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Berles P, Wölfer J, Alfieri F, Botton-Divet L, Guéry JP, Nyakatura JA. Linking morphology, performance, and habitat utilization: adaptation across biologically relevant 'levels' in tamarins. BMC Ecol Evol 2024; 24:22. [PMID: 38355429 PMCID: PMC10865561 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-023-02193-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biological adaptation manifests itself at the interface of different biologically relevant 'levels', such as ecology, performance, and morphology. Integrated studies at this interface are scarce due to practical difficulties in study design. We present a multilevel analysis, in which we combine evidence from habitat utilization, leaping performance and limb bone morphology of four species of tamarins to elucidate correlations between these 'levels'. RESULTS We conducted studies of leaping behavior in the field and in a naturalistic park and found significant differences in support use and leaping performance. Leontocebus nigrifrons leaps primarily on vertical, inflexible supports, with vertical body postures, and covers greater leaping distances on average. In contrast, Saguinus midas and S. imperator use vertical and horizontal supports for leaping with a relatively similar frequency. S. mystax is similar to S. midas and S. imperator in the use of supports, but covers greater leaping distances on average, which are nevertheless shorter than those of L. nigrifrons. We assumed these differences to be reflected in the locomotor morphology, too, and compared various morphological features of the long bones of the limbs. According to our performance and habitat utilization data, we expected the long bone morphology of L. nigrifrons to reflect the largest potential for joint torque generation and stress resistance, because we assume longer leaps on vertical supports to exert larger forces on the bones. For S. mystax, based on our performance data, we expected the potential for torque generation to be intermediate between L. nigrifrons and the other two Saguinus species. Surprisingly, we found S. midas and S. imperator having relatively more robust morphological structures as well as relatively larger muscle in-levers, and thus appearing better adapted to the stresses involved in leaping than the other two. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates the complex ways in which behavioral and morphological 'levels' map onto each other, cautioning against oversimplification of ecological profiles when using large interspecific eco-morphological studies to make adaptive evolutionary inferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Berles
- AG Vergleichende Zoologie, Institut für Biologie, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Philippstr. 12/13, 10115, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Jan Wölfer
- AG Vergleichende Zoologie, Institut für Biologie, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Philippstr. 12/13, 10115, Berlin, Germany
| | - Fabio Alfieri
- AG Vergleichende Zoologie, Institut für Biologie, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Philippstr. 12/13, 10115, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Bern, 3012, Switzerland
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Museum für Naturkunde, Leibniz-Institut für Evolutions- und Biodiversitätsforschung, Berlin, Germany
| | - Léo Botton-Divet
- AG Vergleichende Zoologie, Institut für Biologie, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Philippstr. 12/13, 10115, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - John A Nyakatura
- AG Vergleichende Zoologie, Institut für Biologie, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Philippstr. 12/13, 10115, Berlin, Germany
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2
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Razali NB, Mansor MS, Ismail NA, Patah PA, Husin SM, Hussein MSR, Nor SM. The use of salt licks by birds in Peninsular Malaysia. Glob Ecol Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2022.e02210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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3
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Deshwal A, Stephenson SL, Panwar P, DeGregorio BA, Kannan R, Willson JD. Foraging habitat selection of shrubland bird community in tropical dry forest. Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Anant Deshwal
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Arkansas Fayetteville Arkansas USA
| | - Steven L. Stephenson
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Arkansas Fayetteville Arkansas USA
| | - Pooja Panwar
- Department of Biological Sciences Dartmouth College Hanover New Hampshire USA
| | - Brett A. DeGregorio
- U.S. Geological Survey Fish and Wildlife Cooperative Research Unit University of Arkansas Fayetteville Arkansas USA
| | - Ragupathy Kannan
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Arkansas Fort Smith Arkansas USA
| | - John D. Willson
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Arkansas Fayetteville Arkansas USA
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4
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Tarr MD. Effects of Non-Native Shrubs on Caterpillars and Shrubland-Dependent Passerines within Three Transmission Line Rights-of-Way in Southeastern New Hampshire. Northeast Nat (Steuben) 2022. [DOI: 10.1656/045.029.m2001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D. Tarr
- University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension, Durham, NH 03824;
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5
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Belder DJ, Paton DC, Pierson JC. Potential effects of arid shrubland degradation on habitat suitability for a declining arid zone bird, the Chestnut‐rumped Thornbill (
Acanthiza uropygialis
). AUSTRAL ECOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.13147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Donna J. Belder
- School of Biological Sciences; University of Adelaide Adelaide South Australia 5005 Australia
- Fenner School of Environment and Society; The Australian National University Canberra Australian Capital Territory Australia
| | - David C. Paton
- School of Biological Sciences; University of Adelaide Adelaide South Australia 5005 Australia
| | - Jennifer C. Pierson
- Fenner School of Environment and Society; The Australian National University Canberra Australian Capital Territory Australia
- Australian Wildlife Conservancy Subiaco East Western Australia Australia
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6
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Jedlicka JA, Philpott SM, Baena ML, Bichier P, Dietsch TV, Nute LH, Langridge SM, Perfecto I, Greenberg R. Differences in insectivore bird diets in coffee agroecosystems driven by obligate or generalist guild, shade management, season, and year. PeerJ 2021; 9:e12296. [PMID: 34760362 PMCID: PMC8556712 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12296] [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: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Neotropical shade-grown coffee systems are renowned for their potential to conserve avian biodiversity. Yet, little is known about food resources consumed by insectivorous birds in these systems, the extent of resource competition between resident and migratory birds, or how management of shade trees might influence diet selection. We identified arthropods in stomach contents from obligate and generalist insectivorous birds captured in mist-nets at five coffee farms in Chiapas, Mexico between 2001-2003. Overall stomach contents from 938 individuals revealed dietary differences resulting from changes in seasons, years, and foraging guilds. Of four species sampled across all management systems, Yellow-green Vireo (Vireo flavoviridis) prey differed depending on coffee shade management, consuming more ants in shaded monoculture than polyculture systems. Diets of obligate and generalist resident insectivores were 72% dissimilar with obligate insectivores consuming more Coleoptera and Araneae, and generalist insectivores consuming more Formicidae and other Hymenoptera. This suggests that obligate insectivores target more specialized prey whereas generalist insectivores rely on less favorable, chemically-defended prey found in clumped distributions. Our dataset provides important natural history data for many Nearctic-Neotropical migrants such as Tennessee Warbler (Leiothlypis peregrina; N = 163), Nashville Warbler (Leiothlypis ruficapilla; N = 69), and Swainson's Thrush (Catharus ustulatus; N = 68) and tropical residents including Red-legged Honeycreepers (Cyanerpes cyaneus; N = 70) and Rufous-capped Warblers (Basileuterus rufifrons; N = 56). With declining arthropod populations worldwide, understanding the ecological interactions between obligate and generalist avian insectivores gives researchers the tools to evaluate community stability and inform conservation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A Jedlicka
