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Yang S, Qu J, Tang K, Zhao X, Zhou H, Hu J. Trophic niche and adaptation in highland lizards: sex has greater influences than species matching. Integr Zool 2024; 19:564-576. [PMID: 37858979 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12779] [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] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
The plateau environments are typically arid, cool, and high altitude, posing formidable challenges to wildlife survival due to resource scarcity and harsh conditions. Unraveling ecological adaptability in severe conditions requires a deeper understanding of the niche characteristics of plateau species. Trophic niche, which is a comprehensive indicator describing the energy acquisition strategy of animals, remains relatively understudied in plateau species. Here, by combining stable isotopes and morphological data, we quantified the trophic niches of two allopatric lizard species (Phrynocephalus vlangalii and P. erythrurus) that live in the hinterland of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, and explored how their trophic niches correlate with morphological and environmental factors. While both trophic niche and morphological traits were similar between species, noteworthy distinctions were observed between male and female Phrynocephalus lizards. The morphological traits associated with predation (i.e. limb length and head size) and reproduction (i.e. abdomen length), annual mean temperature, and sex played influential roles in shifting trophic niches. These results imply that sexual dimorphism may facilitate inter-sex divergence in resource utilization, leading to trophic niche variations in the highland lizards. Furthermore, extreme environmental stress can constrain interspecific divergence in morphological and trophic traits. Our findings illustrate the dynamic variations of trophic niches in highland lizards, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the adaptation strategies employed by lizard species in plateau environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengnan Yang
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiapeng Qu
- Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Restoration Ecology for Cold Region, Northwest lnstitute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, China
| | - Ke Tang
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, China
| | - Xinquan Zhao
- Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Restoration Ecology for Cold Region, Northwest lnstitute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, China
- Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Huakun Zhou
- Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Restoration Ecology for Cold Region, Northwest lnstitute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, China
| | - Junhua Hu
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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2
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Sun SJ, Chen S, Federle W, Kilner RM. Biomechanical adaptations enable phoretic mite species to occupy distinct spatial niches on host burying beetles. Proc Biol Sci 2024; 291:20240230. [PMID: 38503335 PMCID: PMC10950469 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2024.0230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Niche theory predicts that ecologically similar species coexist by minimizing interspecific competition through niche partitioning. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms of niche partitioning is essential for predicting interactions and coexistence between competing organisms. Here, we study two phoretic mite species, Poecilochirus carabi and Macrocheles nataliae that coexist on the same host burying beetle Nicrophorus vespilloides and use it to 'hitchhike' between reproductive sites. Field observations revealed clear spatial partitioning between species in distinct host body parts. Poecilochirus carabi preferred the ventral side of the thorax, whereas M. nataliae were exclusively found ventrally at the hairy base of the abdomen. Experimental manipulations of mite density showed that each species preferred these body parts, largely regardless of the density of the other mite species on the host beetle. Force measurements indicated that this spatial distribution is mediated by biomechanical adaptations, because each mite species required more force to be removed from their preferred location on the beetle. While P. carabi attached with large adhesive pads to the smooth thorax cuticle, M. nataliae gripped abdominal setae with their chelicerae. Our results show that specialist biomechanical adaptations for attachment can mediate spatial niche partitioning among species sharing the same host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syuan-Jyun Sun
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK
- International Degree Program in Climate Change and Sustainable Development, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Simon Chen
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - Walter Federle
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - Rebecca M. Kilner
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK
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3
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Astudillo-Clavijo V, Mankis T, López-Fernández H. Opening the Museum's Vault: Historical Field Records Preserve Reliable Ecological Data. Am Nat 2024; 203:305-322. [PMID: 38358812 DOI: 10.1086/728422] [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: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
AbstractMuseum specimens have long served as foundational data sources for ecological, evolutionary, and environmental research. Continued reimagining of museum collections is now also generating new types of data associated with but beyond physical specimens, a concept known as "extended specimens." Field notes penned by generations of naturalists contain firsthand ecological observations associated with museum collections and comprise a form of extended specimens with the potential to provide novel ecological data spanning broad geographic and temporal scales. Despite their data-yielding potential, however, field notes remain underutilized in research because of their heterogeneous, unstandardized, and qualitative nature. We introduce an approach for transforming descriptive ecological notes into quantitative data suitable for statistical analysis. Tests with simulated and real-world published data show that field notes and our transformation approach retain reliable quantitative ecological information under a range of sample sizes and evolutionary scenarios. Unlocking the wealth of data contained within field records could facilitate investigations into the ecology of clades whose diversity, distribution, or other demographic features present challenges to traditional ecological studies, improve our understanding of long-term environmental and evolutionary change, and enhance predictions of future change.
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4
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Gayford JH, Sternes PC. The origins and drivers of sexual size dimorphism in sharks. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e11163. [PMID: 38500855 PMCID: PMC10944705 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.11163] [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: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
While sexual size dimorphism (SSD) is abundant in nature, there is huge variation in both the intensity and direction of SSD. SSD results from a combination of sexual selection for large male size, fecundity selection for large female size and ecological selection for either. In most vertebrates, it is variation in the intensity of male-male competition that primarily underlies variation in SSD. In this study, we test four hypotheses regarding the adaptive value of SSD in sharks-considering the potential for each of fecundity, sexual, ecological selection and reproductive mode as the primary driver of variation in SSD between species. We also estimate past macroevolutionary shifts in SSD direction/intensity through shark phylogeny. We were unable to find evidence of significant SSD in early sharks and hypothesise that SSD is a derived state in this clade, that has evolved independently of SSD observed in other vertebrates. Moreover, there is no significant relationship between SSD and fecundity, testes mass or oceanic depth in sharks. However, there is evidence to support previous speculation that reproductive mode is an important determinant of interspecific variation in SSD in sharks. This is significant as in most vertebrates sexual selection is thought to be the primary driver of SSD trends, with evidence for the role of fecundity selection in other clades being inconsistent at best. While the phylogenetic distribution of SSD among sharks is superficially similar to that observed in other vertebrate clades, the relative importance of selective pressures underlying its evolution appears to differ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel H. Gayford
- Department of Life SciencesSilwood Park Campus, Imperial College LondonLondonUK
- Shark MeasurementsLondonUK
| | - Phillip C. Sternes
- Shark MeasurementsLondonUK
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal BiologyUniversity of CaliforniaRiversideCaliforniaUSA
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5
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Silver-Gorges I, Ceriani SA, Fuentes MMPB. Fine-scale intraspecific niche partitioning in a highly mobile, marine megafauna species: implications for ecology and conservation. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 10:221529. [PMID: 37388320 PMCID: PMC10300683 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.221529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
A species may partition its realized ecological niche along bionomic and scenopoetic axes due to intraspecific competition for limited resources. How partitioning manifests depends on resource needs and availability by and for the partitioning groups. Here we demonstrate the utility of analysing short- and long-term stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios from imperiled marine megafauna to characterize realized niche partitioning in these species. We captured 113 loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) at a high-use area in the eastern Big Bend, Florida, between 2016 and 2022, comprising 53 subadults, 10 adult males and 50 adult females. We calculated trophic niche metrics using established and novel methods, and constructed Bayesian ellipses and hulls, to characterize loggerhead isotopic niches. These analyses indicated that loggerheads partition their realized ecological niche by lifestage, potentially along both bionomic (e.g. trophic) and/or scenopoetic (e.g. habitat, latitude or longitude) axes, and display different characteristics of resource use within their niches. Analysis of stable isotopes from tissues with different turnover rates enabled this first characterization of intraspecific niche partitioning between and within neritic lifestages in loggerhead turtles, which has direct implications for ongoing research and conservation efforts for this and other imperiled marine species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Silver-Gorges
- Department of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32304, USA
| | - Simona A. Ceriani
- Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA
| | - Mariana M. P. B. Fuentes
- Department of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32304, USA
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6
