University Clayton Victoria3800 Australia
| | - Francisco M. Azcárate
- Terrestrial Ecology Group (TEG) Department of Ecology Universidad Autónoma de Madrid C/Darwin 2 28049 Madrid Spain
| | - James R. Bell
- Rothamsted Research West Common Harpenden HertfordshireAL5 2JQ UK
| | - Bertrand Fournier
- Laboratoire Chrono‐Environnement UMR 6249 CNRS Université de Bourgogne Franche‐Comté 16 route de Gray 25030 Besançon Cedex France
| | - Mickaël Hedde
- INRA AgroParisTech Université Paris‐Saclay UMR 1402 Ecosys Route de Saint‐Cyr RD 10 78026 Versailles Cedex France
| | - Joaquín Hortal
- Departamento de Biogeografía y Cambio Global Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN‐CSIC) C/Jose Gutierrez Abascal 2 28006 Madrid Spain
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (Ce3C) Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa (FCUL) Ed. C2, Campo Grande 1749‐06 Lisboa Portugal
| | - Sébastien Ibanez
- Laboratoire d'Ecologie Alpine CNRS UMR 5553 Université Savoie Mont Blanc 73376 Le Bourget‐du‐Lac France
| | - Erik Öckinger
- Department of Ecology Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences P.O. Box 7044 750 07 Uppsala Sweden
| | - José Paulo Sousa
- Centre for Functional Ecology Department of Life Sciences University of Coimbra 3000‐456 Coimbra Portugal
| | - Jacintha Ellers
- Department of Ecological Science Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam De Boelelaan 1085 1081 HV Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Matty P. Berg
- Department of Ecological Science Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam De Boelelaan 1085 1081 HV Amsterdam The Netherlands
- Conservation Ecology Group Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences University of Groningen Postbox 11103 9700 CC Groningen The Netherlands
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26
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Zuo J, Berg MP, Klein R, Nusselder J, Neurink G, Decker O, Hefting MM, Sass‐Klaassen U, Logtestijn RSP, Goudzwaard L, Hal J, Sterck FJ, Poorter L, Cornelissen JHC. Faunal community consequence of interspecific bark trait dissimilarity in early‐stage decomposing logs. Funct Ecol 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.12676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Zuo
- Systems Ecology Department of Ecological Science Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam De Boelelaan 1085 1081 HV Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Matty P. Berg
- Animal Ecology Department of Ecological Science Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam De Boelelaan 1085 1081 HV Amsterdam The Netherlands
- Community and Conservation Ecology Group Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences University of Groningen Nijenborgh 7 9747 AG Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Roy Klein
- Animal Ecology Department of Ecological Science Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam De Boelelaan 1085 1081 HV Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Jasper Nusselder
- Applied Biology CAH Vilentum Stadhuisplein 40 1315 HS Almere The Netherlands
| | - Gert Neurink
- Applied Biology CAH Vilentum Stadhuisplein 40 1315 HS Almere The Netherlands
| | - Orsi Decker
- Insect Ecology Group Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution La Trobe University Melbourne Vic. 3086 Australia
| | - Mariet M. Hefting
- Ecology and Biodiversity Group Institute of Environmental Biology Utrecht University Padualaan 8 3584 CH Utrecht The Netherlands
| | - Ute Sass‐Klaassen
- Forest Ecology and Forest Management Group Wageningen University P.O. Box 47 6700 AA Wageningen The Netherlands
| | - Richard S. P. Logtestijn
- Systems Ecology Department of Ecological Science Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam De Boelelaan 1085 1081 HV Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Leo Goudzwaard
- Forest Ecology and Forest Management Group Wageningen University P.O. Box 47 6700 AA Wageningen The Netherlands
| | - Jurgen Hal
- Systems Ecology Department of Ecological Science Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam De Boelelaan 1085 1081 HV Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Frank J. Sterck
- Forest Ecology and Forest Management Group Wageningen University P.O. Box 47 6700 AA Wageningen The Netherlands
| | - Lourens Poorter
- Forest Ecology and Forest Management Group Wageningen University P.O. Box 47 6700 AA Wageningen The Netherlands
| | - Johannes H. C. Cornelissen
- Systems Ecology Department of Ecological Science Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam De Boelelaan 1085 1081 HV Amsterdam The Netherlands
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27
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Broly P, Devigne C, Deneubourg JL. Body shape in terrestrial isopods: A morphological mechanism to resist desiccation? J Morphol 2015; 276:1283-9. [PMID: 26289755 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.20418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2015] [Revised: 06/18/2015] [Accepted: 06/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Woodlice are fully terrestrial crustaceans and are known to be sensitive to water loss. Their half-ellipsoidal shapes represent simple models in which to investigate theoretical assumptions about organism morphology and rates of exchange with the environment. We examine the influence of surface area and mass on the desiccation rates in three eco-morphologically different species of woodlice: Oniscus asellus, Porcellio scaber, and Armadillidium vulgare. Our analysis indicates that the rate of water loss of an individual depends on both the initial weight and the body surface area. Interspecific and intraspecific analyses show that the mass-specific water loss rate of a species decreases along with the ratio of surface area to volume. In particular, we show that body shape explains the difference in mass-specific water loss rates between A. vulgare and P. scaber. This observation also explains several known ecological patterns, for example, the distribution and survivorship of individuals. However, in addition to body size and shape, water loss in terrestrial isopods depends also on the coefficient of permeability (i.e., a measure of water loss rate per surface unit), which is high in O. asellus and lower (and at similar levels) in P. scaber and A. vulgare. We discuss morphological, physiological, and behavioral aspects of water loss avoidance in terrestrial isopods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Broly