- Department of Biology, Missouri Western State University, Saint Joseph, Missouri, USA
| | - Stacy M Philpott
- Environmental Studies Department, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, United States
| | - Martha L Baena
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Peter Bichier
- Environmental Studies Department, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, United States
| | - Thomas V Dietsch
- Migratory Bird Program, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, Carlsbad, California, USA
| | - Laney H Nute
- Department of Biology, Missouri Western State University, Saint Joseph, Missouri, USA
| | - Suzanne M Langridge
- Paulson Ecology of Place Initiative, Wellesley College, Wellesley, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Ivette Perfecto
- School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Russell Greenberg
- Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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7
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Werema C. Does the use of exotic and native tree species in rehabilitation attract birds equally? The case of Golden Pride Gold Mine, Tanzania. Afr J Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/aje.12871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chacha Werema
- Department of Zoology and Wildlife Conservation University of Dar es Salaam Dar es Salaam Tanzania
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8
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Pearse IS, LoPresti E, Schaeffer RN, Wetzel WC, Mooney KA, Ali JG, Ode PJ, Eubanks MD, Bronstein JL, Weber MG. Generalising indirect defence and resistance of plants. Ecol Lett 2020; 23:1137-1152. [DOI: 10.1111/ele.13512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 11/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ian S. Pearse
- U.S. Geological Survey Fort Collins Science Center 2150 Centre Ave #C Ft Collins CO 80526 USA
| | - Eric LoPresti
- Department of Plant Biology Evolutionary Biology & Behavior Program Michigan State University East Lansing MI USA
| | | | - William C. Wetzel
- Department of Entomology and Ecology Evolutionary Biology & Behavior Program Michigan State University East Lansing MI USA
| | - Kailen A. Mooney
- Ecology & Evolutionary Biology University of California Irvine, CA USA
| | - Jared G. Ali
- Department of Entomology Penn State University State College PA USA
| | - Paul J. Ode
- Graduate Degree Program in Ecology Department of Bioagricultural Science and Pest Management Colorado State University Fort Collins CO 80523 USA
| | - Micky D. Eubanks
- Department of Entomology Texas A&M University College Station TX USA
| | - Judith L. Bronstein
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of Arizona Tucson AZ 85721 USA
| | - Marjorie G. Weber
- Department of Plant Biology Evolutionary Biology & Behavior Program Michigan State University East Lansing MI USA
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9
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Ampoorter E, Barbaro L, Jactel H, Baeten L, Boberg J, Carnol M, Castagneyrol B, Charbonnier Y, Dawud SM, Deconchat M, Smedt PD, Wandeler HD, Guyot V, Hättenschwiler S, Joly F, Koricheva J, Milligan H, Muys B, Nguyen D, Ratcliffe S, Raulund‐Rasmussen K, Scherer‐Lorenzen M, van der Plas F, Keer JV, Verheyen K, Vesterdal L, Allan E. Tree diversity is key for promoting the diversity and abundance of forest‐associated taxa in Europe. OIKOS 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.06290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Evy Ampoorter
- Forest and Nature Lab, Campus Gontrode, Dept of Environment, Ghent Univ. Geraardsbergsesteenweg 267 BE‐9090 Melle‐Gontrode Belgium
| | - Luc Barbaro
- DYNAFOR, Univ. de Toulouse, INRA, INPT, INPT‐EL PURPAN Castanet‐Tolosan France
| | | | - Lander Baeten
- Forest and Nature Lab, Campus Gontrode, Dept of Environment, Ghent Univ. Geraardsbergsesteenweg 267 BE‐9090 Melle‐Gontrode Belgium
- CESCO, Museum national d'Histoire naturelle, CNRS, Sorbonne‐Univ. Paris France
| | - Johanna Boberg
- Dept of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology, Swedish Univ. of Agricultural Sciences Uppsala Sweden
| | - Monique Carnol
- Laboratory of Plant and Microbial Ecology, InBioS, Dept of Biology, Ecology, Evolution, Univ. of Liège Liège Belgium
| | | | | | - Seid Muhie Dawud
- Dept of Forestry, College of Agriculture, Wollo Univ. Dessie Ethiopia
| | - Marc Deconchat
- DYNAFOR, Univ. de Toulouse, INRA, INPT, INPT‐EL PURPAN Castanet‐Tolosan France
| | - Pallieter De Smedt
- Forest and Nature Lab, Campus Gontrode, Dept of Environment, Ghent Univ. Geraardsbergsesteenweg 267 BE‐9090 Melle‐Gontrode Belgium
| | - Hans De Wandeler
- Dept of Earth and Environmental Sciences, KU Leuven Leuven Belgium
| | - Virginie Guyot
- DYNAFOR, Univ. de Toulouse, INRA, INPT, INPT‐EL PURPAN Castanet‐Tolosan France
- Biogeco, INRA, Univ. de Bordeaux Cestas France
| | - Stephan Hättenschwiler
- Centre of Evolutionary and Functional Ecology, UMR5175, CNRS – Univ. of Montpellier – Univ. Paul‐Valéry Montpellier – EPHE 1919 Montpellier France
| | | | - Julia Koricheva
- School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway Univ. of London, Egham Surrey UK
| | - Harriet Milligan
- School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway Univ. of London, Egham Surrey UK
| | - Bart Muys
- Dept of Earth and Environmental Sciences, KU Leuven Leuven Belgium
| | - Diem Nguyen
- Dept of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology, Swedish Univ. of Agricultural Sciences Uppsala Sweden
- Dept of Organismal Biology, Uppsala Univ. Uppsala Sweden
| | - Sophia Ratcliffe
- Dept of Systematic Botany and Functional Biodiversity, Univ. of Leipzig Leipzig Germany
| | | | | | - Fons van der Plas
- Dept of Systematic Botany and Functional Biodiversity, Univ. of Leipzig Leipzig Germany
| | | | - Kris Verheyen
- Forest and Nature Lab, Campus Gontrode, Dept of Environment, Ghent Univ. Geraardsbergsesteenweg 267 BE‐9090 Melle‐Gontrode Belgium
| | - Lars Vesterdal
- Dept of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, Univ. of Copenhagen Frederiksberg Denmark
| | - Eric Allan
- Inst. of Plant Sciences, Univ. of Bern Bern Switzerland
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10
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Graham M, Socha JJ. Going the distance: The biomechanics of gap-crossing behaviors. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART A, ECOLOGICAL AND INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 333:60-73. [PMID: 31111626 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Revised: 02/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The discontinuity of the canopy habitat is one of the principle differences between the terrestrial and arboreal environments. An animal's ability to cross gaps-to move from one support to another across an empty space-is influenced by both the physical structure of the gap and the animal's locomotor capabilities. In this review, we discuss the range of behaviors animals use to cross gaps. Focusing on the biomechanics of these behaviors, we suggest broad categorizations that facilitate comparisons between taxa. We also discuss the importance of gap distance in determining crossing behavior, and suggest several mechanical characteristics that may influence behavior choice, including the degree to which a behavior is dynamic, and whether or not the behavior is airborne. Overall, gap crossing is an important aspect of arboreal locomotion that deserves further in-depth attention, particularly given the ubiquity of gaps in the arboreal habitat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mal Graham
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - John J Socha
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia
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11