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Stenhouse EH, Bellamy P, Kirby W, Vaughan IP, Drake LE, Marchbank A, Workman T, Symondson WOC, Orozco‐terWengel P. Multi-marker DNA metabarcoding reveals spatial and sexual variation in the diet of a scarce woodland bird. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10089. [PMID: 37206688 PMCID: PMC10191781 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Avian diet can be affected by site-specific variables, such as habitat, as well as intrinsic factors such as sex. This can lead to dietary niche separation, which reduces competition between individuals, as well as impacting how well avian species can adapt to environmental variation. Estimating dietary niche separation is challenging, due largely to difficulties in accurately identifying food taxa consumed. Consequently, there is limited knowledge of the diets of woodland bird species, many of which are undergoing serious population declines. Here, we show the effectiveness of multi-marker fecal metabarcoding to provide in-depth dietary analysis of a declining passerine in the UK, the Hawfinch (Coccothraustes coccothraustes). We collected fecal samples from (n = 262) UK Hawfinches prior to, and during, the breeding seasons in 2016-2019. We detected 49 and 90 plant and invertebrate taxa, respectively. We found Hawfinch diet varied spatially, as well as between sexes, indicating broad dietary plasticity and the ability of Hawfinches to utilize multiple resources within their foraging environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewan H. Stenhouse
- School of BiosciencesCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
- RSPB Centre for Conservation Science, The LodgeSandyUK
| | - Paul Bellamy
- RSPB Centre for Conservation Science, The LodgeSandyUK
| | - Will Kirby
- RSPB Centre for Conservation Science, The LodgeSandyUK
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7
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Time activity budget and foraging behavior: important determinants of resource sharing and guild structure in wintering waterbirds. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-023-01648-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
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8
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Espel D, Coux C, Pertierra LR, Eymar-Dauphin P, Lembrechts JJ, Renault D. Functional Niche Partitioning Occurs over Body Size but Not Nutrient Reserves nor Melanism in a Polar Carabid Beetle along an Altitudinal Gradient. INSECTS 2023; 14:123. [PMID: 36835692 PMCID: PMC9967798 DOI: 10.3390/insects14020123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Phenotypic plasticity can favor the emergence of different morphotypes specialized in specific ranges of environmental conditions. The existence of intraspecific partitioning confers resilience at the species scale and can ultimately determine species survival in a context of global changes. Amblystogenium pacificum is a carabid beetle endemic to the sub-Antarctic Crozet Islands, and it has two distinctive morphotypes based on body coloration. For this study, A. pacificum specimens of functional niches were sampled along an altitudinal gradient (as a proxy for temperature), and some morphological and biochemical traits were measured. We used an FAMD multivariate analysis and linear mixed-effects models to test whether these traits were related to morphotype, altitude, and sexual dimorphism. We then calculated and compared the functional niches at different altitudes and tested for niche partitioning through a hypervolume approach. We found a positive hump-shaped correlation between altitude and body size as well as higher protein and sugar reserves in females than in males. Our functional hypervolume results suggest that the main driver of niche partitioning along the altitudinal gradient is body size rather than morphotype or sex, even though darker morphotypes tended to be more functionally constrained at higher altitudes and females showed limited trait variations at the highest altitude.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane Espel
- CNRS, ECOBIO (Ecosystèmes, Biodiversité, Evolution), UMR 6553, University of Rennes, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Camille Coux
- CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, University of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
- CEFE, University of Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, F-34000 Montpellier, France
| | - Luis R. Pertierra
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa
| | - Pauline Eymar-Dauphin
- CNRS, LEHNA (Laboratoire d’Ecologie des Hydrosystèmes Naturels et Anthropisés), UMR 5023, University of Lyon 1, F-69100 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Jonas J. Lembrechts
- Research Group Plants and Ecosystems (PLECO), University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - David Renault
- CNRS, ECOBIO (Ecosystèmes, Biodiversité, Evolution), UMR 6553, University of Rennes, F-35000 Rennes, France
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9
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Lunghi E, Cianferoni F, Corti C, Zhao Y, Manenti R, Ficetola GF, Mancinelli G. The trophic niche of subterranean populations of Speleomantes italicus. Sci Rep 2022; 12:18257. [PMID: 36309527 PMCID: PMC9617932 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-21819-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The determination of a species trophic niche can clarify its functional role within a food web and how prey resources are used in relation with the spatial and temporal variability of environmental conditions. This information may result particularly useful for the implementation of conservation plans of endangered species having a cryptic behaviour or living in places difficult to be surveyed. Here we present the first long-term study on the trophic niche of the Italian cave salamander Speleomantes italicus, a strictly protected facultative cave species that seasonally exploits surface environments (e.g., forested areas) as well as both natural and artificial subterranean environments. We analysed the diet variation of six populations of S. italicus inhabiting natural caves, surveyed 24 times in a full year. During the surveys, all sampled individuals were subjected to stomach flushing and the ingested prey were identified and enumerated; furthermore, salamanders' body condition was also evaluated. The results of the analyses provided the first comprehensive, year-round assessment of the diet for a Speleomantes species. Remarkable divergences in terms of trophic niche and body condition were observed between the studied populations. We found a discrepancy in the foraging activity of the populations located in different areas; specifically, the individuals that experienced sub-optimal microclimatic conditions poorly performed in foraging. Furthermore, we found temporal and spatial variability in the body condition of individuals. Our study highlighted a remarkably high spatial and temporal divergence in the trophic habits of conspecific populations, a feature that may represent one of the major factors promoting the variability of multiple population traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Lunghi
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309Key Laboratory of the Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China ,grid.158820.60000 0004 1757 2611Dipartimento di Medicina clinica, sanità pubblica, scienze della vita e dell’ambiente (MESVA), University of L’Aquila, Coppito, L’Aquila Italy ,grid.8404.80000 0004 1757 2304Zoologia, “La Specola”, Museo di Storia Naurale, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Florence, Italy ,Natural Oasis, Prato, Italy ,Unione Speleologica Calenzano, Calenzano, Florence, Italy
| | - Fabio Cianferoni
- grid.8404.80000 0004 1757 2304Zoologia, “La Specola”, Museo di Storia Naurale, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Florence, Italy ,grid.5326.20000 0001 1940 4177Istituto di Ricerca Sugli Ecosistemi Terrestri (IRET), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Sesto Fiorentino, Florence Italy
| | - Claudia Corti
- grid.8404.80000 0004 1757 2304Zoologia, “La Specola”, Museo di Storia Naurale, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Florence, Italy
| | - Yahui Zhao
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309Key Laboratory of the Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Raoul Manenti
- grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Dipartimento di Scienze e Politiche Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy ,Laboratorio di Biologia Sotterranea “Enrico Pezzoli”, Parco Regionale del Monte Barro, Galbiate, Italy
| | - Gentile Francesco Ficetola
- grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Dipartimento di Scienze e Politiche Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy ,grid.450308.a0000 0004 0369 268XLaboratoire d’Écologie Alpine (LECA), Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, Grenoble, France
| | - Giorgio Mancinelli
- grid.9906.60000 0001 2289 7785Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche ed Ambientali (DiSTeBA), Università del Salento, Lecce, Italy ,grid.5326.20000 0001 1940 4177Istituto per le Risorse Biologiche e le Biotecnologie Marine (IRBIM), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Lesina, Foggia Italy ,grid.10911.380000 0005 0387 0033CoNISMa, Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare, Roma, Italy
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10
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The Trophic Niche of Two Sympatric Species of Salamanders (Plethodontidae and Salamandridae) from Italy. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12172221. [PMID: 36077941 PMCID: PMC9454711 DOI: 10.3390/ani12172221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Studies on species’ trophic niches are essential to understand the characteristics of species’ ecology and life traits, as well as to improve conservation strategies. In the absence of competitors, species realize their trophic niche including in their diet the most profitable food resources. In the presence of competitors, species modify their preferences to reduce competition and maintain the highest benefits at the same time. In this study, we assessed the trophic niche of two species of salamanders coexisting in a forested area of Italy and evaluated which might be the mechanisms that these two species adopted to reduce competition. We found that the Italian cave salamander (Speleomantes italicus) mostly consumed flying prey with a hard cuticle, while the fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra) preferred worm-like and soft-bodied prey. In conclusion, we hypothesize that in our case, the two species of salamanders did not have to change their prey preference in order to avoid competition, but divergences in metabolism and behavioral traits likely worked as natural deterrent. Abstract The trophic niche of a species is one of the fundamental traits of species biology. The ideal trophic niche of a species is realized in the absence of interspecific competition, targeting the most profitable and easy-to-handle food resources. However, when a competitor is present, species adopt different strategies to reduce competition and promote coexistence. In this study, we assessed the potential mechanisms that allow the coexistence of two generalist salamanders: the Italian cave salamander (Speleomantes italicus) and the fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra). We surveyed, in April 2021, a forested area of Emilia-Romagna (Italy) during rainy nights. Analyzing the stomach contents of the captured individuals, we obtained information on the trophic niche of these two sympatric populations. Comparing our results with those of previous studies, we found that the two species did not modify their trophic niche, but that alternative mechanisms allowed their coexistence. Specifically, different prey preferences and predator metabolisms were likely the major factors allowing reduced competition between these two generalist predators.
