1
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Zhang G, Fu Y, Shao Y, Zhao J, Lei X, Fu Y, Li L, Zhou A. Semiochemicals Produced by Microbes in Mealybug Honeydew Attract Fire Ants. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:15456-15465. [PMID: 37843466 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c04444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Semiochemicals produced by microbes in hemipteran honeydew play an important role in mediating the ant-hemipteran interaction. However, the specific volatile compounds and their origins remain unclear. Here, we found that honeydew produced by Phenacoccus solenopsis exhibited strong attractiveness to fire ant workers, but sterilized honeydew was much less attractive. Four compounds were identified from the honeydew volatiles, including 1-octen-3-ol, limonene, phenylethyl alcohol, and 2,4-ditert-butylphenol. All the identified compounds triggered strong electroantennography response of fire ants and showed repellence at relatively high concentrations while attractiveness at low concentrations to fire ant workers. Furthermore, six bacterial isolates were identified based on 16S rRNA sequencing, namely, Bacillus, Brachybacterium, Kocuria, Microbacterium, Pseudomonas, and Staphylococcus. Fire ants exhibited a strong preference for Brachybacterium, Kocuria, and Microbacterium, suggesting that these bacterial isolates are involved in the attracting effect of honeydew. Both limonene and phenylethyl alcohol were detected from Brachybacterium, while limonene was only detected from Kocuria, and phenylethyl alcohol was exclusively detected from Microbacterium. Reinoculation of these bacteria restored the attractiveness of honeydew to fire ants, and the active compounds, limonene and phenylethyl alcohol, were detectable in bacteria-reinoculated honeydew. Collectively, our results reveal the active compounds in hemipteran honeydew and their association with honeydew bacteria. The findings will contribute to the development of novel attractants for efficient monitoring of fire ants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoqing Zhang
- College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yu Fu
- College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yikang Shao
- College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xin Lei
- College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yueguan Fu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Tropical Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Environment and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Sciences, Haikou 571101, China
| | - Lei Li
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Tropical Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Environment and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Sciences, Haikou 571101, China
| | - Aiming Zhou
- College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
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2
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Karatayev VA, Baskett ML, van Nes EH. The Potential for Alternative Stable States in Food Webs Depends on Feedback Mechanism and Trait Diversity. Am Nat 2023; 202:260-275. [PMID: 37606941 DOI: 10.1086/725421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
AbstractAlternative stable ecosystem states are possible under the same environmental conditions in models of two or three interacting species and an array of feedback loops. However, multispecies food webs might weaken the feedbacks loops that can create alternative stable states. To test how this potential depends on food web properties, we develop a many-species model where consumer Allee effects emerge from consumer-resource interactions. We evaluate the interactive effects of food web connectance, interspecific trait diversity, and two classes of feedbacks: specialized feedbacks, where consumption of individual resources declines at high resource abundance (e.g., from schooling or reaching size refugia), and aggregate feedbacks, where overall resource abundance reduces consumer recruitment (e.g., from resources enhancing competition or mortality experienced by recruits). We find that aggregate feedbacks maintain, and specialized feedbacks reduce, the potential for alternative states. Interspecific trait diversity decreases the prevalence of alternative stable states more for specialized than for aggregate feedbacks. Increasing food web connectance increases the potential for alternative stable states for aggregated feedbacks but decreases it for specialized feedbacks, where losing vulnerable consumers can cascade into food web collapses. Altogether, multispecies food webs can limit the set of processes that create alternative stable states and impede consumer recovery from disturbance.
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3
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McPeek MA, McPeek SJ, Bronstein JL. Nectar dynamics and the coexistence of two plants that share a pollinator. OIKOS 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.08869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mark A. McPeek
- Dept of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College Hanover NH USA
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4
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Hayashi K, Kuwamura T, Tachihara K, Reimer JD. Large host anemones can be shelters of a diverse assemblage of fish species, not just anemonefish. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2022; 100:40-50. [PMID: 34590316 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The mutualistic relationships between anemonefish (Amphiprion; Pomacentridae) and host sea anemones are well known, but host anemones are also used as shelter by damselfish (Pomacentridae), wrasses (Labridae) and cardinalfish (Apogonidae). The threespot dascyllus Dascyllus trimaculatus (Pomacentridae) is known to live on or near host anemones in their immature phase. Nonetheless, detailed studies on the use of host anemones by other fish species have not yet been conducted. To understand the factors that influence the use of host anemones by other fish species, this study investigated the fish biota around host anemones in the Ryukyu Archipelago. Other than Amphiprion spp. and D. trimaculatus, 10 additional species of fish (9 species of damselfish and 1 species of cardinalfish) were confirmed to temporarily use host anemones as shelter, and five species of wrasse including Labroides dimidiatus came to clean anemonefish. Logistic regression analyses (independent variable: presence or absence of other species of fish; dependent variables: anemonefish aggressiveness, size of host anemone, number of D. trimaculatus) indicated that the size of host anemones is important for the presence of fish, both in species using the anemone as temporary shelter and in cleaner species. Large host anemones can provide shelter and food resources for other species of coral reef fish as well as for anemonefish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kina Hayashi
- Graduate School of Engineering and Science, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Kuwamura
- Faculty of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Chukyo University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Katsunori Tachihara
- Graduate School of Engineering and Science, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Japan
| | - James Davis Reimer
- Graduate School of Engineering and Science, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Japan
- Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Japan
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5
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Jiménez-Vargas GM, Atehortua-Vallejo MA, Arcila-Pérez LF, Carvajal-Castro JD, Vargas-Salinas F. Does abiotic noise promote segregation of functional diversity in Neotropical anuran assemblages? Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blaa232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The abiotic noise of streams can mask the acoustic signals of anurans with a large body size calling at low frequencies, but not the signals emitted by anurans with a small body size calling at high frequencies. As a consequence, the body size of species in assemblages alongside streams is, on average, lower and less variable than that of assemblages away from streams. Given that the body size in anurans is frequently related to life-history traits, it is expected that functional diversity (FD) will be lower in anuran assemblages alongside streams than in assemblages away from streams. We calculated and compared FD, based on six functional traits, for anuran species in seven localities in different biogeographical regions in the Neotropics. In five lowland localities, FD was lower in assemblages alongside streams than in assemblages away from streams. However, the reverse trend was found in two Andean localities. Noise from streams, acting as an environmental filter, could promote low FD because taxa whose phenotype differs from an optimal type (high call frequency, small body size and associated traits) are excluded from riparian places. However, such habitat filtering could be stronger and affect more anurans in lowland assemblages than in those at medium elevation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina Marcela Jiménez-Vargas
- Evolución, Ecología y Conservación (EECO), Facultad de Ciencias Básicas y Nuevas Tecnologías, Programa de Biología, Universidad del Quindío, Carrera 15 Calle 12N Armenia, Quindío, Colombia
| | - Michelle Andrea Atehortua-Vallejo
- Evolución, Ecología y Conservación (EECO), Facultad de Ciencias Básicas y Nuevas Tecnologías, Programa de Biología, Universidad del Quindío, Carrera 15 Calle 12N Armenia, Quindío, Colombia
| | - Luisa F Arcila-Pérez
- Evolución, Ecología y Conservación (EECO), Facultad de Ciencias Básicas y Nuevas Tecnologías, Programa de Biología, Universidad del Quindío, Carrera 15 Calle 12N Armenia, Quindío, Colombia
| | - Juan D Carvajal-Castro
- Evolución, Ecología y Conservación (EECO), Facultad de Ciencias Básicas y Nuevas Tecnologías, Programa de Biología, Universidad del Quindío, Carrera 15 Calle 12N Armenia, Quindío, Colombia