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Ben-David A, Shamon H, Izhaki I, Efronny R, Maor R, Dayan T. Increased songbird nest depredation due to Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis) encroachment in Mediterranean shrubland. BMC Ecol 2019; 19:52. [PMID: 31847851 PMCID: PMC6918703 DOI: 10.1186/s12898-019-0270-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In recent decades, a decrease of passerine densities was documented in Mediterranean shrublands. At the same time, a widespread encroachment of Aleppo pines (Pinus halepensis) to Mediterranean shrubland occurred. Such changes in vegetation structure may affect passerine predator assemblage and densities, and in turn impact passerine densities. Depredation during the nesting season is an important factor to influence passerine population size. Understanding the effects of changes in vegetation structure (pine encroachment) on passerine nesting success is the main objective of this study. We do so by assessing the effects of Aleppo pine encroachment on Sardinian warbler (Sylvia melanocephala) nest depredation in Mediterranean shrublands. We examined direct and indirect predation pressures through a gradients of pine density, using four methods: (1) placing dummy nests; (2) acoustic monitoring of mobbing events; (3) direct observations on nest predation using cameras; and (4) observation of Eurasian jay (Garrulus glandarius) behaviour as indirect evidence of predation risk. Results We found that Aleppo pine encroachment to Mediterranean shrublands increased nest predation by Eurasian jays. Nest predation was highest in mixed shrubland and pines. These areas are suitable for warblers but had high occurrence rate of Eurasian jays. Conclusions Encroaching pines directly increase activity of Eurasian jays in shrubland habitats, which reduced the nesting success of Sardinian warblers. These findings are supported by multiple methodologies, illustrating different predation pressures along a gradient of pine densities in natural shrublands. Management of Aleppo pine seedlings and removal of unwanted trees in natural shrubland might mitigate arrival and expansion of predators and decrease the predation pressure on passerine nests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asaf Ben-David
- School of Zoology, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,The Steinhardt Museum of Natural History, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Hila Shamon
- The Steinhardt Museum of Natural History, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel. .,Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Front Royal, VA, USA.
| | - Ido Izhaki
- The Department of Evolutionary and Environmental Biology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ronny Efronny
- School of Zoology, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Roi Maor
- School of Zoology, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Tamar Dayan
- School of Zoology, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,The Steinhardt Museum of Natural History, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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12
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Nell CS, Mooney KA. Plant structural complexity mediates trade‐off in direct and indirect plant defense by birds. Ecology 2019; 100:e02853. [DOI: 10.1002/ecy.2853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Colleen S. Nell
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology UC Irvine 321 Steinhaus Hall Irvine California 92697 USA
| | - Kailen A. Mooney
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology UC Irvine 321 Steinhaus Hall Irvine California 92697 USA
- Center for Environmental Biology UC Irvine Irvine California 92697 USA
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13
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Mäntylä E, Kleier S, Lindstedt C, Kipper S, Hilker M. Insectivorous Birds Are Attracted by Plant Traits Induced by Insect Egg Deposition. J Chem Ecol 2018; 44:1127-1138. [PMID: 30417204 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-018-1034-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Revised: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Insectivorous birds feed upon all developmental stages of herbivorous insects, including insect eggs if larvae and adults are unavailable. Insect egg deposition on plants can induce plant traits that are subsequently exploited by egg parasitoids searching for hosts. However, it is unknown whether avian predators can also use egg-induced plant changes for prey localization. Here, we studied whether great tits (Parus major) and blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus) are attracted by traits of the Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) induced by pine sawfly (Diprion pini) egg deposition. We chose this plant - insect system because sawfly egg deposition on pine needles is known to locally and systemically induce a change in pine volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and tits are known to prey upon sawfly eggs. In dual choice laboratory experiments, we simultaneously offered the birds an egg-free control branch and a systemically egg-induced branch. Significantly more birds visited the egg-induced branch first. We confirmed by GC-MS analyses that systemically egg-induced branches released more (E)-β-farnesene compared to control branches. Spectrophotometric analyses showed that control branches reflected more light than egg-induced branches throughout the avian visual range. Although a discrimination threshold model for blue tits suggests that the birds are poor at discriminating this visual difference, the role of visual stimuli in attracting the birds to egg-induced pines cannot be discounted. Our study shows, for the first time, that egg-induced odorous and/or visual plant traits can help birds to locate insect eggs without smelling or seeing those eggs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elina Mäntylä
- Applied Zoology/Animal Ecology, Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Haderslebener Str. 9, DE-12163, Berlin, Germany. .,Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, CZ-37005, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Sven Kleier
- Applied Zoology/Animal Ecology, Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Haderslebener Str. 9, DE-12163, Berlin, Germany
| | - Carita Lindstedt
- Centre of Excellence in Biological Interactions, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35, FI-40014, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Silke Kipper
- Animal Behaviour, Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustr. 6, DE-14195, Berlin, Germany.,Chair of Zoology, Technische Universität München, Liesel-Beckmann-Str. 4, DE-85350, Freising, Germany
| | - Monika Hilker
- Applied Zoology/Animal Ecology, Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Haderslebener Str. 9, DE-12163, Berlin, Germany
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14
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Mansor MS, Nor SM, Ramli R, Sah SAM. Niche shift in three foraging insectivorous birds in lowland Malaysian forest patches. Behav Processes 2018; 157:73-79. [PMID: 30193765 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2018.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Revised: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 09/01/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
With the rapid growth of agricultural areas globally, forest birds increasingly encounter fragmented landscapes in which forest patches are surrounded by an agricultural plantation matrix, yet how birds respond behaviourally to this fragmentation is poorly understood. Information on microhabitat requirements of birds is scarce, but nevertheless essential to predicting adaptation of bird species to the patchy landscapes. We investigated foraging patterns of three tropical insectivorous birds, Green Iora Aegithina viridissima, Pin-striped Tit-Babbler Macronus gularis and Chestnut-winged Babbler Cyanoderma erythropterum, to determine whether they vary in foraging methods in different forest patches. Our study area encompassed old-logged lowland forest; one continuous forest and three forest patches. Observations were performed for 15 days every month for a period of 13 months. Information on foraging height, substrate, attack manoeuvres, and foliage density was collected independently for each foraging bird individual. All three species used different foraging substrates and attack manoeuvres in different habitat types. The Green Iora frequently used lower strata when foraging in forest patches as opposed to continuous forest, while the Pin-striped Tit-Babbler tended to forage in more dense vegetation in patches. Only Chestnut-winged Babbler displayed complete foraging plasticity across all study parameters. Different habitat features (e.g., edges, microclimates) between continuous forest and forest patches significantly influenced the foraging strategies of the study species. These changes in foraging strategies suggest that some Malaysian forest birds (e.g. generalist species) can respond behaviourally to fragmentation and habitat loss. Although continuous forest has critically important characteristics that need to be conserved, remnant forest patches are also important as ecological movement corridors and foraging grounds for birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Saiful Mansor