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11
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Ingram T, Giery ST, Losos JB. Hierarchical partitioning of multiple niche dimensions among ecomorphs, species and sexes in Puerto Rican anoles. J Zool (1987) 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.13004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- T. Ingram
- Department of Zoology University of Otago Dunedin New Zealand
| | - S. T. Giery
- Department of Biology The Pennsylvania State University University Park Pennsylvania USA
| | - J. B. Losos
- Department of Biology and Living Earth Collaborative Washington University St. Louis Missouri USA
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12
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Shaner PJL, Ke LH. Niche overlap in rodents increases with competition but not ecological opportunity: A role of inter-individual difference? J Anim Ecol 2022; 91:1679-1692. [PMID: 35633185 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Niche variation at population level mediates niche packing (i.e., patterns of species' spread within the niche space) and species coexistence at community level. Competition and ecological opportunity (resource diversity) are two of the main mechanisms underlying niche variation. Dense niche packing could occur through increased niche partitioning or increased niche overlap. In this study we used stable carbon and nitrogen isotope data of 635 individual rodents from 4 species across 9 sites in the montane region of a subtropical island to test the effects of competition and ecological opportunity on population isotope niche size, inter-individual niche difference within population, and inter-specific niche overlap within community. We used the Bayesian Standard Ellipse Area (SEAB, the ellipse area enclosed by carbon and nitrogen isotope values of organisms on a bi-plot) to estimate population niche size and inter-specific niche overlap. Inter-individual niche difference within population was quantified as isotopic divergence and isotopic uniqueness. We used rodent abundance (the number of unique individuals captured) to measure competition and plant isotope niche size (plant SEAB) to measure ecological opportunity. The rodents experienced competition as evidenced by a negative relationship between population change rate and conspecific abundance. Rodent population niche size increased with ecological opportunity but not competition. The inter-individual niche difference (isotopic uniqueness) increased with competition (inter-specific competition only) but not ecological opportunity. At community level, inter-specific niche overlap (herbivore-omnivore pair only) increased with competition (the combined abundance of the pair) but not ecological opportunity. This study demonstrated that isotope niche variation of the rodents could be hierarchically influenced by ecological opportunity and competition, with the former setting the limit of population niche size across communities and the latter shaping inter-individual niche difference and inter-specific niche overlap within communities. Under strong intra-specific competition and limited ecological opportunity for niche expansion, individuals may choose to increase their isotopic uniqueness from conspecifics at the cost of overlapping with heterospecifics of different trophic roles within the community niche space as overall competition increases. Denser niche packing of these rodent communities might be achieved through increased niche overlap.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Jen L Shaner
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ling-Hua Ke
- Wildervalley Environmental Consultants Ltd., Pingtung, Taiwan
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13
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Emery KA, Kramer VR, Schooler NK, Michaud KM, Madden JR, Hubbard DM, Miller RJ, Dugan JE. Habitat partitioning by mobile intertidal invertebrates of sandy beaches shifts with the tides. Ecosphere 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kyle A. Emery
- Marine Science Institute University of California Santa Barbara California USA
| | - Valerie R. Kramer
- Department of Biology Kent State University at Stark North Canton Ohio USA
| | | | - Kristen M. Michaud
- Marine Science Institute University of California Santa Barbara California USA
| | - Jessica R. Madden
- Marine Science Institute University of California Santa Barbara California USA
| | - David M. Hubbard
- Marine Science Institute University of California Santa Barbara California USA
| | - Robert J. Miller
- Marine Science Institute University of California Santa Barbara California USA
| | - Jenifer E. Dugan
- Marine Science Institute University of California Santa Barbara California USA
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14
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OUP accepted manuscript. J Mammal 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyac049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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15
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Atencia-Gándara PL, Torres RA, Diaz-Perez JA. Seasonal and intra-populational diet variation in the Colombian Swamp frog Pseudopaludicola pusilla (Anura Leptodactylidae). ETHOL ECOL EVOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/03949370.2021.1907788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pedro L. Atencia-Gándara
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zoologia, Setor de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Jardim das Américas, Curitiba, Paraná, CEP 81531-980, Brazil
| | - Richard A. Torres
- Grupo de Investigación en Zoología y Ecología, Universidad de Sucre, Sincelejo, Colombia
- Pós-graduação em Zoologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, CEP 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Jorge A. Diaz-Perez
- Grupo de Investigación en Zoología y Ecología, Universidad de Sucre, Sincelejo, Colombia
- Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, CEP 79070-900, Brazil
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Baruah G. The impact of individual variation on abrupt collapses in mutualistic networks. Ecol Lett 2021; 25:26-37. [PMID: 34672068 PMCID: PMC9297894 DOI: 10.1111/ele.13895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Individual variation is central to species involved in complex interactions with others in an ecological system. Such ecological systems could exhibit tipping points in response to changes in the environment, consequently leading to abrupt transitions to alternative, often less desirable states. However, little is known about how individual trait variation could influence the timing and occurrence of abrupt transitions. Using 101 empirical mutualistic networks, I model the eco‐evolutionary dynamics of such networks in response to gradual changes in strength of co‐evolutionary interactions. Results indicated that individual variation facilitates the timing of transition in such networks, albeit slightly. In addition, individual variation significantly increases the occurrence of large abrupt transitions. Furthermore, topological network features also positively influence the occurrence of such abrupt transitions. These findings argue for understanding tipping points using an eco‐evolutionary perspective to better forecast abrupt transitions in ecological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaurav Baruah
- Department of Fish Ecology and Evolution, Center for Ecology, Evolution and Biogeochemistry, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Eawag,, Kastanienbaum, CH, Switzerland.,Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Zurich, CH, Switzerland
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17
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Cloyed CS, Balmer BC, Schwacke LH, Wells RS, Berens McCabe EJ, Barleycorn AA, Allen JB, Rowles TK, Smith CR, Takeshita R, Townsend FI, Tumlin MC, Zolman ES, Carmichael RH. Interaction between dietary and habitat niche breadth influences cetacean vulnerability to environmental disturbance. Ecosphere 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Carl S. Cloyed