| | - Fernando Vargas-Salinas
- Evolución, Ecología y Conservación (EECO), Facultad de Ciencias Básicas y Nuevas Tecnologías, Programa de Biología, Universidad del Quindío, Carrera 15 Calle 12N Armenia, Quindío, Colombia
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6
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Aliyu MB, Mohd MH. Combined Impacts of Predation, Mutualism and Dispersal on the Dynamics of a Four-Species Ecological System. PERTANIKA JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.47836/pjst.29.1.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Multi-species and ecosystem models have provided ecologist with an excellent opportunity to study the effects of multiple biotic interactions in an ecological system. Predation and mutualism are among the most prevalent biotic interactions in the multi-species system. Several ecological studies exist, but they are based on one-or two-species interactions, and in real life, multiple interactions are natural characteristics of a multi-species community. Here, we use a system of partial differential equations to study the combined effects of predation, mutualism and dispersal on the multi-species coexistence and community stability in the ecological system. Our results show that predation provided a defensive mechanism against the negative consequences of the multiple species interactions by reducing the net effect of competition. Predation is critical in the stability and coexistence of the multi-species community. The combined effects of predation and dispersal enhance the multiple species coexistence and persistence. Dispersal exerts a positive effect on the system by supporting multiple species coexistence and stability of community structures. Dispersal process also reduces the adverse effects associated with multiple species interactions. Additionally, mutualism induces oscillatory behaviour on the system through Hopf bifurcation. The roles of mutualism also support multiple species coexistence mechanisms (for some threshold values) by increasing the stable coexistence and the stable limit cycle regions. We discover that the stability and coexistence mechanisms are controlled by the transcritical and Hopf bifurcation that occurs in this system. Most importantly, our results show the important influences of predation, mutualism and dispersal in the stability and coexistence of the multi-species communities
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7
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Chase TJ, Pratchett MS, McWilliam MJ, Hein MY, Tebbett SB, Hoogenboom MO. Damselfishes alleviate the impacts of sediments on host corals. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2020; 7:192074. [PMID: 32431885 PMCID: PMC7211878 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.192074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Mutualisms play a critical role in ecological communities; however, the importance and prevalence of mutualistic associations can be modified by external stressors. On coral reefs, elevated sediment deposition can be a major stressor reducing the health of corals and reef resilience. Here, we investigated the influence of severe sedimentation on the mutualistic relationship between small damselfishes (Pomacentrus moluccensis and Dascyllus aruanus) and their coral host (Pocillopora damicornis). In an aquarium experiment, corals were exposed to sedimentation rates of approximately 100 mg cm-2 d-1, with and without fishes present, to test whether: (i) fishes influence the accumulation of sediments on coral hosts, and (ii) fishes moderate partial colony mortality and/or coral tissue condition. Colonies with fishes accumulated much less sediment compared with colonies without fishes, and this effect was strongest for colonies with D. aruanus (fivefold less sediment than controls) as opposed to P. moluccensis (twofold less sediment than controls). Colonies with symbiont fishes also had up to 10-fold less sediment-induced partial mortality, as well as higher chlorophyll and protein concentrations. These results demonstrate that fish mutualisms vary in the strength of their benefits, and indicate that some mutualistic or facilitative interactions might become more important for species health and resilience at high-stress levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- T. J. Chase
- Marine Biology and Aquaculture Group, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - M. S. Pratchett
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - M. J. McWilliam
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i at Manoa, Kaneohe, HI, 96744, USA
| | - M. Y. Hein
- Marine Biology and Aquaculture Group, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - S. B. Tebbett
- Marine Biology and Aquaculture Group, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - M. O. Hoogenboom
- Marine Biology and Aquaculture Group, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
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8
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Martignoni MM, Hart MM, Tyson RC, Garnier J. Diversity within mutualist guilds promotes coexistence and reduces the risk of invasion from an alien mutualist. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 287:20192312. [PMID: 32208836 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2019.2312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Biodiversity is an important component of healthy ecosystems, and thus understanding the mechanisms behind species coexistence is critical in ecology and conservation biology. In particular, few studies have focused on the dynamics resulting from the co-occurrence of mutualistic and competitive interactions within a group of species. Here we build a mathematical model to study the dynamics of a guild of competitors who are also engaged in mutualistic interactions with a common partner. We show that coexistence as well as competitive exclusion can occur depending on the competition strength and on strength of the mutualistic interactions, and we formulate concrete criteria for predicting invasion success of an alien mutualist based on propagule pressure, alien traits (such as its resource exchange ability) and composition of the recipient community. We find that intra guild diversity promotes the coexistence of species that would otherwise competitively exclude each other, and makes a guild less vulnerable to invasion. Our results can serve as a useful framework to predict the consequences of species manipulation in mutualistic communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria M Martignoni
- Department of Mathematics, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, Canada
| | - Miranda M Hart
- Department of Biology, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, Canada
| | - Rebecca C Tyson
- Department of Mathematics, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, Canada
| | - Jimmy Garnier
- Laboratoire de Mathématiques (LAMA), CNRS and Université de Savoie-Mont Blanc, Chambery, France
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9
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Gusmão LC, Van Deusen V, Daly M, Rodríguez E. Origin and evolution of the symbiosis between sea anemones (Cnidaria, Anthozoa, Actiniaria) and hermit crabs, with additional notes on anemone-gastropod associations. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2020; 148:106805. [PMID: 32217169 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2020.106805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The anemone-crab mutualism is ubiquitous in temperate and tropical marine environments. In this symbiosis, one or more anemones live on a shell inhabited by a hermit crab and reciprocal phoretic, trophic, and defensive benefits are exchanged between the partners. Sea anemone-hermit crab symbionts belong to three families: Hormathiidae (Calliactis and Paracalliactis), Sagartiidae (Carcinactis and Verrillactis), and Actiniidae (Stylobates). Hermit crabs establish most partnerships by detaching anemones and placing them on their shell; sea anemones can also mount shells unaided, triggered by a mollusc-derived substance in the periostracum of the shell. At least partial cooperation by the anemones is necessary for successful establishment of the symbiosis. Here, we expand the evolutionary framework for hormathiid symbionts by generating a phylogeny with at least one member of each actiniarian symbiotic genus with hermit crabs using five molecular markers (16S, 12S, 18S, 28S, CO3). We not only corroborated the results from a previous study by finding two origins of hermit crab symbiosis within Hormathiidae, but also found additional origins for hermit crab symbiosis within Actiniaria. We provide for the first time evidence of a close relationship between symbionts Carcinactis dolosa and V. paguri. The ability to secrete chitin by the ectoderm of the column is inferred to be broadly convergent within Actiniaria whereas the secretion of a chitinous carcinoecium by the pedal disc is a distinct but convergent morphological adaptation of several lineages within Actiniaria. Our finding of multiple origins for both the hermit crab and gastropod symbioses suggests that the shell-mounting behavior might only have been the precursor of the hermit crab association among Calliactis spp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana C Gusmão
- Division of Invertebrate Zoology, American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, New York, NY 10024, USA.
| | - Vanessa Van Deusen
- Division of Invertebrate Zoology, American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, New York, NY 10024, USA; Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA
| | - Marymegan Daly
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology, Ohio State University, Museum of Biological Diversity, 1315 Kinnear Road, Columbus, OH 43212, USA.
| | - Estefanía Rodríguez
- Division of Invertebrate Zoology, American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, New York, NY 10024, USA.