- School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Shukor Md Nor
- School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Rosli Ramli
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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15
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Gunnarsson B, Wallin J, Klingberg J. Predation by avian insectivores on caterpillars is linked to leaf damage on oak (Quercus robur). Oecologia 2018; 188:733-741. [PMID: 30116876 PMCID: PMC6208694 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-018-4234-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Birds that are foraging in tree canopies can cause a substantial decrease in arthropod numbers. Trees may benefit from avian insectivores attacking insect herbivores. In a field study, we tested whether the intensity of bird predation on caterpillars is linked quantitatively to leaf damage caused by insect herbivores, a hypothesized relationship that previously was poorly investigated. Artificial caterpillars were placed in the lower part of oak trees (Quercus robur) in urban and suburban sites across the city of Gothenburg, Sweden. Two days later, we recorded the survival: the pooled predation rate was 11.5% (5.7% day−1). Mean predation rate per tree was 10.4%. Mean leaf damage, i.e. leaf area eaten by insect herbivores, per tree was 5.7% but there was large variation between trees. We found a significant negative relationship between survival probability of caterpillars and leaf damage in an analysis using a mixed model logistic regression. This suggests that caterpillars are at high risk of bird attacks in trees with a high degree of leaf damage and avian insectivores may increase the foraging effort in the foliage of such oak trees. Our findings concerning the quantitative relationship between the predator–prey interactions and plant damage suggested tentatively that the survival probability of caterpillars decreases rapidly at 15–20% leaf damage in lower part of oak canopies. Furthermore, our findings add credence to the idea of using artificial caterpillars as a means to obtain standardized comparisons of predation rates in various habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bengt Gunnarsson
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Box 461, 405 30, Göteborg, Sweden.
| | - Jonas Wallin
- Department of Statistics, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Jenny Klingberg
- Gothenburg Botanical Garden, Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Centre, Göteborg, Sweden
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Syiem BLN, Goswami VR, Vasudev D. "In a tree by the brook, there's a songbird who sings": Woodlands in an agricultural matrix maintain functionality of a wintering bird community. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0201657. [PMID: 30071074 PMCID: PMC6072076 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0201657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The agricultural matrix has increasingly been recognized for its potential to supplement Protected Areas (PAs) in biodiversity conservation. This potential is highly contextual, depending on composition and spatial configuration of matrix elements and their mechanistic relationship with biological communities. We investigate the effects of local vegetation structure, and proximity to a PA on the site-use of different guilds in a wintering bird community within the PA, and in wooded land-use types in the surrounding matrix. We used occupancy models to estimate covariate–guild relationships and predict site-use. We also compared species richness (estimated through capture–recapture models) and species naïve site-use between the PA and the matrix to evaluate taxonomic changes. We found that tree cover did not limit the site-use of most guilds of the community, probably due to high canopy cover across all chosen sites. Exceptions to this were guilds comprising generalist species. Shrub cover and bamboo cover had important effects on some woodland-associated guilds, suggesting a change in limiting factors for site-use under adequate tree cover. Site-use across the matrix was high for all analyzed guilds. This was found to be due to three non-exclusive reasons: (i) presence of one or more ubiquitous species (found all across the landscape) within some guilds, (ii) redundancy of species within guilds that buffered against a decrease in site-use, and (iii) turnover in guild composition/abundances to more generalist species from PA to matrix. Estimated species richness was higher in the matrix (107± 11; mean ± SE) than in the PA (90± 7), which may have been in part due to the addition of generalist species in the matrix. Understanding factors that limit biological communities is crucial to better managing the ever-increasing matrix for biodiversity conservation. Our study provides insights into the effects of different components of vegetation structure on the bird community in wooded land-use types in the matrix. We highlight the value of woodlands surrounding PAs in maintaining multiple guilds, and hence, the functionality of a wintering bird community. However, we caution that the matrix may fall short in retaining some specialized species of the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biang La Nam Syiem
- Post-graduate Programme in Wildlife Biology and Conservation, Wildlife Conservation Society India Program and National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore, India
- Wildlife Conservation Society, India Program, Bangalore, India
- Centre for Wildlife Studies, Bangalore, India
- * E-mail:
| | - Varun R. Goswami
- Wildlife Conservation Society, India Program, Bangalore, India
- Centre for Wildlife Studies, Bangalore, India
- Conservation Initiatives, Guwahati, India
| | - Divya Vasudev
- Wildlife Conservation Society, India Program, Bangalore, India
- Centre for Wildlife Studies, Bangalore, India
- Conservation Initiatives, Guwahati, India
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Yang B, Li B, He Y, Zhang L, Bruelheide H, Schuldt A. Tree diversity has contrasting effects on predation rates by birds and arthropods on three broadleaved, subtropical tree species. Ecol Res 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s11284-017-1531-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Niche separation in flycatcher-like species in the lowland rainforests of Malaysia. Behav Processes 2017; 140:121-126. [PMID: 28438691 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2017.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Revised: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Niche theory suggests that sympatric species reduce interspecific competition through segregation of shared resources by adopting different attack manoeuvres. However, the fact that flycatcher-like bird species exclusively use the sally manoeuvre may thus challenge this view. We studied the foraging ecology of three flycatcher-like species (i.e. Paradise-flycatcher Terpsiphone sp., Black-naped Monarch Hypothymis azurea, and Rufous-winged Philentoma Philentoma pyrhoptera) in the Krau Wildlife Reserve in central Peninsular Malaysia. We investigated foraging preferences of each bird species and the potential niche partitioning via spatial or behavioural segregation. Foraging substrate was important parameter that effectively divided paradise-flycatcher from Black-naped Monarch and Rufous-winged Philentoma, where monarch and philentoma foraged mainly on live green leaves, while paradise-flycatcher foraged on the air. They also exhibited different foraging height preferences. Paradise-flycatcher, for instance, preferred the highest studied strata, while Black-naped Monarch foraged mostly in lower strata, and Rufous-winged Philentoma made use of the lowest strata. This study indicates that niche segregation occurs among sympatric species through foraging substrate and attack manoeuvres selection.