- Dauphin Island Sea Lab 101 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island Alabama 36608 USA
- Department of Marine Sciences University of South Alabama Mobile Alabama 36688 USA
| | - Brian C. Balmer
- National Marine Mammal Foundation 3419 Maybank Highway Johns Island South Carolina 29487 USA
| | - Lori H. Schwacke
- National Marine Mammal Foundation 3419 Maybank Highway Johns Island South Carolina 29487 USA
| | - Randall S. Wells
- Chicago Zoological Society’s Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, c/o Mote Marine Laboratory 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway Sarasota Florida 34236 USA
| | - Elizabeth J. Berens McCabe
- Chicago Zoological Society’s Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, c/o Mote Marine Laboratory 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway Sarasota Florida 34236 USA
| | - Aaron A. Barleycorn
- Chicago Zoological Society’s Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, c/o Mote Marine Laboratory 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway Sarasota Florida 34236 USA
| | - Jason B. Allen
- Chicago Zoological Society’s Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, c/o Mote Marine Laboratory 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway Sarasota Florida 34236 USA
| | - Teresa K. Rowles
- Office of Protected Resources National Marine Fisheries Service NOAA 1315 East West Highway Silver Spring Maryland 20910 USA
| | - Cynthia R. Smith
- National Marine Mammal Foundation 2240 Shelter Island Drive #200 San Diego California 92106 USA
| | - Ryan Takeshita
- National Marine Mammal Foundation 3419 Maybank Highway Johns Island South Carolina 29487 USA
| | - Forrest I. Townsend
- Bayside Hospital for Animals 251 Racetrack Road NE Fort Walton Beach Florida 32547 USA
| | - Mandy C. Tumlin
- Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries 2000 Quail Drive Baton Rouge Louisiana 70808 USA
| | - Eric S. Zolman
- National Marine Mammal Foundation 3419 Maybank Highway Johns Island South Carolina 29487 USA
| | - Ruth H. Carmichael
- Dauphin Island Sea Lab 101 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island Alabama 36608 USA
- Department of Marine Sciences University of South Alabama Mobile Alabama 36688 USA
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18
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Horák J. Niche partitioning among dead wood-dependent beetles. Sci Rep 2021; 11:15178. [PMID: 34312411 PMCID: PMC8313673 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-94396-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Niche partitioning among species with virtually the same requirements is a fundamental concept in ecology. Nevertheless, some authors suggest that niches have little involvement in structuring communities. This study was done in the Pardubice Region (Czech Republic) on saproxylic beetles with morphologically similar larvae and very specific requirements, which are related to their obligatory dependence on dead wood material: Cucujus cinnaberinus, Pyrochroa coccinea, and Schizotus pectinicornis. This work was performed on 232 dead wood pieces at the landscape scale over six years. Based on the factors studied, the relationships among these species indicated that their co-occurrence based on species presence and absence was low, which indicated niche partitioning. However, based on analyses of habitat requirements and species composition using observed species abundances, there was no strong evidence for niche partitioning at either studied habitat levels, the tree and the microhabitat. The most likely reasons for the lack of strong niche partitioning were that dead wood is a rich resource and co-occurrence of saproxylic community was not driven by resource competition. This might be consistent with the theory that biodiversity could be controlled by the neutral drift of species abundance. Nevertheless, niche partitioning could be ongoing, meaning that the expanding C. cinnaberinus may have an advantage over the pyrochroids and could dominate in the long term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Horák
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00, Prague, Czech Republic.
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19
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Trophic ecology of syntopic anurans of tropical stream communities. JOURNAL OF TROPICAL ECOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1017/s0266467421000158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
AbstractWe investigated trophic resource partitioning in seven syntopic anurans from low- and mid-elevation stream habitats of a tropical riparian ecosystem by utilising stomach content analysis (SCA) and stable isotope analysis (SIA). Our SCA data revealed dietary similarities, narrow trophic niche breadth, and low dietary niche overlap in Ansonia muelleri, Limnonectes magnus, Occidozyga laevis, Megophrys stejnegeri, Pulchrana grandocula, Sanguirana mearnsi, and Staurois natator which could be attributed to these anurans’ selection of available local prey items. We confirmed ant-specialisation (myrmecophagy) of the Mindanao island endemic bufonid A. muelleri based on our temporal SCA dietary data. Our SIA estimates of assimilation of potential prey sources confirmed that L. magnus, P. grandocula, and O. laevis are generalist predators, opportunistically feeding on locally abundant insect prey items. This study on trophic resource partitioning in syntopic anurans provides the first picture of trophic interactions, i.e., predation and competition in stream communities in tropical riparian zones of a watershed ecosystem in northeast Mindanao of the southern Philippines.
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Riverón S, Raoult V, Baylis AMM, Jones KA, Slip DJ, Harcourt RG. Pelagic and benthic ecosystems drive differences in population and individual specializations in marine predators. Oecologia 2021; 196:891-904. [PMID: 34173892 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-021-04974-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Individual specialization, which describes whether populations are comprised of dietary generalists or specialists, has profound ecological and evolutionary implications. However, few studies have quantified individual specialization within and between sympatric species that are functionally similar but have different foraging modes. We assessed the relationship between individual specialization, isotopic niche metrics and foraging behaviour of two marine predators with contrasting foraging modes: pelagic foraging female South American fur seals (Arctocephalus australis) and benthic foraging female southern sea lions (Otaria byronia). Stable isotope analysis of carbon and nitrogen was conducted along the length of adult female vibrissae to determine isotopic niche metrics and the degree of individual specialization. Vibrissae integrated time ranged between 1.1 and 5.5 years, depending on vibrissae length. We found limited overlap in dietary niche-space. Broader population niche sizes were associated with higher degrees of individual specialization, while narrower population niches with lower degrees of individual specialization. The degree of individual specialization was influenced by pelagic and benthic foraging modes. Specifically, South American fur seals, foraging in dynamic pelagic environments with abundant but similar prey, comprised specialist populations composed of generalist individuals. In contrast, benthic southern sea lions foraging in habitats with diverse but less abundant prey had more generalist populations composed of highly specialized individuals. We hypothesize that differences in specialization within and between populations were related to prey availability and habitat differences. Our study supports growing body of literature highlighting that individual specialization is a critical factor in shaping the ecological niche of higher marine predators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Riverón
- Marine Predator Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, 2113, Australia.