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Hare JF, Sarà M, Hare AJ, Campobello D. Asymmetrical interspecific communication of predatory threat in mixed‐species colonies of lesser kestrels (
Falco naumanni
) and jackdaws (
Corvus monedula
). Ethology 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.12926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- James F. Hare
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Manitoba Winnipeg Manitoba Canada
| | - Maurizio Sarà
- Section of Animal Biology, Department STEBICEF University of Palermo Palermo Italy
| | - Alexander J. Hare
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Manitoba Winnipeg Manitoba Canada
- Department of Integrative Biology University of Guelph Guelph Ontario Canada
| | - Daniela Campobello
- Section of Animal Biology, Department STEBICEF University of Palermo Palermo Italy
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11
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Titus BM, Benedict C, Laroche R, Gusmão LC, Van Deusen V, Chiodo T, Meyer CP, Berumen ML, Bartholomew A, Yanagi K, Reimer JD, Fujii T, Daly M, Rodríguez E. Phylogenetic relationships among the clownfish-hosting sea anemones. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2019; 139:106526. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2019.106526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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12
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Cropp R, Norbury J. Carrying capacity – A capricious construct. Ecol Modell 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2019.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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13
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Pan J, Ma J, Wu H, Chen B, He M, Liao C, Wei C. Application of metabolic division of labor in simultaneous removal of nitrogen and thiocyanate from wastewater. WATER RESEARCH 2019; 150:216-224. [PMID: 30528918 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2018.11.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic division of labor is a key ecological strategy in bacteria to allow concurrent execution of multiple tasks through functional differentiation and metabolite exchange. While it is prevalent in nature, a lot of novel interactions remain to be further explored for improved wastewater biological treatment. Here, we present a combined experimental and modeling study on the simultaneous removal of nitrogen and thiocyanate from wastewater by using a syntrophic microbial community. The syntrophic division of labor was achieved by coupling autotrophic denitrification (AD) and anaerobic ammonium oxidation (AN) through both cooperative and competitive interactions. We demonstrated that the syntrophic community can achieve almost complete removal of all pollutants under certain initial conditions. We then perturbed the initial condition by varying the concentration ratio between ammonium to thiocyanate as well as the biomass ratio between AD and AN. Our observations show that adding ammonium negatively impacts the thiocyanate removal efficiency and adding anammox bacteria have opposite effects on the removal efficiency of thiocyanate and ammonium. Using a mathematical model, we simultaneously varied these two initial conditions and identified the parameter regime where our syntrophic ecosystem can be most efficient in removing total nitrogen. By highlighting the utility of syntrophic pair of functional bacteria in removing pollutants, our study will facilitate the rational design of more complex microbial consortia for the removal of toxic and hazardous compounds from industrial wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianxin Pan
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Jingde Ma
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Haizhen Wu
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Ben Chen
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Meiling He
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Chen Liao
- Program for Computational and Systems Biology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chaohai Wei
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China.
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14
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Feeney WE, Brooker RM, Johnston LN, Gilbert JDJ, Besson M, Lecchini D, Dixson DL, Cowman PF, Manica A. Predation drives recurrent convergence of an interspecies mutualism. Ecol Lett 2018; 22:256-264. [DOI: 10.1111/ele.13184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Revised: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- William E. Feeney
- School of Biological Sciences University of Queensland Brisbane Australia
- School of Marine Sciences and Policy University of Delaware Newark DE USA
| | - Rohan M. Brooker
- School of Marine Sciences and Policy University of Delaware Newark DE USA
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Centre for Integrative Ecology Deakin University Geelong Vic. Australia
| | - Lane N. Johnston
- School of Marine Sciences and Policy University of Delaware Newark DE USA
| | | | - Marc Besson
- PSL Research University CRIOBE USR3278‐CNRS‐EPHE‐UPVD, Laboratoire d'Excellence “CORAIL” Moorea French Polynesia
- BIOM Observatoire Océanologique de Banyuls‐sur‐Mer Université Pierre et Marie Curie Banyuls‐sur‐Mer France
| | - David Lecchini
- PSL Research University CRIOBE USR3278‐CNRS‐EPHE‐UPVD, Laboratoire d'Excellence “CORAIL” Moorea French Polynesia
| | - Danielle L. Dixson
- School of Marine Sciences and Policy University of Delaware Newark DE USA
| | - Peter F. Cowman
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies James Cook University Townsville Qld Australia
| | - Andrea Manica
- Department of Zoology University of Cambridge Cambridge UK
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15
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Abstract
Feeney and Brooker introduce sea-anemone associated fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- William E Feeney
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, Australia; School of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, USA.
| | - Rohan M Brooker
- School of Marine Science and Policy, University of Delaware, USA
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16
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Abstract
Investigations of the interplay of organisms in an ecological community are a prerequisite to understanding the processes that shape the structures of those communities. Among several types of interactions, interest in the positive interactions of species that compete for the same resource has grown, as they may provide a mechanism enabling coexistence. In the laboratory experiment described herein, the effects of interspecific interaction on the population growth of two bacterial-feeding nematode species, Panagrolaimus cf. thienemanni and Poikilolaimus cf. regenfussi, were investigated. Specifically, we asked: (1) whether there is an interspecific interaction between organisms competing for a mutual resource and (2) whether these interactions are altered by the competitors' initial densities and (3) their variable growth rates (induced by different food supplies). Each treatment initially contained 48 nematode individuals, but at different species ratios (48:0; 32:16; 24:24; 16:32; 0:48). The populations were provided with three different bacterial densities (108, 109, and 1010 cells ml-1) as food. The data were analyzed using a generalized linear mixed model. The best-fitting model revealed a significant decline in population growth rates with an increasing species ratio, but depending on the food density and species. These results provide strong evidence for positive interspecific interactions that vary with both species density and food-supply level. They also suggest important roles for positive interspecific interactions in habitat colonization and in maintaining the coexistence of species in the same trophic group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgit Gansfort
- Animal Ecology, Bielefeld University, Konsequenz 45, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany.