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Tree Species Preferences of Foraging Songbirds During Spring Migration in Floodplain Forests of the Upper Mississippi River. AMERICAN MIDLAND NATURALIST 2017. [DOI: 10.1674/0003-0031-177.2.226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Mansor MS, Ramli R. Foraging niche segregation in Malaysian babblers (Family: Timaliidae). PLoS One 2017; 12:e0172836. [PMID: 28253284 PMCID: PMC5333830 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0172836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 02/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Tropical rainforests are considered as hotspots for bird diversity, yet little is known about the system that upholds the coexistence of species. Differences in body size that are associated with foraging strategies and spatial distribution are believed to promote the coexistence of closely related species by reducing competition. However, the fact that many babbler species do not differ significantly in their morphology has challenged this view. We studied the foraging ecology of nine sympatric babbler species (i.e., Pellorneum capistratum, P. bicolor, P. malaccense, Malacopteron cinereum, M. magnum, Stachyris nigriceps, S. nigricollis, S. maculata, and Cyanoderma erythropterum) in the Krau Wildlife Reserve in Peninsular Malaysia. We investigated; i) how these babblers forage in the wild and use vegetation to obtain food, and ii) how these trophically similar species differ in spatial distribution and foraging tactics. Results indicated that most babblers foraged predominantly on aerial leaf litter and used gleaning manoeuvre in intermediate-density foliage but exhibited wide ranges of vertical strata usage, thus reducing interspecific competition. The principal component analysis indicated that two components, i.e., foraging height and substrate are important as mechanisms to allow the coexistence of sympatric babblers. The present findings revealed that these bird species have unique foraging niches that are distinct from each other, and this may apply to other insectivorous birds inhabiting tropical forests. This suggests that niche separation does occur among coexisting birds, thus following Gause' law of competitive exclusion, which states two species occupying the same niche will not stably coexist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Saiful Mansor
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Rosli Ramli
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Barton EP, Pabian SE, Brittingham MC. Bird community response to Marcellus shale gas development. J Wildl Manage 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.21117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ethan P. Barton
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management; The Pennsylvania State University; Forest Resources Building University Park PA 16802 USA
| | - Sarah E. Pabian
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management; The Pennsylvania State University; Forest Resources Building University Park PA 16802 USA
| | - Margaret C. Brittingham
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management; The Pennsylvania State University; Forest Resources Building University Park PA 16802 USA
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Lara C, Pérez B, Castillo-Guevara C, Serrano-Meneses MA. Niche partitioning among three tree-climbing bird species in subtropical mountain forest sites with different human disturbance. Zool Stud 2015; 54:e28. [PMID: 31966115 DOI: 10.1186/s40555-015-0106-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2014] [Accepted: 01/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Closely related and ecologically similar species that overlap in ranges can coexist through resource partitioning without one pushing the others to extinction through competition. Understanding resource partitioning among species is essential to predicting how species decline can affect the functioning of communities and ecosystems. In this study, we analyzed niche overlap and resource partitioning of three tree-climbing bird species in disturbed and undisturbed forest sites at La Malinche National Park, Tlaxcala, Mexico. From January to December 2008, resource partitioning between the three species was examined through the frequency of sightings of individuals foraging in different sites in the trees of both forest types. We characterized the pattern of resource utilization by niche breadth and niche overlap. Finally, we tested if these birds divide tree space differentially according to forest type. RESULTS Our results indicate that in undisturbed sites, pygmy nuthatches had a high niche breadth (foraging significantly more on the thin branches), while white-breasted nuthatches and brown creepers had similar medium niche breadth values (more often foraged in thick branches and lower trunk, respectively), causing the last two to have a high niche overlap. In contrast, in disturbed sites, niche breadth and overlap values were similar for all three tree-climbing species. All observed overlaps for both forest types were higher than expected, but expected values in disturbed sites suggest the possibility of competition on these sites. Pygmy nuthatches were more sighted than white-breasted nuthatches and brown creepers in both forest types. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows that differences in tree use suggest resource partitioning among the three bird species, particularly at undisturbed sites. However, activities of excessive logging and grazing in the disturbed sites resulted in niche overlap among species. This could lead to changes in competitive dynamics among them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Lara
- Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Km. 10.5 Autopista Tlaxcala-San Martín Texmelucan, San Felipe Ixtacuixtla, Tlaxcala 90120, Mexico
| | - Berenice Pérez
- Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Km. 10.5 Autopista Tlaxcala-San Martín Texmelucan, San Felipe Ixtacuixtla, Tlaxcala 90120, Mexico
| | - Citlalli Castillo-Guevara
- Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Km. 10.5 Autopista Tlaxcala-San Martín Texmelucan, San Felipe Ixtacuixtla, Tlaxcala 90120, Mexico
| | - Martín Alejandro Serrano-Meneses
- Laboratorio de Biología Evolutiva, Centro Tlaxcala de Biología de la Conducta, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Carretera Tlaxcala-Puebla, Km. 1.5, 90062 Tlaxcala, Mexico
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Mendonça-Lima AD, Hartz SM. Foraging behavioral of Phylloscartes ventralis (Aves, Tyrannidae) in native and planted forests of southern Brazil. IHERINGIA. SERIE ZOOLOGIA 2014. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-476620141044391398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Few studies have related the effects of silviculture practices to the behavior of bird species in the Neotropics. The present study examined the foraging behavior of Phylloscartes ventralis (Temminck, 1824) in a native forest and in silviculture areas of Pinus elliotti and Araucaria angustifolia with different structures and ages. We tested two general hypotheses: (1) areas of commercial forest plantation change the foraging behavior of P. ventralis in relation to native forest, and (2) the foraging behavior of P. ventralis in silviculture areas with understories (complex structures) is different from its behavior in areas without understory. The results showed that P. ventralis changed its foraging behavior depending on the type of forest, and on the presence of an understory in silviculture areas. Main changes involved the height and angle of substrate where the prey was captured. Phylloscartes ventralis showed the same set of attack maneuvers, with more maneuvers type in young Pinus planted without understory. The frequency of use of attack maneuvers was more similar in areas of silviculture with understory and in the native forest. The results highlight the importance of an understory structure and the utilization of native plant species in silviculture practices, to the foraging behavior of native bird species.