- Unité d'Ecologie Sociale, Université Libre De Bruxelles, Campus De La Plaine CP231, Boulevard Du Triomphe, Bruxelles, 1050, Belgium
| | - Cédric Devigne
- Laboratoire Ecologie & Biodiversité, Faculté De Gestion, Economie & Sciences, UCLILLE, 58 rue du Port, 59016 Lille cedex, France.,University Lille Nord de France - UDSL, Forensic Taphonomy Unit, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Jean-Louis Deneubourg
- Unité d'Ecologie Sociale, Université Libre De Bruxelles, Campus De La Plaine CP231, Boulevard Du Triomphe, Bruxelles, 1050, Belgium
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Behavioural Contagion Explains Group Cohesion in a Social Crustacean. PLoS Comput Biol 2015; 11:e1004290. [PMID: 26067565 PMCID: PMC4465910 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1004290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2014] [Accepted: 04/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In gregarious species, social interactions maintain group cohesion and the associated adaptive values of group living. The understanding of mechanisms leading to group cohesion is essential for understanding the collective dynamics of groups and the spatio-temporal distribution of organisms in environment. In this view, social aggregation in terrestrial isopods represents an interesting model due to its recurrence both in the field and in the laboratory. In this study, and under a perturbation context, we experimentally tested the stability of groups of woodlice according to group size and time spent in group. Our results indicate that the response to the disturbance of groups decreases with increases in these two variables. Models neglecting social effects cannot reproduce experimental data, attesting that cohesion of aggregation in terrestrial isopods is partly governed by a social effect. In particular, models involving calmed and excited individuals and a social transition between these two behavioural states more accurately reproduced our experimental data. Therefore, we concluded that group cohesion (and collective response to stimulus) in terrestrial isopods is governed by a transitory resting state under the influence of density of conspecifics and time spent in group. Lastly, we discuss the nature of direct or indirect interactions possibly implicated. Terrestrial isopods, commonly named woodlice or pill bugs, are commonly distributed soil-dwelling arthropods, particularly important in soils as macro-decomposers of leaf litter. Many species of woodlice are synanthropic and, for this reason, are easily observable in gardens, urban parks or composts. Harmless organisms and easy to raise, the woodlice represent an excellent pedagogical model in many schools, so that children may perform on these organisms various behavioral tests such as light escape or introduction to social behaviors. Indeed, woodlice are gregarious species and exhibit long phases of aggregation. Here, we propose a model based on simple rules involving calmed and excited individuals and a social transition between these two behavioural states to explain group cohesion in woodlice. This contagion model well reproduces our experimental results. Our approach provides important clues for the understanding of how social group effects and collective mechanisms may govern the stability and dispersion of aggregates in gregarious arthropods.
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Spatially structured environmental filtering of collembolan traits in late successional salt marsh vegetation. Oecologia 2015; 179:537-49. [PMID: 26001605 PMCID: PMC4568007 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-015-3345-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2014] [Accepted: 05/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Both the environment and the spatial configuration of habitat patches are important factors that shape community composition and affect species diversity patterns. Species have traits that allow them to respond to their environment. Our current knowledge on environment to species traits relationships is limited in spite of its potential importance for understanding community assembly and ecosystem function. The aim of our study was to examine the relative roles of environmental and spatial variables for the small-scale variation in Collembola (springtail) communities in a Dutch salt marsh. We used a trait-based approach in combination with spatial statistics and variance partitioning, between environmental and spatial variables, to examine the important ecological factors that drive community composition. Turnover of trait diversity across space was lower than for species diversity. Most of the variation in community composition was explained by small-scale spatial variation in topography, on a scale of 4–6 m, most likely because it determines the effect of inundation, which restricts where habitat generalists can persist. There were only small pure spatial effects on species and trait diversity, indicating that biotic interactions or dispersal limitation probably were less important for structuring the community at this scale. Our results suggest that for springtails, life form (i.e. whether they live in the soil or litter or on the surface/in vegetation) is an important and useful trait to understand community assembly. Hence, using traits in addition to species identity when analysing environment–organism relationships results in a better understanding of the factors affecting community composition.