| | - Jana Uthoff
- Animal Ecology, Bielefeld University, Konsequenz 45, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Walter Traunspurger
- Animal Ecology, Bielefeld University, Konsequenz 45, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
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Pauw A, Johnson CM. Mutualism between co-occurring plant species in South Africa's Mediterranean climate heathland is mediated by birds. PLANT BIOLOGY (STUTTGART, GERMANY) 2018; 20 Suppl 1:224-230. [PMID: 28960844 DOI: 10.1111/plb.12635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Interactions among plant species via pollinators vary from competitive to mutualistic and can influence the probability of stable coexistence of plant species. We aimed to determine the nature of the interaction via flower visitors between Leucospermum conocarpodendron and Mimetes fimbriifolius, two shrubs in the Proteaceae that share many ecological traits and coexist on the Cape Peninsula, South Africa. To assess the extent of pollinator sharing we analysed nectar properties and recorded the pollinator fauna, their behaviour and contribution to seed set. To test for competition via interspecific pollen transfer, we recorded the movement patterns of pollinators and quantified pollen loads. To determine the effect of co-flowering on visitation rates we recorded visits in stands that varied in the density of the two species. We found that the species produce similar rewards and share pollinating Cape Sugarbirds (Promerops cafer). Interspecific pollen transfer is avoided by placing pollen on different parts of the bird. Both species are visited by nectar-thieving Orange-breasted Sunbirds (Anthobaphes violacea). Insects and autonomous self-pollination contributed little to seed set. Pollinator visits increased with conspecific density in both species, and the slope of the increase was steepest in the presence of high densities of the co-occurring plant species. Nectar thief visits also increased with conspecific density in both species, but the slope declined with increasing density of the co-occurring species. Co-occurrence enhanced pollinator visits and alleviated nectar robbing in both plant species, consistent with mutualisms. Mutualism within a trophic level is unusual, but may help to explain the stable coexistence of ecologically similar species.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Pauw
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Matieland, South Africa
| | - C M Johnson
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Matieland, South Africa
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Camp EF, Hobbs JPA, De Brauwer M, Dumbrell AJ, Smith DJ. Cohabitation promotes high diversity of clownfishes in the Coral Triangle. Proc Biol Sci 2016; 283:20160277. [PMID: 27030417 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2016.0277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Global marine biodiversity peaks within the Coral Triangle, and understanding how such high diversity is maintained is a central question in marine ecology. We investigated broad-scale patterns in the diversity of clownfishes and their host sea anemones by conducting 981 belt-transects at 20 locations throughout the Indo-Pacific. Of the 1508 clownfishes encountered, 377 fish occurred in interspecific cohabiting groups and cohabitation was almost entirely restricted to the Coral Triangle. Neither the diversity nor density of host anemone or clownfish species alone influenced rates of interspecific cohabitation. Rather cohabitation occurred in areas where the number of clownfish species exceeds the number of host anemone species. In the Coral Triangle, cohabiting individuals were observed to finely partition their host anemone, with the subordinate species inhabiting the periphery. Furthermore, aggression did not increase in interspecific cohabiting groups, instead dominant species were accepting of subordinate species. Various combinations of clownfish species were observed cohabiting (independent of body size, phylogenetic relatedness, evolutionary age, dentition, level of specialization) in a range of anemone species, thereby ensuring that each clownfish species had dominant reproductive individuals in some cohabiting groups. Clownfishes are obligate commensals, thus cohabitation is an important process in maintaining biodiversity in high diversity systems because it supports the persistence of many species when host availability is limiting. Cohabitation is a likely explanation for high species richness in other obligate commensals within the Coral Triangle, and highlights the importance of protecting these habitats in order to conserve unique marine biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma F Camp
- Coral Reef Research Unit, School of Biological Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK Plant Functional Biology and Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Jean-Paul A Hobbs
- Department of Environment and Agriculture, Curtin, University, PO Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia 6845, Australia
| | - Maarten De Brauwer
- Department of Environment and Agriculture, Curtin, University, PO Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia 6845, Australia
| | - Alex J Dumbrell
- Coral Reef Research Unit, School of Biological Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK
| | - David J Smith
- Coral Reef Research Unit, School of Biological Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK
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Beldade R, Holbrook SJ, Schmitt RJ, Planes S, Bernardi G. Spatial patterns of self‐recruitment of a coral reef fish in relation to island‐scale retention mechanisms. Mol Ecol 2016; 25:5203-5211. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.13823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2016] [Revised: 08/11/2016] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Beldade
- EPHE PSL Research University UPVD CNRS USR 3278 CRIOBE BP 1013 98729 Papetoai Moorea French Polynesia
- Laboratoire d'excellence “CORAIL” EPHE PSL Research University UPVD CNRS USR 3278 CRIOBE, BP 1013 98729 Papetoai, Moorea French Polynesia
- MARE – Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa Campo Grande, Lisboa 1749‐016 Portugal
| | - Sally J. Holbrook
- Coastal Research Center Department of Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology Marine Science Institute University of California Santa Barbara Santa Barbara CA 93106 USA
| | - Russell J. Schmitt
- Coastal Research Center Department of Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology Marine Science Institute University of California Santa Barbara Santa Barbara CA 93106 USA
| | - Serge Planes
- EPHE PSL Research University UPVD CNRS USR 3278 CRIOBE BP 1013 98729 Papetoai Moorea French Polynesia
- Laboratoire d'excellence “CORAIL” EPHE PSL Research University UPVD CNRS USR 3278 CRIOBE, BP 1013 98729 Papetoai, Moorea French Polynesia
| | - Giacomo Bernardi
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of California Santa Cruz 100 Shaffer Road Santa Cruz CA 95060 USA
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Bonin MC, Boström-Einarsson L, Munday PL, Jones GP. The Prevalence and Importance of Competition Among Coral Reef Fishes. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ECOLOGY EVOLUTION AND SYSTEMATICS 2015. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ecolsys-112414-054413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Although competition is recognized as a core ecological process, its prevalence and importance in coral reef fish communities have been debated. Here we compile and synthesize the results of 173 experimental tests of competition from 72 publications. We show that evidence for competition is pervasive both within and between species, with 72% of intraspecific tests and 56% of interspecific tests demonstrating a demographically significant consequence of competition (e.g., a decrease in recruitment, survival, growth, or fecundity). We highlight several factors that can interact with the effects of competition and make it more difficult to detect in field experiments. In light of this evidence, we discuss the role of competition in shaping coral reef fish communities and competition's status as one of several processes that contribute to species coexistence. Finally, we consider some of the complex ways that climate change may influence competition, and we provide suggestions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary C. Bonin
- Australian Research Council Center of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies and College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - Lisa Boström-Einarsson
- Australian Research Council Center of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies and College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - Philip L. Munday
- Australian Research Council Center of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies and College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - Geoffrey P. Jones
- Australian Research Council Center of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies and College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
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Interactions among mutualism, competition, and predation foster species coexistence in diverse communities. THEOR ECOL-NETH 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s12080-015-0251-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Afkhami ME, Rudgers JA, Stachowicz JJ. Multiple mutualist effects: conflict and synergy in multispecies mutualisms. Ecology 2014; 95:833-44. [PMID: 24933804 DOI: 10.1890/13-1010.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Most organisms interact with multiple mutualistic species that confer different functional benefits, yet current conceptual frameworks do not fully address this complexity. A network approach considers multiple mutualistic interactions within a functional type and has been largely nonmechanistic, with little attention to the fitness consequences of specific interactions. Alternatively, consumer-resource approaches have explicitly characterized the mechanisms and fitness consequences of resource exchange, but have not been extended to functionally divergent partners. First, we merge these approaches using graphical models to define the multiple mutualist effects (MMEs) that occur when a focal species has multiple partner mutualists. This approach mirrors food web research that has been advanced by studies of multiple predator effects as well as by detailed investigations of modules nested within larger networks. Second, we define the pathways through which a focal mutualist and two or more partner species could interact, reviewing examples of MMEs that span a range from positive to negative fitness effects. Third, given the potential for nonadditivity demonstrated by the existing literature, we pose new hypotheses for species-interaction outcomes by examining factors such as the extent of overlap in rewards exchanged among partners and their resulting network topologies. Our synthesis illustrates how the consideration of MMEs can improve the ability to predict the outcomes of losses or gains of mutualisms from ecosystems.
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Villegas-Amtmann S, Jeglinski JWE, Costa DP, Robinson PW, Trillmich F. Individual foraging strategies reveal niche overlap between endangered galapagos pinnipeds. PLoS One 2013; 8:e70748. [PMID: 23967096 PMCID: PMC3744541 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0070748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2013] [Accepted: 06/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Most competition studies between species are conducted from a population-level approach. Few studies have examined inter-specific competition in conjunction with intra-specific competition, with an individual-based approach. To our knowledge, none has been conducted on marine top predators. Sympatric Galapagos fur seals (Arctocephalus galapagoensis) and sea lions (Zalophus wollebaeki) share similar geographic habitats and potentially compete. We studied their foraging niche overlap at Cabo Douglas, Fernandina Island from simultaneously collected dive and movement data to examine spatial and temporal inter- and intra-specific competition. Sea lions exhibited 3 foraging strategies (shallow, intermediate and deep) indicating intra-specific competition. Fur seals exhibited one foraging strategy, diving predominantly at night, between 0–80 m depth and mostly at 19–22 h. Most sea lion dives also occurred at night (63%), between 0–40 m, within fur seals' diving depth range. 34% of sea lions night dives occurred at 19–22 h, when fur seals dived the most, but most of them occurred at dawn and dusk, when fur seals exhibited the least amount of dives. Fur seals and sea lions foraging behavior overlapped at 19 and 21 h between 0–30 m depths. Sea lions from the deep diving strategy exhibited the greatest foraging overlap with fur seals, in time (19 h), depth during overlapping time (21–24 m), and foraging range (37.7%). Fur seals foraging range was larger. Cabo Douglas northwest coastal area, region of highest diving density, is a foraging “hot spot” for both species. Fur seals and sea lions foraging niche overlap occurred, but segregation also occurred; fur seals primarily dived at night, while sea lions exhibited night and day diving. Both species exploited depths and areas exclusive to their species. Niche breadth generally increases with environmental uncertainty and decreased productivity. Potential competition between these species could be greater during warmer periods when prey availability is reduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Villegas-Amtmann
- Department of Behavioral Biology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.