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Foraging in space and time structure an African small mammal community. Oecologia 2014; 175:521-35. [DOI: 10.1007/s00442-014-2926-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2013] [Accepted: 03/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Korňan M, Holmes R, Recher H, Adamík P, Kropil R. Convergence in foraging guild structure of forest breeding bird assemblages across three continents is related to habitat structure and foraging opportunities. COMMUNITY ECOL 2013. [DOI: 10.1556/comec.14.2013.1.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Almenar D, Aihartza J, Goiti U, Salsamendi E, Garin I. Hierarchical patch choice by an insectivorous bat through prey availability components. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-012-1451-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Lowman MD, Schowalter TD. Plant science in forest canopies--the first 30 years of advances and challenges (1980-2010). THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2012; 194:12-27. [PMID: 22348430 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-8137.2012.04076.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
As an emerging subdiscipline of forest biology, canopy science has undergone a transition from observational, 'oh-wow' exploration to a more hypothesis-driven, experimental arena for rigorous field biology. Although efforts to explore forest canopies have occurred for a century, the new tools to access the treetops during the past 30 yr facilitated not only widespread exploration but also new discoveries about the complexity and global effects of this so-called 'eighth continent of the planet'. The forest canopy is the engine that fixes solar energy in carbohydrates to power interactions among forest components that, in turn, affect regional and global climate, biogeochemical cycling and ecosystem services. Climate change, biodiversity conservation, fresh water conservation, ecosystem productivity, and carbon sequestration represent important components of forest research that benefit from access to the canopy for rigorous study. Although some canopy variables can be observed or measured from the ground, vertical and horizontal variation in environmental conditions and processes within the canopy that determine canopy-atmosphere and canopy-forest floor interactions are best measured within the canopy. Canopy science has matured into a cutting-edge subset of forest research, and the treetops also serve as social and economic drivers for sustainable communities, fostering science education and ecotourism. This interdisciplinary context of forest canopy science has inspired innovative new approaches to environmental stewardship, involving diverse stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret D Lowman
- Nature Research Center, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh, NC 27601, USA
- Mathematical and Physical Sciences, NC State University, Raleigh, NC 27603, USA
| | - Timothy D Schowalter
- Department of Entomology, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
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Swatantran A, Dubayah R, Goetz S, Hofton M, Betts MG, Sun M, Simard M, Holmes R. Mapping migratory bird prevalence using remote sensing data fusion. PLoS One 2012; 7:e28922. [PMID: 22235254 PMCID: PMC3250393 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0028922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2011] [Accepted: 11/17/2011] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Improved maps of species distributions are important for effective management of wildlife under increasing anthropogenic pressures. Recent advances in lidar and radar remote sensing have shown considerable potential for mapping forest structure and habitat characteristics across landscapes. However, their relative efficacies and integrated use in habitat mapping remain largely unexplored. We evaluated the use of lidar, radar and multispectral remote sensing data in predicting multi-year bird detections or prevalence for 8 migratory songbird species in the unfragmented temperate deciduous forests of New Hampshire, USA. Methodology and Principal Findings A set of 104 predictor variables describing vegetation vertical structure and variability from lidar, phenology from multispectral data and backscatter properties from radar data were derived. We tested the accuracies of these variables in predicting prevalence using Random Forests regression models. All data sets showed more than 30% predictive power with radar models having the lowest and multi-sensor synergy (“fusion”) models having highest accuracies. Fusion explained between 54% and 75% variance in prevalence for all the birds considered. Stem density from discrete return lidar and phenology from multispectral data were among the best predictors. Further analysis revealed different relationships between the remote sensing metrics and bird prevalence. Spatial maps of prevalence were consistent with known habitat preferences for the bird species. Conclusion and Significance Our results highlight the potential of integrating multiple remote sensing data sets using machine-learning methods to improve habitat mapping. Multi-dimensional habitat structure maps such as those generated from this study can significantly advance forest management and ecological research by facilitating fine-scale studies at both stand and landscape level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anu Swatantran
- College Park, University of Maryland, Maryland, United States of America.
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Giffard B, Corcket E, Barbaro L, Jactel H. Bird predation enhances tree seedling resistance to insect herbivores in contrasting forest habitats. Oecologia 2011; 168:415-24. [PMID: 21811874 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-011-2089-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2010] [Accepted: 07/13/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
According to the associational resistance hypothesis, neighbouring plants are expected to influence both the insect herbivore communities and their natural enemies. However, this has rarely been tested for the effects of canopy trees on herbivory of seedlings. One possible mechanism responsible for associational resistance is the indirect impact of natural enemies on insect herbivory, such as insectivorous birds. But it remains unclear to what extent such trophic cascades are influenced by the composition of plant associations (i.e. identity of 'associated' plants). Here, we compared the effect of bird exclusion on insect leaf damage for seedlings of three broadleaved tree species in three different forest habitats. Exclusion of insectivorous birds affected insect herbivory in a species-specific manner: leaf damage increased on Betula pendula seedlings whereas bird exclusion had no effect for two oaks (Quercus robur and Q. ilex). Forest habitat influenced both the extent of insect herbivory and the effect of bird exclusion. Broadleaved seedlings had lower overall leaf damage within pine plantations than within broadleaved stands, consistent with the resource concentration hypothesis. The indirect effect of bird exclusion on leaf damage was only significant in pine plantations, but not in exotic and native broadleaved woodlands. Our results support the enemies hypothesis, which predicts that the effects of insectivorous birds on insect herbivory on seedlings are greater beneath non-congeneric canopy trees. Although bird species richness and abundance were greater in broadleaved woodlands, birds were unable to regulate insect herbivory on seedlings in forests of more closely related tree species.