| | - Vincent Raoult
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, Australia
| | - Alastair M M Baylis
- Marine Predator Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, 2113, Australia.,South Atlantic Environmental Research Institute, Stanley Cottage, PO Box 609, Stanley, FIQQ 1ZZ, Falkland Islands
| | - Kayleigh A Jones
- British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Rd, Cambridge, CB3 0ET, UK.,University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9FE, UK
| | - David J Slip
- Marine Predator Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, 2113, Australia.,Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Bradley's Head Road, Mosman, NSW, 2088, Australia
| | - Robert G Harcourt
- Marine Predator Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, 2113, Australia
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21
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Cloyed CS, Balmer BC, Schwacke LH, Takeshita R, Hohn A, Wells RS, Rowles TK, Saliki JT, Smith CR, Tumlin MC, Zolman ES, Fauquier DA, Carmichael RH. Linking morbillivirus exposure to individual habitat use of common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) between geographically different sites. J Anim Ecol 2021; 90:1191-1204. [PMID: 33608907 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Dolphin morbillivirus (DMV) is a virulent pathogen that causes high mortality outbreaks in delphinids globally and is spread via contact among individuals. Broadly ranging nearshore and open-ocean delphinids are likely reservoir populations that transmit DMV to estuarine populations. We assessed the seroprevalence of DMV antibodies and determined the habitat use of common bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus truncatus, from two estuarine sites, Barataria Bay and Mississippi Sound, in the northern Gulf of Mexico. We predicted that risk to DMV exposure in estuarine dolphins is driven by spatial overlap in habitat use with reservoir populations. Serum was collected from live-captured dolphins and tested for DMV antibodies. Habitat use of sampled individuals was determined by analysing satellite-tracked movements and stable isotope values. DMV seroprevalences were high among dolphins at Barataria Bay (37%) and Mississippi Sound (44%), but varied differently within sites. Ranging patterns of Barataria Bay dolphins were categorized into two groups: Interior and Island-associated. DMV seroprevalences were absent in Interior dolphins (0%) but high in Island-associated dolphins (45%). Ranging patterns of Mississippi Sound dolphins were categorized into three groups: Interior, Island-east and Island-west. DMV seroprevalences were detected across Mississippi Sound (Interior: 60%; Island-east: 20%; and Island-west: 43%). At both sites, dolphins in habitats with greater marine influence had enriched δ13 C values, and Barataria Bay dolphins with positive DMV titres had carbon isotope values indicative of marine habitats. Positive titres for DMV antibodies were more common in the lower versus upper parts of Barataria Bay but evenly distributed across Mississippi Sound. A dolphin's risk of exposure to DMV is influenced by how individual ranging patterns interact with environmental geography. Barataria Bay's partially enclosed geography likely limits the nearshore or open-ocean delphinids that carry DMV from interacting with dolphins that use interior, estuarine habitats, decreasing their exposure to DMV. Mississippi Sound's relatively open geography allows for greater spatial overlap and mixing among estuarine, nearshore and/or open-ocean cetaceans. The spread of DMV, and likely other diseases, is affected by the combination of individual movements, habitat use and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl S Cloyed
- Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Dauphin Island, AL, USA.,Department of Marine Sciences, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, USA
| | | | | | | | - Aleta Hohn
- NOAA, National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, Beaufort, NC, USA
| | - Randall S Wells
- Chicago Zoological Society's Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, c/o Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, FL, USA
| | - Teresa K Rowles
- NOAA, National Marine Fisheries Service, Office of Protected Resources, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Jeremiah T Saliki
- Athens Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | | | - Mandy C Tumlin
- Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Eric S Zolman
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Deborah A Fauquier
- NOAA, National Marine Fisheries Service, Office of Protected Resources, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Ruth H Carmichael
- Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Dauphin Island, AL, USA.,Department of Marine Sciences, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, USA
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22
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Cotoras DD, Suenaga M, Mikheyev AS. Intraspecific niche partition without speciation: individual level web polymorphism within a single island spider population. Proc Biol Sci 2021; 288:20203138. [PMID: 33593195 PMCID: PMC7934906 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.3138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Early in the process of adaptive radiation, allopatric disruption of gene flow followed by ecological specialization is key for speciation; but, do adaptive radiations occur on small islands without internal geographical barriers? Island populations sometimes harbour polymorphism in ecological specializations, but its significance remains unclear. On one hand, morphs may correspond to ‘cryptic’ species. Alternatively, they could result from population, developmental or behavioural plasticity. The spider Wendilgarda galapagensis (Araneae, Theridiosomatidae) is endemic to the small Isla del Coco and unique in spinning three different web types, each corresponding to a different microhabitat. We tested whether this variation is associated with ‘cryptic’ species or intraspecific behavioural plasticity. Despite analysing 36 803 loci across 142 individuals, we found no relationship between web type and population structure, which was only weakly geographically differentiated. The same pattern holds when looking within a sampling site or considering only Fst outliers. In line with genetic data, translocation experiments showed that web architecture is plastic within an individual. However, not all transitions between web types are equally probable, indicating the existence of individual preferences. Our data supports the idea that diversification on small islands might occur mainly at the behavioural level producing an intraspecific niche partition without speciation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darko D Cotoras
- Entomology Department, California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA.,Ecology and Evolution Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Tancha 1919-1, Onna-son, Okinawa 904-0495 Japan
| | - Miyuki Suenaga
- Ecology and Evolution Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Tancha 1919-1, Onna-son, Okinawa 904-0495 Japan
| | - Alexander S Mikheyev
- Ecology and Evolution Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Tancha 1919-1, Onna-son, Okinawa 904-0495 Japan.,Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
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23
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Carvalho‐Rocha V, Peres CA, Neckel‐Oliveira S. Habitat amount and ambient temperature dictate patterns of anuran diversity along a subtropical elevational gradient. DIVERS DISTRIB 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.13187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Vítor Carvalho‐Rocha
- Programa de Pós‐Graduação em Ecologia Departamento de Ecologia e Zoologia Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina Florianópolis Brazil
| | - Carlos A. Peres
- School of Environmental Sciences University of East Anglia Norwich NR4 1TJ UK
- Departamento de Sistemática e Ecologia Universidade Federal da Paraíba João Pessoa Brazil
| | - Selvino Neckel‐Oliveira
- Programa de Pós‐Graduação em Ecologia Departamento de Ecologia e Zoologia Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina Florianópolis Brazil
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24