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Szczebak JT, Henry RP, Al-Horani FA, Chadwick NE. Anemonefish oxygenate their anemone hosts at night. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 216:970-6. [PMID: 23447664 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.075648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Many stony coral-dwelling fishes exhibit adaptations to deal with hypoxia among the branches of their hosts; however, no information exists on the respiratory ecophysiology of obligate fish associates of non-coral organisms such as sea anemones and sponges. This study investigated metabolic and behavioral interactions between two-band anemonefish (Amphiprion bicinctus) and bulb-tentacle sea anemones (Entacmaea quadricolor) at night. We measured the net dark oxygen uptake ( , μmol O2 h(-1)) of fish-anemone pairs when partners were separate from each other, together as a unit, and together as a unit but separated by a mesh screen that prevented physical contact. We also measured the effects of water current on sea anemone and quantified the nocturnal behaviors of fish in the absence and presence of host anemones in order to discern the impacts of anemone presence on fish behavior. Net of united pairs was significantly higher than that of both separated pairs and united pairs that were separated by a mesh screen. Anemone increased with flow rate from 0.5 to 2.0 cm s(-1), after which remained constant up to a water flow rate of 8.0 cm s(-1). Furthermore, the percentage time and bout frequency of flow-modulating behaviors by fish increased significantly when anemones were present. We conclude that physical contact between anemonefish and sea anemones elevates the of at least one of the partners at night, and anemonefish behavior at night appears to oxygenate sea anemone hosts and to augment the metabolism of both partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph T Szczebak
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, 101 Rouse Life Sciences Building, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.
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JARRAD FRITHC, WALSHE TERRY, CHEE YUNGEN, BURGMAN MARKA. A test of biotic interactions among two alpine plant species in Australia. AUSTRAL ECOL 2012. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1442-9993.2011.02246.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Lenihan HS, Holbrook SJ, Schmitt RJ, Brooks AJ. Influence of corallivory, competition, and habitat structure on coral community shifts. Ecology 2011; 92:1959-71. [PMID: 22073787 DOI: 10.1890/11-0108.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The species composition of coral communities has shifted in many areas worldwide through the relative loss of important ecosystem engineers such as highly branched corals, which are integral in maintaining reef biodiversity. We assessed the degree to which the performance of recently recruited branching corals was influenced by corallivory, competition, sedimentation, and the interactions between these factors. We also explored whether the species-specific influence of these biotic and abiotic constraints helps to explain recent shifts in the coral community in lagoons of Moorea, French Polynesia. Population surveys revealed evidence of a community shift away from a historically acroporid-dominated community to a pocilloporid- and poritid-dominated community, but also showed that the distribution and abundance of coral taxa varied predictably with location in the lagoon. At the microhabitat scale, branching corals grew mainly on dead or partially dead massive Porites ("bommies"), promontories with enhanced current velocities and reduced sedimentation. A demographic study revealed that growth and survival of juvenile Pocillopora verrucosa and Acropora retusa, the two most common branching species of each taxon, were affected by predation and competition with vermetid gastropods. By 24 months of age, 20-60% of juvenile corals suffered partial predation by corallivorous fishes, and injured corals experienced reduced growth and survival. A field experiment confirmed that partial predation by corallivorous fishes is an important, but habitat-modulated, constraint for branching corals. Competition with vermetid gastropods reduced growth of both branching species but unexpectedly also provided an associational defense against corallivory. Overall, the impact of abiotic constraints was habitat-specific and similar for Acropora and Pocillopora, but biotic interactions, especially corallivory, had a greater negative effect on Acropora than Pocillopora, which may explain the local shift in coral community composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hunter S Lenihan
- Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106-5131, USA.
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Intercontinental differences in resource use reveal the importance of mutualisms in fire ant invasions. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2011; 108:20639-44. [PMID: 22143788 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1115263108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutualisms play key roles in the functioning of ecosystems. However, reciprocally beneficial interactions that involve introduced species also can enhance invasion success and in doing so compromise ecosystem integrity. For example, the growth and competitive ability of introduced plant species can increase when fungal or microbial associates provide limiting nutrients. Mutualisms also may aid animal invasions, but how such systems may promote invasion success has received relatively little attention. Here we examine how access to food-for-protection mutualisms involving the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) aids the success of this prominent invader. Intense interspecific competition in its native Argentina constrained the ability of S. invicta to benefit from honeydew-producing Hemiptera (and other accessible sources of carbohydrates), whereas S. invicta dominated these resources in its introduced range in the United States. Consistent with this strong pattern, nitrogen isotopic data revealed that fire ants from populations in the United States occupy a lower trophic position than fire ants from Argentina. Laboratory and field experiments demonstrated that honeydew elevated colony growth, a crucial determinant of competitive performance, even when insect prey were not limiting. Carbohydrates, obtained largely through mutualistic partnerships with other organisms, thus represent critical resources that may aid the success of this widespread invasive species. These results illustrate the potential for mutualistic interactions to play a fundamental role in the establishment and spread of animal invasions.
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Müller JP, Hauzy C, Hulot FD. Ingredients for protist coexistence: competition, endosymbiosis and a pinch of biochemical interactions. J Anim Ecol 2011; 81:222-32. [PMID: 21831194 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2656.2011.01894.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
1. The interaction between mutualism, facilitation or interference and exploitation competition is of major interest as it may govern species coexistence. However, the interplay of these mechanisms has received little attention. This issue dates back to Gause, who experimentally explored competition using protists as a model [Gause, G.F. (1935) Vérifications expérimentales de la théorie mathématique de la lutte pour la vie. Actualités Scientifiques et Industrielles, 277]. He showed the coexistence of Paramecium caudatum with a potentially allelopathic species, Paramecium bursaria. 2. Paramecium bursaria hosts the green algae Chlorella vulgaris. Therefore, P. bursaria may benefit from carbohydrates synthesised by the algae. Studying endosymbiosis with P. bursaria is possible as it can be freed of its endosymbiont. In addition, C. vulgaris is known to produce allelochemicals, and P. bursaria may benefit also from allelopathic compounds. 3. We designed an experiment to separate the effects of resource exploitation, endosymbiosis and allelopathy and to assess their relative importance for the coexistence of P. bursaria with a competitor that exploits the same resource, bacteria. The experiment was repeated with two competitors, Colpidium striatum or Tetrahymena pyriformis. 4. Results show that the presence of the endosymbiont enables the coexistence of competitors, while its loss leads to competitive exclusion. These results are in agreement with predictions based on resource equilibrium density of monocultures (R*) supporting the idea that P. bursaria's endosymbiont is a resource provider for its host. When P. bursaria and T. pyriformis coexist, the density of the latter shows large variation that match the effects of culture medium of P. bursaria. Our experiment suggests these effects are because of biochemicals produced in P. bursaria culture. 5. Our results expose the hidden diversity of mechanisms that underlie competitive interactions. They thus support Gauses's speculation (1935) that allelopathic effects might have been involved in his competition experiments. We discuss how a species engaged both in competition for a resource and in costly interference such as allelopathy may counterbalance these costs with a resource-provider endosymbiont.