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Watson DM, McGregor HW, Spooner PG. Hemiparasitic shrubs increase resource availability and multi-trophic diversity of eucalypt forest birds. Funct Ecol 2011. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2435.2011.01839.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Kutt AS, Fisher A. Increased grazing and dominance of an exotic pasture (Bothriochloa pertusa) affects vertebrate fauna species composition, abundance and habitat in savanna woodland. RANGELAND JOURNAL 2011. [DOI: 10.1071/rj10065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The invasion of exotic pasture species into intact woodlands has the potential to affect native fauna by altering habitat structure and ecosystem function. The spread of these weeds is generally in concert with cattle grazing, so that fauna or habitat change is due to multiple interrelated causes.
In this study we investigated whether the spread of the introduced pasture grass Bothriochloa pertusa and replacement of the native bluegrass B. ewartiana in eucalypt woodlands of northern Queensland has had an effect on terrestrial vertebrate fauna. We located 40 sites that sampled a range of native and introduced pastures cover, and investigated the spatial pattern of abundance with canonical analysis of principle coordinates, and correlation of the habitat attributes on the ordination space. We then selected a subset of four habitat attributes (eliminating highly colinear variables) and modelled species response to each using an information-theoretic approach. Thirty-one species (26 birds, one mammal and four reptiles) and two summary variables (bird abundance and richness) had best subset Akaike Information Criteria models with reliable parameters estimates.
Seventeen models contained the B. pertusa frequency term and a further 16 had a term relating to upper storey cover (tree cover >10, 5–10 or 3–5 m). Though pasture grass cover, grazing and habitat features were correlated and thus we cannot ascribe B. pertusa as the sole determinant of fauna species change, this study has demonstrated that tropical savanna woodlands with changing Bothriochloa dominance from native to introduced species have different fauna species composition. In particular bird species richness, ground nesting species (e.g. rufous songlark Cincloramphus mathewsi, golden-headed cisticola Cisticola exilis) and terrestrial reptiles (e.g. Carlia munda and Ctenotus taeniolatus) declined. Disturbance-tolerant species such as Australian magpie Cracticus tibicen and yellow-throated miners Manorina flavigula increased in abundance in exotic pasture-dominated sites. As pastoral intensification continues in northern Australian rangelands there is a potential for significant change in the relative abundance and composition of vertebrate fauna and the reduction or loss of some species in the landscape.
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Abu Baker MA, Brown JS. Patch area, substrate depth, and richness affect giving-up densities: a test with mourning doves and cottontail rabbits. OIKOS 2009. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0706.2008.17473.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Chalfoun AD, Martin TE. Habitat structure mediates predation risk for sedentary prey: experimental tests of alternative hypotheses. J Anim Ecol 2009; 78:497-503. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2656.2008.01506.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Gomes VSDM, Loiselle BA, Alves MAS. Birds foraging for fruits and insects in shrubby restinga vegetation, southeastern Brazil. BIOTA NEOTROPICA 2008. [DOI: 10.1590/s1676-06032008000400001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Understanding how birds use vegetation to obtain food resources has implications for habitat conservation and management. Restinga is a poorly known and threatened tropical habitat, associated to the Atlantic forest, that could benefit from this kind of information to know which plants can be used and dispersed by birds that can help on the maintenance of this habitat. Frugivorous and insectivorous birds are important components of tropical ecosystems, such as restinga. To provide more information regarding the ecology of restinga, we studied the feeding behavior and spatial use of this vegetation by birds at Restinga de Jurubatiba National Park, southeastern Brazil. We found that feeding behavior was similar to that recorded for the same species in other vegetation types. In addition, spatial use of the restinga vegetation by the most abundant species did not overlap greatly, except for two insectivorous species that used different foraging maneuvers and two frugivorous birds that foraged in flocks. The two most abundant species were generalists in their diet and were capable of feeding at the ground level on sand substrate.
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Park CR, Hino T, Itô H. Prey distribution, foliage structure, and foraging behavior of insectivorous birds in two oak species (Quercus serrata and Q. variabilis). Ecol Res 2008. [DOI: 10.1007/s11284-008-0469-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Skoczylas DR, Muth NZ, Niesenbaum RA. Contribution of insectivorous avifauna to top down control of Lindera benzoin herbivores at forest edge and interior habitats. ACTA OECOLOGICA-INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/j.actao.2007.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Richardson TW, Vander Wall SB. YELLOW PINE CHIPMUNKS CANNOT CLIMB QUAKING ASPENS: IMPLICATIONS FOR AVIAN NEST SITE SELECTION. WEST N AM NATURALIST 2007. [DOI: 10.3398/1527-0904(2007)67[251:ypcccq]2.0.co;2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Abstract
Interest in facilitative predator plant interactions has focused upon above-ground systems. Underground physical conditions are distinctive, however, and we provide evidence that bush lupine, Lupinus arboreus, facilitates the survival of the predatory nematode Heterorhabditis marelatus. Because H. marelatus is prone to desiccation and lupines maintain a zone of moist soil around their taproots even during dry periods, we hypothesized that dry-season nematode survival under lupines might be higher than in the surrounding grasslands. We performed field surveys and measured nematode survival in lupine and grassland rhizospheres under wet- and dry-season conditions. Nematodes survived the crucial summer period better under lupines than in grasslands; however, this advantage disappeared in wet, winter soils. Modeling the probability of nematode population extinction showed that, while even large nematode cohorts were likely to go extinct in grasslands, even small cohorts in lupine rhizospheres were likely to survive until the arrival of the next prey generation. Because this nematode predator has a strong top-down effect on lupine survival via its effect on root-boring larvae of the ghost moth Hepialus californicus, this facilitative interaction may enable a belowground trophic cascade. Similar cases of predator facilitation in seasonally stressful environments are probably common in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan L Preisser
- Center for Population Biology, University of California, Davis 95616, USA.