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Angarita-Sierra T, Bonilla-Gómez MA, Sánchez DA, Acosta-Galvis AR, Medina-Ovalle H, Solano-Moreno A, Ulloa-Rengifo S, Guevara-Guevara D, Torres-Ramirez JJ, Curaca-Fierro S, Cabrera-Amaya DM, Infante-Betancour JA, Londoño-Montaño LF, Albarán-Montoya DX, Peña-Baez LR. Distribution, habitat suitability, conservation state and natural history of endangered salamander Bolitoglossa pandi. PeerJ 2020; 8:e9901. [PMID: 33024630 PMCID: PMC7520094 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.9901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pandi's mushroom-tongue salamander (Bolitoglossa pandi) is one of the threatened amphibians in South America, as well as a flagship species for the Colombian conservation agenda. This species is endemic to the Andean cloud forests of the western slope of the Cordillera Oriental of Colombia, occurring only in the department of Cundinamarca within a narrow elevational range. At night, B. pandi can be seen perching on the upper side of leaves at heights ranging from ground level to 2.5 m. During the day, it can be found under leaf litter or cover objects. Few studies have provided relevant information that can help the Colombian government to formulate lines of action for the conservation of this species; consequently, its threat assessments so far have been based on very limited information. Methods We conducted surveys for salamanders in four municipalities of Cundinamarca, Colombia, using two approaches: visual encounter surveys (Guaduas and Villeta) and the basic sampling protocol for single-species occupancy modeling (Supatá and Venecia). Multivariate analyses were employed to explore the correlation between habitat structure and natural history traits, abundance, and detection/non-detection of B. pandi. We evaluated the B. pandi activity pattern through kernel density curves for each sampling occasion and explored the variability of salamander abundance during their activity period by performing a nested ANOVA. Results We report the discovery of two new populations of B. pandi, which represent the most northwestern records known. A significant correlation between body length, body mass, and habitat structure was observed. Multivariate analyses indicated that leaf litter depth, mean temperature, percent vegetation cover, and altitude were the habitat variables that together explained 60.3% of the B. pandi abundance variability, as well as the main determinants of its optimal habitat. Bolitoglossa pandi exhibits an activity pattern characterized by two main activity peaks, in which niche time-partitioning was observed. Across the surveyed area, we found a healthy, stable, highly dense population of B. pandi (>1,300 individuals), with seasonal variability between development stages. Discussion Given the high habitat specificity of B. pandi, the species is highly vulnerable to local changes. Thus, we recommend that B. pandi be retained as Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List, based on the IUCN Criterion B, given its restricted extent of occurrence (ca. 2,500 km2) and the ongoing threats from agriculture, cattle ranching, logging, and urban development, which continue to reduce its suitable habitat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teddy Angarita-Sierra
- YOLUKA ONG, Fundación de investigación en Biodiversidad y Conservación, Bogotá, Colombia.,Vicerectoria de investigación, Universidad Manuela Beltrán, Bogotá, Colombia.,Grupo de Investigación Biología de Organismos Tropicales (BIOTUN), Departamento de biología, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - M Argenis Bonilla-Gómez
- Grupo de Investigación Biología de Organismos Tropicales (BIOTUN), Departamento de biología, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - David A Sánchez
- YOLUKA ONG, Fundación de investigación en Biodiversidad y Conservación, Bogotá, Colombia.,Instituto Amazónico de Investigaciones Científicas SINCHI, Leticia, Amazonas, Colombia
| | - Andres R Acosta-Galvis
- Colecciones Biológicas IAvH, Subdirección de Investigaciones, Instituto de Investigación de Recursos Biológicos Alexander von Humboldt, Villa de Leyva, Boyacá, Colombia
| | - Hefzi Medina-Ovalle
- Grupo de Investigación Biología de Organismos Tropicales (BIOTUN), Departamento de biología, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Anggi Solano-Moreno
- Grupo de Investigación Biología de Organismos Tropicales (BIOTUN), Departamento de biología, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Simon Ulloa-Rengifo
- Grupo de Investigación Biología de Organismos Tropicales (BIOTUN), Departamento de biología, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Daniela Guevara-Guevara
- Grupo de Investigación Biología de Organismos Tropicales (BIOTUN), Departamento de biología, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan J Torres-Ramirez
- YOLUKA ONG, Fundación de investigación en Biodiversidad y Conservación, Bogotá, Colombia.,Grupo de Investigación Biología de Organismos Tropicales (BIOTUN), Departamento de biología, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Sebastián Curaca-Fierro
- Grupo de Investigación Biología de Organismos Tropicales (BIOTUN), Departamento de biología, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Diego M Cabrera-Amaya
- YOLUKA ONG, Fundación de investigación en Biodiversidad y Conservación, Bogotá, Colombia
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25
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Intraspecific dietary variation in niche partitioning within a community of ecologically similar snakes. Evol Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10682-020-10078-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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26
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Coexistence of Two Closely Related Cyprinid Fishes (Hemiculter bleekeri and Hemiculter leucisculus) in the Upper Yangtze River, China. DIVERSITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/d12070284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Species coexistence is one of the most important concepts in ecology for understanding how biodiversity is shaped and changed. In this study, we investigated the mechanism by which two small cyprinid fishes (H. leucisculus and H. bleekeri) coexist by analyzing their niche segregation and morphological differences in the upper Yangtze River. Morphological analysis indicated that H. leucisculus has posteriorly located dorsal fins, whereas H. bleekeri has a more slender body, bigger eyes, longer anal fin base, and a higher head. Niche segregation analysis showed spatial and trophic niche segregation between these two species: on the spatial scale, H. leucisculus was more widely distributed than H. bleekeri, indicating that H. leucisculus is more of a generalist in the spatial dimension; on the trophic scale, H. bleekeri had a wider niche than H. leucisculus. Therefore, these two species adopt different adaptation mechanisms to coexist
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Huckembeck S, Winemiller KO, Loebmann D, Garcia AM. Trophic structure of frog assemblages in coastal habitats in southern Brazil. AUSTRAL ECOL 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.12920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sônia Huckembeck
- Oceanography Institute; Universidade Federal do Rio Grande; Campus Carreiros: Av. Itália km 8 Rio Grande Rio Grande do Sul 96203-900 Brazil
| | - Kirk O. Winemiller
- Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology; Texas A&M University; College Station Texas USA
| | - Daniel Loebmann
- Biological Science Institute; Universidade Federal do Rio Grande; Rio Grande Rio Grande do Sul Brazil
| | - Alexandre M. Garcia
- Oceanography Institute; Universidade Federal do Rio Grande; Campus Carreiros: Av. Itália km 8 Rio Grande Rio Grande do Sul 96203-900 Brazil
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Pereira EA, Neves MO, Sugai JLMM, Feio RN, Santana DJ. Seasonal and habitat structure of an anuran assemblage in a semideciduous forest area in Southeast Brazil. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2020; 92:e20190458. [PMID: 32401837 DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765202020190458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we evaluated the reproductive activity and the temporal and spatial distributions of anuran assemblages in three environments within a semideciduous forest in Southeast Brazil, located at Municipality of Barão de Monte Alto, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The field activities were carried out during three consecutive days, monthly throughout the rainy seasons of 2013-2014 and 2014-2015. We recorded 28 anurans species, distributed in eight families. We observed the spatial-temporal distribution of some species, and their associated reproductive behaviors through exploration of vocalizations at different sites. The spatial and temporal distribution of the species seems to adapt to abiotic and biotic factors of their environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvis A Pereira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Animal, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Matheus O Neves
- Mapinguari - Laboratório de Biogeografia e Sistemática de Anfíbios e Répteis, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - José Luiz M M Sugai
- Laboratório de Zoologia, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - Renato N Feio
- Museu de Zoologia João Moojen, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Diego J Santana
- Mapinguari - Laboratório de Biogeografia e Sistemática de Anfíbios e Répteis, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
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Same Diet, Different Strategies: Variability of Individual Feeding Habits across Three Populations of Ambrosi’s Cave Salamander (Hydromantes ambrosii). DIVERSITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/d12050180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
European cave salamanders of the genus Hydromantes are a group of eight species endemic to Italy and south-eastern France. Knowledge on the trophic niche of European Hydromantes is poor, and the few available studies only partially investigate their feeding habits. We performed an in-depth study on the trophic niche of the Ambrosi’s cave salamander (H. ambrosii), assessing the potential divergences among three different populations. All the populations had a similar diet composition, showing a wider trophic niche in fall compared to spring. In only one population, “true specialists” were present; however, in all three populations, generalist individuals always represented the larger proportion. Interspecific and intraspecific competition did not play an important role in determining individual dietary specialisation in H. ambrosii; contrarily, the characteristics of the surrounding environment seemed to be an important factor. The best body conditions were observed in the population located in the site where the non-arboreal vegetation cover was the highest. Besides providing new information on the trophic niche of H. ambrosii, we here showed that studies encompassing both intrinsic and extrinsic factors at the population level are needed to fully understand the trophic dynamics occurring among European cave salamanders.