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Buckingham S, Murphy N, Gibb H. The effects of fire severity on macroinvertebrate detritivores and leaf litter decomposition. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0124556. [PMID: 25880062 PMCID: PMC4399839 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0124556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2014] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
High severity wildfire events are a feature of forests globally and are likely to be more prevalent with climate change. As a disturbance process, fire has the potential to change important ecological functions, such as decomposition, through its impact on biodiversity. Despite the recognised importance of decomposition in terms of fuel loads and energy flow, little is known about the post-fire effects of fire severity on decomposition by litter-dwelling macroinvertebrate detritivores. We tested the hypotheses that: 1) increasing fire severity is associated with decreased rates of leaf litter decomposition by macroinvertebrate detritivores; and 2) the abundance and biomass of macroinvertebrate detritivores decreases with increasing fire severity, while body size increases. We used a litterbag experiment at long-unburnt, ground-burnt and crown-burnt sites (n = 7 for all treatments) to test the effect of fire severity on: a) macroinvertebrate-driven break-down of litter fuel loads; and b) the size and abundance of macroinvertebrate detritivores three years after fire. Microhabitat conditions differed among fire severity classes. Macroinvertebrate exclusion reduced litter decomposition by 34.7%. Macroinvertebrate detritivores were larger and less abundant following higher severity fires, possibly as a result of fire-induced changes in habitat structure. Opposing effects of fire severity on macroinvertebrate abundance and body size resulted in both similar detritivore biomass and, most interestingly, no differences in leaf litter decomposition under different fire severities. This suggests that the diversity of macroinvertebrates enhances functional resilience of litter decomposition to fire and that litter-breakdown is not inhibited within three years following a high severity fire in this forest type and where recolonisation sources are readily available. We found no support for the hypothesis that high severity fires reduce litter decomposition and therefore increase the likelihood of future fires.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Buckingham
- Department of Zoology, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Nick Murphy
- Department of Genetics, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Heloise Gibb
- Department of Zoology, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
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van Dooremalen C, Berg MP, Ellers J. Acclimation responses to temperature vary with vertical stratification: implications for vulnerability of soil-dwelling species to extreme temperature events. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2013; 19:975-984. [PMID: 23504852 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.12081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2012] [Accepted: 10/22/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence of summer heat waves is predicted to increase in amplitude and frequency in the near future, but the consequences of such extreme events are largely unknown, especially for belowground organisms. Soil organisms usually exhibit strong vertical stratification, resulting in more frequent exposure to extreme temperatures for surface-dwelling species than for soil-dwelling species. Therefore soil-dwelling species are expected to have poor acclimation responses to cope with temperature changes. We used five species of surface-dwelling and four species of soil-dwelling Collembola that habituate different depths in the soil. We tested for differences in tolerance to extreme temperatures after acclimation to warm and cold conditions. We also tested for differences in acclimation of the underlying physiology by looking at changes in membrane lipid composition. Chill coma recovery time, heat knockdown time and fatty acid profiles were determined after 1 week of acclimation to either 5 or 20 °C. Our results showed that surface-dwelling Collembola better maintained increased heat tolerance across acclimation temperatures, but no such response was found for cold tolerance. Concordantly, four of the five surface-dwelling Collembola showed up to fourfold changes in relative abundance of fatty acids after 1 week of acclimation, whereas none of the soil-dwelling species showed a significant adjustment in fatty acid composition. Strong physiological responses to temperature fluctuations may have become redundant in soil-dwelling species due to the relative thermal stability of their subterranean habitat. Based on the results of the four species studied, we expect that unless soil-dwelling species can temporarily retreat to avoid extreme temperatures, the predicted increase in heat waves under climatic change renders these soil-dwelling species more vulnerable to extinction than species with better physiological capabilities. Being able to act under a larger thermal range is probably costly and could reduce maximum performance at the optimal temperature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coby van Dooremalen
- Animal Ecology Group, Department of Ecological Science, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam, 1081 HV, The Netherlands
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