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Céréghino R, Leroy C, Carrias JF, Pelozuelo L, Ségura C, Bosc C, Dejean A, Corbara B. Ant-plant mutualisms promote functional diversity in phytotelm communities. Funct Ecol 2011. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2435.2011.01863.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Holbrook SJ, Schmitt RJ, Brooks AJ. Indirect effects of species interactions on habitat provisioning. Oecologia 2011; 166:739-49. [PMID: 21274572 PMCID: PMC3114069 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-011-1912-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2010] [Accepted: 01/07/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Species that shelter in a biogenic habitat can influence their refugia and, in turn, play an essential role in shaping local patterns of biodiversity. Here we explore a positive feedback loop between the provisioning rate of habitat-forming branching corals and their associated fishes and show how interactions between two groups of fish—the planktivorous damselfish and predatory hawkfish—altered the feedback. A field experiment confirmed that skeletal growth of branching coral (genus Pocillopora) increased substantially with increasing numbers (biomass) of resident fishes, likely because they greatly increased the interstitial concentrations of nutrients. Because there is a positive relationship between colony size and number (biomass) of associated fishes (primarily damselfishes in the Family Pomacentridae), a structure–function feedback loop exists in which increasing numbers of damselfish enhance coral growth and larger corals host greater abundances (and species richness) of fish. However, interactions between damselfishes and arc-eye hawkfish, Paracirrhites arcatus, a largely solitary resident, can disrupt this positive feedback loop. Field surveys revealed a marked pattern of fish occupancy related to coral size: Pocillopora colonies of sufficient size to host fish (>40 cm circumference) had either groups of damselfish or an arc-eye hawkfish; only larger colonies (>75 cm) were occupied by both the damselfish and hawkfish. Subsequent short- and long-term experiments revealed that on intermediate-sized Pocillopora colonies, arc-eye hawkfish prevented the establishment of damselfish by suppressing their recruitment. The demographic consequences to the host coral were substantial; in a 1-year-long experiment, intermediate-size Pocillopora occupied by hawkfish grew at half the rate of corals that hosted groups of damselfish. These findings indicate that: (1) species which occupy a biogenic habitat can enhance the provisioning rate of their habitat; (2) such positive feedbacks between community structure and ecosystem function can be disrupted by a strong interactor; (3) even substantial consequences on ecosystem processes that arise can be difficult to discern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally J Holbrook
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA.
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31
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HATTORI A. Diversity of symbiotic relationship between host sea anemone and anemonefish: an ecological review of their distributions and combinations. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.3755/jcrs.13.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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High-quality habitat and facilitation ameliorate competitive effects of prior residents on new settlers. Oecologia 2010; 166:121-30. [PMID: 21049298 PMCID: PMC3074066 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-010-1826-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2009] [Accepted: 10/13/2010] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Many species disperse during their lifetime. Two factors that can affect the performance of individuals following dispersal are the presence of conspecifics and intrinsic habitat quality at the settlement site. Detecting the influence of these factors can be difficult for at least two reasons: (1) the outcomes of interactions with conspecifics are often variable including both competition and facilitation, and (2) selection of high quality habitats often leads to positive covariance between habitat quality and density. In this study, I investigate positive and negative effects of resident blue streak cleaner wrasse (Labroides dimidiatus) on the growth and survival of recently settled conspecifics while accounting for habitat quality. Juvenile L. dimidiatus settle near adult conspecifics, but likely have to compete with resident adults for access to food. However, field experiments indicate that settlers have access to more resources at occupied sites, and as a result, grow faster despite evidence for competition with residents. This result is a direct consequence of two factors: (1) resident conspecifics facilitate settlers by attracting client fish, and (2) resident conspecifics are strongly associated with high quality habitat. These results highlight the need to simultaneously consider habitat quality and competitive and facilitative interactions between conspecifics when making inferences about ecological processes from spatial patterns of individual performance.
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Forister ML, Gompert Z, Nice CC, Forister GW, Fordyce JA. Ant association facilitates the evolution of diet breadth in a lycaenid butterfly. Proc Biol Sci 2010; 278:1539-47. [PMID: 21047856 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2010.1959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of mutualistic interactions in adaptive diversification has not been thoroughly examined. Lycaenid butterflies provide excellent systems for exploring mutualistic interactions, as more than half of this family is known to use ants as a resource in interactions that range from parasitism to mutualism. We investigate the hypothesis that protection from predators offered to caterpillars by ants might facilitate host-range evolution. Specifically, experiments with the butterfly Lycaeides melissa investigated the role of ant association in the use of a novel host, alfalfa, Medicago sativa, which is a sub-optimal host for larval development. Survival on alfalfa is increased by the presence of ants, thus supporting the hypothesis that interaction with ants might be important for host-range evolution. Using a demographic model to explore ecological conditions associated with host-range expansion in L. melissa, we conclude that the presence of ants might be an essential component for populations persisting on the novel, sub-optimal host.
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Céréghino R, Leroy C, Dejean A, Corbara B. Ants mediate the structure of phytotelm communities in an ant-garden bromeliad. Ecology 2010; 91:1549-56. [PMID: 20503886 DOI: 10.1890/09-1534.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The main theories explaining the biological diversity of rain forests often confer a limited understanding of the contribution of interspecific interactions to the observed patterns. We show how two-species mutualisms can affect much larger segments of the invertebrate community in tropical rain forests. Aechmea mertensii (Bromeliaceae) is both a phytotelm (plant-held water) and an ant-garden epiphyte. We studied the influence of its associated ant species (Pachycondyla goeldii and Camponotus femoratus) on the physical characteristics of the plants, and, subsequently, on the diversity of the invertebrate communities that inhabit their tanks. As dispersal agents for the bromeliads, P. goeldii and C. femoratus influence the shape and size of the bromeliad by determining the location of the seedling, from exposed to partially shaded areas. By coexisting on a local scale, the two ant species generate a gradient of habitat conditions in terms of available resources (space and food) for aquatic invertebrates, the diversity of the invertebrate communities increasing with greater volumes of water and fine detritus. Two-species mutualisms are widespread in nature, but their influence on the diversity of entire communities remains largely unexplored. Because macroinvertebrates constitute an important part of animal production in all ecosystem types, further investigations should address the functional implications of such indirect effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Régis Céréghino
- Université de Toulouse, UPS, INPT, EcoLab, 118 Route de Narbonne, 31062 Toulouse, France.