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Jones KA, Ratcliffe N, Votier SC, Newton J, Forcada J, Dickens J, Stowasser G, Staniland IJ. Intra-specific Niche Partitioning in Antarctic Fur Seals, Arctocephalus gazella. Sci Rep 2020; 10:3238. [PMID: 32094418 PMCID: PMC7039921 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-59992-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Competition for resources within a population can lead to niche partitioning between sexes, throughout ontogeny and among individuals, allowing con-specifics to co-exist. We aimed to quantify such partitioning in Antarctic fur seals, Arctocephalus gazella, breeding at South Georgia, which hosts ~95% of the world’s population. Whiskers were collected from 20 adult males and 20 adult females and stable isotope ratios were quantified every 5 mm along the length of each whisker. Nitrogen isotope ratios (δ15N) were used as proxies for trophic position and carbon isotope ratios (δ13C) indicated foraging habitat. Sexual segregation was evident: δ13C values were significantly lower in males than females, indicating males spent more time foraging south of the Polar Front in maritime Antarctica. In males δ13C values declined with age, suggesting males spent more time foraging south throughout ontogeny. In females δ13C values revealed two main foraging strategies: 70% of females spent most time foraging south of the Polar Front and had similar δ15N values to males, while 30% of females spent most time foraging north of the Polar Front and had significantly higher δ15N values. This niche partitioning may relax competition and ultimately elevate population carrying capacity with implications for ecology, evolution and conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jason Newton
- Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre, East Kilbride, Scotland
| | | | - John Dickens
- British Antarctic Survey, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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English MD, Robertson GJ, O’Driscoll NJ, Klapstein SJ, Peck LE, Mallory ML. Variation in isotopic niche, digestive tract morphology, and mercury concentrations in two sympatric waterfowl species wintering in Atlantic Canada. Facets (Ott) 2020. [DOI: 10.1139/facets-2019-0056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Sympatric communities of organisms may exploit different ecological niches to avoid intra- and interspecific competition. We examined the isotopic niches of American black ducks ( Anas rubripes) and mallards ( A. platyrhynchos) wintering in coastal and urban areas of Atlantic Canada and compared isotopic niche with digestive tract morphologies and blood mercury (Hg) concentrations. Isotopic niche width (for δ13C and δ15N) varied between the three groups of ducks studied, with coastally foraging black ducks exhibiting the widest isotopic niche, followed by coastal mallards, while urban feeding black ducks had a narrow isotopic niche. These niche differences had physical and chemical consequences: coastal black ducks had longer digestive tracts, a larger range in gizzard sizes, and higher and more variable Hg concentrations than urban black ducks and coastal mallards. This plasticity in ecological niche may reduce competition among and within species, and subsequently explain why winter numbers of black ducks and mallards have increased in Atlantic Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gregory J. Robertson
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 6 Bruce Street, Mount Pearl, NL A1N 4T3, Canada
| | - Nelson J. O’Driscoll
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada
| | - Sara J. Klapstein
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada
| | - Liam E. Peck
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada
| | - Mark L. Mallory
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada
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32
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Skok J, Prevolnik Povše M. In polytocous mammals, weakling neonates, but not their stronger littermates, benefit from specialized foraging. Curr Zool 2019; 65:675-683. [PMID: 31857814 PMCID: PMC6911854 DOI: 10.1093/cz/zoz001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Adjusting foraging strategies is a common phenomenon within groups of animals competing for the same resource. In polytocous mammals, neonates concurrently compete for limited milk and alternate between two foraging (suckling) strategies: adaptable exploratory foraging with random sampling of teats, and ordered foraging with a tendency towards exploiting a particular suckling position. Some theoretical (game theory) models have shown that weaker siblings in particular benefit from foraging specialization (suckling order). Neonate piglets establish a well-defined suckling order that develops gradually and fluctuates throughout the lactation period, implying the existence of inter-individual differences in foraging strategies. We therefore analyzed suckling behavior in pigs to determine whether one foraging strategy was more beneficial to neonates in terms of their body weight and foraging environment. We found that intermediate and heavy littermates tended to adjust their suckling strategy according to the foraging environment; however, the selected foraging strategy did not affect their overall growth performance. Lighter individuals that consumed significantly less milk did not greatly alternate their foraging strategy according to the foraging environment, but their growth rate was significantly higher whenever they performed less-exploratory foraging behavior. Although suckling order appeared to be a relatively stable behavioral phenotype, it was beneficial exclusively for weaklings. These results confirm theoretical predictions and indicate that specializing in a suckling position is a beneficial strategy for weaker, light neonates. These findings suggest that physically weaker neonates might have driven the evolution of neonatal foraging specialization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janko Skok
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Maribor, 2311 Hoče, Slovenia
| | - Maja Prevolnik Povše
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Maribor, 2311 Hoče, Slovenia
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33
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Dietary resource overlap among three species of frugivorous bat in Costa Rica. JOURNAL OF TROPICAL ECOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1017/s0266467419000129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe maintenance of biodiversity in tropical forests is thought to be dependent on fine-scale mechanisms of niche partitioning that allow species to coexist. This study examined whether three species of short-tailed fruit bat that co-occur at a lowland tropical forest site in Costa Rica (Carollia castanea, C. perspicillata, C. sowelli) avoid inter- and intraspecific competition through dietary specialization on species in the genus Piper. First, dietary composition was examined using faecal samples (N = 210), which yielded three main findings: (1) bat species and sexes vary in overall reliance on fruits of Piper, with a higher percentage of seeds of Piper detected in the diets of C. castanea (98.2%) and females (91.5%); (2) adults and juveniles partition species of Piper by habitat, with a lower percentage of mid- to late-successional species of Piper detected in adults (20.8%); and (3) overall, there is a strong dietary overlap among and within the three species of Carollia. Second, controlled choice experiments were conducted with individual bats (N = 123) to examine preferences for different species of Piper. These results indicated few differences in Piper preference based on bat species, sex, age class or reproductive status, suggesting preference is not the primary mechanism shaping the observed differences in dietary composition. Overall, the dietary composition and preference similarities suggest there is strong competition both among and within the three species of Carollia for food resources.
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34
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Turlure C, Schtickzelle N, Dubois Q, Baguette M, Dennis RLH, Van Dyck H. Suitability and Transferability of the Resource-Based Habitat Concept: A Test With an Assemblage of Butterflies. Front Ecol Evol 2019. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2019.00127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
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35
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Study on geographical differences in American mink diets reveals variations in isotopic composition of potential mink prey. MAMMAL RES 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s13364-019-00419-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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36
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Bellwood DR, Streit RP, Brandl SJ, Tebbett SB. The meaning of the term ‘function’ in ecology: A coral reef perspective. Funct Ecol 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David R. Bellwood
- College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville Qld Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies James Cook University Townsville Qld Australia
| | - Robert P. Streit
- College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville Qld Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies James Cook University Townsville Qld Australia
| | - Simon J. Brandl
- Department of Biological Sciences Simon Fraser University Burnaby BC Canada
| | - Sterling B. Tebbett
- College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville Qld Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies James Cook University Townsville Qld Australia
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37