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Nathaniel Holland J, DeAngelis DL. Consumer-resource theory predicts dynamic transitions between outcomes of interspecific interactions. Ecol Lett 2009; 12:1357-66. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1461-0248.2009.01390.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Isolation and characterization of eight polymorphic microsatellite markers from the orange-fin anemonefish, Amphiprion chrysopterus. CONSERV GENET RESOUR 2009. [DOI: 10.1007/s12686-009-9077-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Smith RA, Mooney KA, Agrawal AA. Coexistence of three specialist aphids on common milkweed, Asclepias syriaca. Ecology 2008; 89:2187-96. [PMID: 18724729 DOI: 10.1890/07-1441.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Coexistence of host-specific herbivores on plants is believed to be governed by interspecific interactions, but few empirical studies have systematically unraveled these dynamics. We investigated the role of several factors in promoting coexistence among the aphids Aphis nerii, Aphis asclepiadis, and Myzocallis asclepiadis that all specialize on common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca). Competitive exclusion is thought to occur when interspecific competition is stronger than intraspecific competition. Consequently, we investigated whether predators, mutualists, or resource quality affected the strength of intra- vs. interspecific competition among aphids in factorial manipulations of competition with exposure to predation, ants, and variable plant genotypes in three separate experiments. In the predation x competition experiment, predators reduced aphid per capita growth by 66%, but the strength of intra- and interspecific competition did not depend on predators. In the ants x competition experiment, ants reduced per capita growth of A. nerii and M. asclepiadis (neither of which were mutualists with ants) by approximately one-half. In so doing, ants ameliorated the negative effects of these competitors on ant-tended A. asclepiadis by two-thirds, representing a novel benefit of ant-aphid mutualism. Nevertheless, ants alone did not explain the persistence of competitively inferior A. asclepiadis as, even in the presence of ants, interspecific competition remained stronger than intraspecific competition. In the plant genotype x competition experiment, both A. asclepiadis and M. asclepiadis were competitively inferior to A. nerii, with the strength of interspecific competition exceeding that of intraspecific competition by 83% and 23%, respectively. Yet these effects differed among milkweed genotypes, and there were one or more plant genotypes for each aphid species where coexistence was predicted. A synthesis of our results shows that predators play little or no role in preferentially suppressing competitively dominant A. nerii. Nonetheless, A. asclepiadis benefits from ants, and A. asclepiadis and M. asclepiadis may escape competitive exclusion by A. nerii on select milkweed genotypes. Taken as a whole, the coexistence of three host-specific aphid species sharing the same resource was promoted by the dual action of ants as antagonists and mutualists and by genetic diversity in the plant population itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Smith
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
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Toräng P, Ehrlén J, Ågren J. MUTUALISTS AND ANTAGONISTS MEDIATE FREQUENCY-DEPENDENT SELECTION ON FLORAL DISPLAY. Ecology 2008; 89:1564-72. [DOI: 10.1890/07-1283.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Buston PM, Bogdanowicz SM, Wong A, Harrison RG. Are clownfish groups composed of close relatives? An analysis of microsatellite DNA variation inAmphiprion percula. Mol Ecol 2007; 16:3671-8. [PMID: 17845439 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-294x.2007.03421.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A central question of evolutionary ecology is: why do animals live in groups? Answering this question requires that the costs and benefits of group living are measured from the perspective of each individual in the group. This, in turn, requires that the group's genetic structure is elucidated, because genetic relatedness can modulate the individuals' costs and benefits. The clown anemonefish, Amphiprion percula, lives in groups composed of a breeding pair and zero to four nonbreeders. Both breeders and nonbreeders stand to gain by associating with relatives: breeders might prefer to tolerate nonbreeders that are relatives because there is little chance that relatives will survive to breed elsewhere; nonbreeders might prefer to associate with breeders that are relatives because of the potential to accrue indirect genetic benefits by enhancing anemone and, consequently, breeder fitness. Given the potential benefits of associating with relatives, we use microsatellite loci to investigate whether or not individuals within groups of A. percula are related. We develop seven polymorphic microsatellite loci, with a number of alleles (range 2-24) and an observed level of heterozygosity (mean = 0.5936) sufficient to assess fine-scale genetic structure. The mean coefficient of relatedness among group members is 0.00 +/- 0.10 (n = 9 groups), and there are no surprising patterns in the distribution of pairwise relatedness. We conclude that A. percula live in groups of unrelated individuals. This study lays the foundation for further investigations of behavioural, population and community ecology of anemonefishes which are emerging as model systems for evolutionary ecology in the marine environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter M Buston
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, C.S.I.C., Avenida de Maria Luisa s/n Pabellón del Perú, 41013 Sevilla, Spain.
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Ollerton J, McCollin D, Fautin DG, Allen GR. Finding NEMO: nestedness engendered by mutualistic organization in anemonefish and their hosts. Proc Biol Sci 2007; 274:591-8. [PMID: 17476781 PMCID: PMC1766375 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2006.3758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The interaction structure of mutualistic relationships, in terms of relative specialization of the partners, is important to understanding their ecology and evolution. Analyses of the mutualistic interaction between anemonefish and their host sea anemones show that the relationship is highly nested in structure, generalist species interacting with one another and specialist species interacting mainly with generalists. This supports the hypothesis that the configuration of mutualistic interactions will tend towards nestedness. In this case, the structure of the interaction is at a much larger scale than previously hypothesized, across more than 180 degrees of longitude and some 60 degrees of latitude, probably owing to the pelagic dispersal capabilities of these species in a marine environment. Additionally, we found weak support for the hypothesis that geographically widespread species should be more generalized in their interactions than species with small ranges. This study extends understanding of the structure of mutualistic relationships into previously unexplored taxonomic and physical realms, and suggests how nestedness analysis can be applied to the conservation of obligate species interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeff Ollerton
- Landscape and Biodiversity Research Group, School of Applied Sciences, University of Northampton, Park Campus, Northampton NN2 7AL, UK.
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Abstract
1. Few theoretical studies have examined the impact of immigration and emigration on mutualist population dynamics, but a recent empirical study (A.R. Thompson Oecologia, 143, 61-69) on mutualistic fish and shrimp showed that immigration can prevent population collapse, and that intraspecific competition for a mutualistic partner can curb population expansion. To understand in a theoretical context the implications of these results, and to assess their generality, we present a two-species model that accounts explicitly for immigration and emigration, as well as distinguishing the impacts of mutualism on birth rates, death rates and habitat acquisition. 2. The model confirms that immigration can stabilize mutualistic populations, and predicts that high immigration, along with enhanced reproduction and/or reduced mortality through mutualism, can cause population sizes to increase until habitat availability curbs further expansion. 3. We explore in detail the effects of different forms of habitat limitation on mutualistic populations. Habitat availability commonly limits the density of both populations if mutualists acquire shelter independently. If a mutualist depends on a partner for habitat, densities of that mutualist are capped by the amount of space provided by that partner. The density of the shelter-provider is limited by the environment. 4. If a mutualism solely augments reproduction, and most locally produced individuals leave the focal patch, then the mutualism will have a minimal effect on local dynamics. If the mutualism operates by reducing rates of death or enhancing habitat availability, and there is at least some immigration, then mutualism will affect local dynamics. This finding may be particularly relevant in marine systems, where there is high variability (among species and locations) in the extent to which progeny disperse from natal locations. 5. Overall, our results demonstrate that the consequences of immigration and emigration for the dynamics of mutualists depend strongly on which demographic rate is influenced by mutualism. 6. By relating our model to a variety of terrestrial and aquatic systems, we provide a general framework to guide future empirical studies of the dynamics of mutualistic populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew R Thompson
- US Fish & Wildlife Service, 6010 Hidden Valley Road, Carlsbad, CA 92011, USA.
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Savage AM, Peterson MA. Mutualism in a community context: the positive feedback between an ant–aphid mutualism and a gall-making midge. Oecologia 2006; 151:280-91. [PMID: 17106723 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-006-0582-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2006] [Accepted: 10/09/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Although mutualisms are widespread and often described in natural history accounts, their ecological influences on other community members remain largely unexplored. Many of these influences are likely a result of indirect effects. In this field study, we investigated the indirect effects of an ant-aphid mutualism on the abundance, survival rates and parasitism rates of a co-occurring herbivore. Rabdophaga salicisbrassicoides (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) induces rosette galls on the developing shoots of Salix exigua trees, and populations can reach outbreak densities (up to 1,000 galls/stem) in central Washington State (USA). Ant-tended aphids feed on these same stems and often feed on gall tissue. In this study we used a combination of manipulative experiments and observational surveys to test the hypothesis that the abundances of aphids, ants, and galls have positive and reciprocal effects on one another, in a manner that would create a positive feedback loop in population growth. In addition, we examined whether the combined presence of ants and aphids reduces parasitism rates for the gallers. In support of the positive feedback loop hypothesis, aphids enjoyed higher population growth rates in the presence of ants and galls, the presence of ants and aphids resulted in increased abundance of galls, and the abundances of ants, aphids and galls were all positively correlated with one another. However, the mechanism underlying the positive effect of ants and aphids on galler density remains unknown, as the mutualism did not affect parasitism rates. More broadly, this study demonstrates that mutualisms can have significant and complex indirect effects on community and population ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy M Savage
- Department of Biology, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, USA.
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Thompson AR, Thacker CE, Shaw EY. Phylogeography of marine mutualists: parallel patterns of genetic structure between obligate goby and shrimp partners. Mol Ecol 2006; 14:3557-72. [PMID: 16156823 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-294x.2005.02686.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The survival of many organisms depends on interspecific, mutualistic interactions. Hence, it is important to assess the phylogeography of multiple mutualistic species simultaneously to gain insight into how their metapopulations persist, spread and recover from disturbance. Consequently, we sequenced mitochondrial DNA (cytochrome b) from a gobiid fish (Ctenogobiops feroculus) and its mutualistic partner, an alpheid snapping shrimp (Alpheus djeddensis). These obligate mutualists are common in shallow coral reef lagoons, and we collected individuals from 11 Indo-Pacific islands that were likely exposed to different disturbance histories due to sea level fluctuations associated with glaciation events [geological studies indicate that eastern oceanic islands (Cook Islands, French Polynesia) were more disturbed than western continental plate islands that have deeper, more extensive lagoons (Okinawa, Fiji)]. Both phylogenetic and population genetic analyses indicated that gobies from Okinawa and Fiji were genetically distinct both from each other and those in the Cook Islands and French Polynesia. Shrimp, by contrast, grouped into two distinct genetic groups that showed no geographic structure. Restricting the analysis to one clade of shrimp, which contained two-thirds of the individuals, showed that these shrimp had very similar phylogeographical structure to the gobies. Mismatch distributions demonstrated that both gobies and shrimp experienced a recent, rapid population expansion into French Polynesia. Finally, nucleotide and haplotype diversities per sample location were significantly correlated between mutualists and tended to be higher on western continental than eastern oceanic islands. Our results suggest that these mutualists recovered from a major disturbance by colonizing South Pacific islands in synchrony.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew R Thompson
- Research & Collections - Ichthyology, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Los Angeles, CA 90007, USA.
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Gammans N, Bullock JM, Schönrogge K. Ant benefits in a seed dispersal mutualism. Oecologia 2005; 146:43-9. [PMID: 16049717 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-005-0154-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2005] [Accepted: 05/10/2005] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Myrmecochorous plant seeds have nutrient rich appendages, elaiosomes, which induce some ant species to carry the seeds back to their nest where the elaiosome is consumed and the seed is discarded unharmed. The benefits to plants of dispersal of their seeds in this way have been well documented, but the benefits to the ants from consuming the elaiosomes have rarely been measured and are less clear. Ant benefits from myrmecochory were investigated in a laboratory experiment using the ant Myrmica ruginodis and seeds of Ulex species. To separate the effects of elaiosome consumption on the development of newly produced larvae versus existing larvae, ten 'Queenright' colonies containing a queen were compared to ten 'Queenless' colonies. Six measures of colony fitness over a complete annual cycle were taken: sexual production, larval weight and number, pupal weight and number, and worker survival. Queenless colonies fed with elaiosomes produced 100.0+/-29.3 (mean +/- SE) of larvae compared to non-elaiosome fed colonies which produced 49.6+/-19.0; an increase of 102%. Larval weight increased in both Queenright and Queenless colonies. In colonies fed with elaiosomes, larvae weighed 1.02+/-0.1 mg, but in non-elaiosome fed colonies larvae weighed 0.69+/-0.1 mg; an increase of 48%. The food supplement provided by Ulex elaiosomes was trivial in energetic terms, under the conditions of an ample diet, suggesting that these effects might be due to the presence of essential nutrients. Chemical analysis of Ulex elaiosomes showed the presence of four essential fatty acids and four essential sterols for ants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Gammans
- NERC Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Winfrith Technology Centre, Winfrith Newburgh, Dorset, DT2 8ZD, UK.
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47
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Mitchell JS, Dill LM. Why is group size correlated with the size of the host sea anemone in the false clown anemonefish? CAN J ZOOL 2005. [DOI: 10.1139/z05-014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
When social groups monopolize discrete habitat patches, group size may be positively correlated with patch size. The correlation can be a direct consequence of limited resources. Alternatively, it can be an indirect consequence of patch-size effects on a dominant group member. We asked which of these two mechanisms was responsible for a positive correlation between the group size of false clown anemonefish (Amphiprion ocellaris Cuvier in Cuvier and Valenciennes, 1830) and that of the host sea anemone Stichodactyla gigantea (Forskål, 1775). We argue that some false clown anemonefish groups may have reached the carrying capacities of their hosts, but that the group size : patch size correlation in the population as a whole is best interpreted as an indirect consequence of a positive relationship between anemone size and the length of the dominant group member. The dominant's length in turn limits group size because dominant group members inhibit the growth of their subordinates. Thus, a correlation between group size and patch size need not imply resource limitation of subordinate group members.
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Thompson AR. Dynamics of demographically open mutualists: immigration, intraspecific competition, and predation impact goby populations. Oecologia 2004; 143:61-9. [PMID: 15583942 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-004-1775-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2004] [Accepted: 11/04/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Although it is now recognized that mutualistic species are common and can have stable populations, the forces controlling their persistence are poorly understood. To better understand the mechanisms that impact the stability of obligate mutualists, I conducted several field experiments within a sandy coral reef lagoon in Moorea, French Polynesia that manipulated densities of fish (gobies) that interact mutualistically with shrimp. Obligate, mutualistic partnerships of gobies and shrimp are common on Indo-Pacific coral reefs and have been shown previously to interact as follows: shrimp construct burrows in which both species reside, and gobies warn shrimp of predators through tactile communication. Augmentation of gobies by up to 100% above ambient densities within 9 m2 plots produced no change in overall density of gobies or shrimp because gobies competed intraspecifically for a limited number of shrimp burrows and smaller gobies were outcompeted by larger individuals. I used predators to assess the impact of goby removal on the stability of goby and shrimp populations. First, although surveys taken throughout the lagoon revealed no relationship between goby and predator densities, predators correlated negatively with the proportion of adult gobies and positively with the proportion of small gobies paired with large shrimp. Second, experimental augmentation of predators resulted in a dramatic reduction of adult gobies within predator-addition plots, but had no impact on overall densities as immigrants rapidly replaced the missing adult gobies. Furthermore, goby turnover resulted in an increase in the proportion of small gobies paired with large shrimp because body sizes of gobies and shrimp in a burrow were similar prior to predator introduction, and predators apparently had a greater impact on gobies than shrimp. The mechanisms that prevent expansion (intraspecific competition) and collapse (immigration) of goby-shrimp populations likely contribute to local-scale stability of mutualistic populations in other terrestrial and aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew R Thompson
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA.
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Baum KA, Haynes KJ, Dillemuth FP, Cronin JT. THE MATRIX ENHANCES THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CORRIDORS AND STEPPING STONES. Ecology 2004. [DOI: 10.1890/04-0500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 219] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Does the presence of non-breeders enhance the fitness of breeders? An experimental analysis in the clown anemonefish Amphiprion percula. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2004. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-004-0833-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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