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Lunghi E, Cianferoni F, Ceccolini F, Veith M, Manenti R, Mancinelli G, Corti C, Ficetola GF. What shapes the trophic niche of European plethodontid salamanders? PLoS One 2018; 13:e0205672. [PMID: 30335776 PMCID: PMC6193653 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0205672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The trophic niche is a life trait that identifies the consumer's position in a local food web. Several factors, such as ontogeny, competitive ability and resource availability contribute in shaping species trophic niches. To date, information on the diet of European Hydromantes salamanders are only available for a limited number of species, no dietary studies have involved more than one species of the genus at a time, and there are limited evidences on how multiple factors interact in determining diet variation. In this study we examined the diet of multiple populations of six out of the eight European cave salamanders, providing the first data on the diet for five of them. In addition, we assessed whether these closely related generalist species show similar diet and, for each species, we tested whether season, age class or sex influence the number and the type of prey consumed. Stomach condition (empty/full) and the number of prey consumed were strongly related to seasonality and to the activity level of individuals. Empty stomachs were more frequent in autumn, in individuals far from cave entrance and in juveniles. Diet composition was significantly different among species. Hydromantes imperialis and H. supramontis were the most generalist species; H. flavus and H. sarrabusensis fed mostly on Hymenoptera and Coleoptera Staphylinidae, while H. genei and H. ambrosii mostly consumed Arachnida and Endopterygota larvae. Furthermore, we detected seasonal shifts of diet in the majority of the species examined. Conversely, within each species, we did not find diet differences between females, males and juveniles. Although being assumed to have very similar dietary habits, here Hydromantes species were shown to be characterized by a high divergence in diet composition and in the stomach condition of individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Lunghi
- Department of Biogeography, University of Trier, Trier, Germany
- Museo di Storia Naturale dell'Università degli Studi di Firenze, Sezione di Zoologia "La Specola", Firenze, Italy
- Natural Oasis, Prato, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Fabio Cianferoni
- Museo di Storia Naturale dell'Università degli Studi di Firenze, Sezione di Zoologia "La Specola", Firenze, Italy
- CNR-IBAF Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Biologia Agroambientale e Forestale, Monterotondo, Roma, Italy
| | - Filippo Ceccolini
- Museo di Storia Naturale dell'Università degli Studi di Firenze, Sezione di Zoologia "La Specola", Firenze, Italy
| | - Michael Veith
- Department of Biogeography, University of Trier, Trier, Germany
| | - Raoul Manenti
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Policy, University of Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Giorgio Mancinelli
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DiSTeBA), University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Claudia Corti
- Museo di Storia Naturale dell'Università degli Studi di Firenze, Sezione di Zoologia "La Specola", Firenze, Italy
| | - Gentile Francesco Ficetola
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Policy, University of Milano, Milano, Italy
- Université Grenoble-Alpes, CNRS, Laboratoire d’Écologie Alpine (LECA), Grenoble, France
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38
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Huckembeck S, Winemiller KO, Loebmann D, Garcia AM. Trophic Ecology of Two Sympatric Frogs with Contrasting Morphology and Habitat Use in a Subtropical Wetland. HERPETOLOGICA 2018. [DOI: 10.1655/herpetologica-d-17-00069.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sônia Huckembeck
- Oceanography Institute, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande, Campus Carreiros: Av. Itália km 8, Rio Grande do Sul, 96203-900, Brazil
| | - Kirk O. Winemiller
- Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-2258, USA
| | - Daniel Loebmann
- Biological Science Institute, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, 96203-900, Brazil
| | - Alexandre M. Garcia
- Oceanography Institute, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande, Campus Carreiros: Av. Itália km 8, Rio Grande do Sul, 96203-900, Brazil
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39
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Molina-Burgos BE, Valenzuela-Sánchez A, Alvarado-Rybak M, Klarian S, Soto-Azat C. Trophic ecology of the Endangered Darwin’s frog inferred by stable isotopes. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2018. [DOI: 10.3354/esr00906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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40
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de Oliveira RM, Schilling AC, Solé M. Trophic ecology of two Pithecopus species (Anura: Phyllomedusidae) living in syntopy in southern Bahia, Brazil. STUDIES ON NEOTROPICAL FAUNA AND ENVIRONMENT 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/01650521.2018.1485313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Renan Manoel de Oliveira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zoologia, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, Brazil
- Museu Nacional, Departamento de Vertebrados, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ana Cristina Schilling
- Departamento de Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, Brazil
| | - Mirco Solé
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zoologia, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, Brazil
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, Brazil
- Herpetology Section, Zoologisches Forschungsmuseum Alexander Koenig, Bonn, Germany
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41
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Lunghi E, Cianferoni F, Ceccolini F, Mulargia M, Cogoni R, Barzaghi B, Cornago L, Avitabile D, Veith M, Manenti R, Ficetola GF, Corti C. Field-recorded data on the diet of six species of European Hydromantes cave salamanders. Sci Data 2018; 5:180083. [PMID: 29762556 PMCID: PMC5952864 DOI: 10.1038/sdata.2018.83] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The availability of data on the feeding habits of species of conservation value may be of great importance to develop analyses for both scientific and management purposes. Stomach flushing is a harmless technique that allowed us to collect extensive data on the feeding habits of six Hydromantes species. Here, we present two datasets originating from a three-year study performed in multiple seasons (spring and autumn) on 19 different populations of cave salamanders. The first dataset contains data of the stomach content of 1,250 salamanders, where 6,010 items were recognized; the second one reports the size of the intact prey items found in the stomachs. These datasets integrate considerably data already available on the diet of the European plethodontid salamanders, being also of potential use for large scale meta-analyses on amphibian diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Lunghi
- Universität Trier Fachbereich VI Raum-und Umweltwissenschaften, Biogeographie, Universitätsring 15, 54286 Trier, Germany.,Museo di Storia Naturale dell'Università degli Studi di Firenze, Sezione di Zoologia "La Specola", Via Romana 17, 50125 Firenze, Italia.,Natural Oasis, Via di Galceti 141, 59100 Prato, Italia
| | - Fabio Cianferoni
- Museo di Storia Naturale dell'Università degli Studi di Firenze, Sezione di Zoologia "La Specola", Via Romana 17, 50125 Firenze, Italia.,CNR-IBAF Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Biologia Agroambientale e Forestale, Via Salaria km 29,300, 00015 Monterotondo (Roma), Italia
| | - Filippo Ceccolini
- Museo di Storia Naturale dell'Università degli Studi di Firenze, Sezione di Zoologia "La Specola", Via Romana 17, 50125 Firenze, Italia
| | | | - Roberto Cogoni
- Unione Speleologica Cagliaritana, Via A. Scarlatti, 11, 09045 Quartu Sant'Elena (CA), Italia
| | - Benedetta Barzaghi
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Policy, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 20, 20133 Milano, Italia
| | - Lorenzo Cornago
- Università degli Studi di Bologna, via Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Domenico Avitabile
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Policy, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 20, 20133 Milano, Italia
| | - Michael Veith
- Universität Trier Fachbereich VI Raum-und Umweltwissenschaften, Biogeographie, Universitätsring 15, 54286 Trier, Germany
| | - Raoul Manenti
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Policy, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 20, 20133 Milano, Italia
| | - Gentile Francesco Ficetola
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Policy, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 20, 20133 Milano, Italia.,Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, Laboratoire d'Écologie Alpine (LECA), F-38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Claudia Corti
- Museo di Storia Naturale dell'Università degli Studi di Firenze, Sezione di Zoologia "La Specola", Via Romana 17, 50125 Firenze, Italia
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42
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Read QD, Baiser B, Grady JM, Zarnetske PL, Record S, Belmaker J. Tropical bird species have less variable body sizes. Biol Lett 2018; 14:rsbl.2017.0453. [PMID: 29367214 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2017.0453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ecologists have often predicted that species' niche breadths should decline towards the Equator. Dan Janzen arrived at this prediction based on climatic constraints, while Robert MacArthur argued that a latitudinal gradient in resource specialization drives the pattern. This idea has some support when it comes to thermal niches, but has rarely been explored for other niche dimensions. Body size is linked to niche dimensions related to diet, competition and environmental tolerance in vertebrates. We identified 68 pairs of tropical and nontropical sister bird species using a comprehensive phylogeny and used the VertNet specimen database to ask whether tropical birds have lower intraspecific body-size variation than their nontropical sister species. Our results show that tropical species have less intraspecific variability in body mass ([Formula: see text]; p = 0.009). Variation in body-size variability was poorly explained by both abiotic and biotic drivers; thus the mechanisms underlying the pattern are still unclear. The lower variation in body size of tropical bird species may have evolved in response to more stable climates and resource environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quentin D Read
- Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, and Behavior Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA .,Department of Forestry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Benjamin Baiser
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - John M Grady
- Department of Forestry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.,Department of Biology, Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, PA, USA
| | - Phoebe L Zarnetske
- Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, and Behavior Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.,Department of Forestry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.,Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Sydne Record
- Department of Biology, Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, PA, USA
| | - Jonathan Belmaker
- School of Zoology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,The Steinhardt Museum of Natural History, Tel Aviv, Israel
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