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Tassicker AL, Kutt AS, Vanderduys E, Mangru S. The effects of vegetation structure on the birds in a tropical savanna woodland in north-eastern Australia. RANGELAND JOURNAL 2006. [DOI: 10.1071/rj05029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Management of the dynamics of woody vegetation in Australia’s tropical savannas is a vexing issue for both pastoralists and conservation biologists. In savanna regions around the world, increasing density of woody vegetation contributes to declines in pastoral productivity, but its effects on native fauna are largely unknown. In this paper we examine the avifauna in savanna woodlands of varying structure in the Desert Uplands bioregion, Queensland. Vegetation cover maps derived from aerial photographs were used to choose 60 sites, across 4 cattle stations. We sampled sites mapped at 30–45% and 45–60% foliage cover, and areas which previously had these levels of cover but had been mechanically modified, both by broad scale clearing and selective thinning. Between May and June 2004, we measured a range of habitat variables and sampled the birds at each site. Bird species composition varied significantly between treatments. Bird richness and frequency was greatest in intact vegetation. Thirteen species of birds were most frequently encountered in sites with 30–45% canopy cover, compared with 10 species in the 45–60% cover sites, 4 species in the thinned sites and 7 in the cleared sites. Our results suggest that increasing density of woody vegetation in savanna woodland may be to the advantage of some savanna bird species. Mechanical modification to reduce woody vegetation appears to also benefit some common, widespread species, but has a generally negative overall effect on bird species richness.
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Abstract
In this paper we present data on the foraging maneuvers and substrates used to capture preys by 28 species of tyrant flycatchers (Tyrannidae) in Brazil. For six species: Arundinicola leucocephala Linnaeus, 1764, Fluvicola nengeta Linnaeus, 1766, Machetornis rixosa Vieillot, 1819, Myiozetetes similis Spix, 1825, Pitangus sulphuratus Linnaeus, 1766, and Tyrannus melancholicus Vieillot, 1819 -, we go further to investigate perch height, search time, sally distance, and sally angle. With a few exceptions, sally strike was the most frequent foraging maneuver. Living foliage and air were the most frequent substrates used to capture preys. Among the six species studied in detail we found three distinct groups of perch heights: F. nengeta and M. rixosa foraged on the ground, A. leucocephala with P. sulphuratus were medium-height foragers, and T. melancholicus and M. similis form the third group for which prey attacks usually start from perches from the ground up to 3 m. With the exception of P. sulphuratus, which had the longest search time, the other five species did not differ in this aspect of the foraging behavior. Three groups were also discernible in relation to sally distance: F. nengeta and M. rixosa usually attacked prey close (< 2 m) to them, A. leucocephala, P. sulphuratus and M. similis form a medium-distance (3-4 m) group, and T. melancholicus had the longest sally distances (up to 12 m). Birds differ in details of the sally angle that, together with other subtle differences in the foraging behavior, may render important differences in prey selection.
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Moreno AB, Lagos AR, Alves MAS. Water depth selection during foraging and efficiency in prey capture by the egrets Casmerodius albus and Egretta thula (Aves, Ardeidae) in an urban lagoon in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. IHERINGIA. SERIE ZOOLOGIA 2005. [DOI: 10.1590/s0073-47212005000100016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the water depth selection during foraging, the efficiency in prey capture, and the food items captured by Casmerodius albus (Linnaeus, 1758) and Egretta thula (Molina, 1782). The work was conducted at an urban lagoon, Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, Rio de Janeiro. Four transects were made each month (two in the morning and two in the afternoon) for six months. When the birds were detected foraging, the water depth and the types of prey captured were recorded. There was no significant relationship between the foraging efficiencies of the two species. However, they differed in relation to the water depth when foraging, and also in the food items captured. Casmerodius albus captured mainly fishes while Egretta thula captured mainly invertebrates. The results suggest that the differences in water depth when foraging and the food items captured allow a differential use of the food resources available by C. albus and E. thula at Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas.
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CRUZ-ANGON ANDREA, GREENBERG RUSSELL. Are epiphytes important for birds in coffee plantations? An experimental assessment. J Appl Ecol 2005. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2664.2004.00983.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Boege K. Herbivore attack in Casearia nitida influenced by plant ontogenetic variation in foliage quality and plant architecture. Oecologia 2004; 143:117-25. [PMID: 15742219 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-004-1779-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2004] [Accepted: 11/09/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Traits influencing plant quality as food and/or shelter for herbivores may change during plant ontogeny, and as a consequence, influence the amount of herbivory that plants receive as they develop. In this study, differences in herbivore density and herbivory were evaluated for two ontogenetic stages of the tropical tree Casearia nitida. To assess plant ontogenetic differences in foliage quality as food for herbivores, nutritional and defensive traits were evaluated in saplings and reproductive trees. Predatory arthropods were quantified and the foraging preferences of a parasitoid wasp of the genus Zacremnops were assessed. In addition, survival rates of lepidopteran herbivores (Geometridae) were evaluated experimentally. Herbivore density was three times higher and herbivory was 66% greater in saplings than in reproductive trees. Accordingly, concentrations of total foliar phenolics were higher in reproductive trees than in saplings, whereas leaf toughness, water and nitrogen concentration did not vary between ontogenetic stages. Survival rates of lepidopteran larvae exposed to natural enemies were equivalent in reproductive trees and saplings. Given the greater herbivore density on saplings, equal survival rates implied a greater foraging effort of predators on reproductive trees. Furthermore, observed foraging of parasitoid wasps was restricted to reproductive trees. I propose that herbivore density, and as a consequence, leaf damage were lower in reproductive trees than in saplings due to both traits influencing food quality, and architectural or unmeasured indirect defensive traits influencing foraging preference of natural enemies of herbivores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Boege
- Department of Biology, University of Missouri-St. Louis., One University Drive, St. Louis, MO 63121, USA.
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Kaitaniemi P, Ruohomäki K. Sources of variability in plant resistance against insects: free caterpillars show strongest effects. OIKOS 2003. [DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0706.2001.950311.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Marquis RJ, Lill JT, Piccinni A. Effect of plant architecture on colonization and damage by leaftying caterpillars of Quercus alba. OIKOS 2003. [DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0706.2002.11897.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Rudgers JA, Hodgen JG, White JW. Behavioral mechanisms underlie an ant-plant mutualism. Oecologia 2003; 135:51-9. [PMID: 12647103 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-002-1168-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2002] [Accepted: 12/05/2002] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Predators can reduce herbivory by consuming herbivores (a consumptive effect) and by altering herbivore behavior, life history, physiology or distribution (non-consumptive effects). The non-consumptive, or trait-mediated, effects of predators on prey may have important functions in the dynamics of communities. In a facultative ant-plant mutualism, we investigated whether these non-consumptive effects influenced the host plants of prey. Here, predaceous ants (Forelius pruinosus) consume and disturb a dominant lepidopteran folivore (Bucculatrix thurberiella) of wild cotton plants (Gossypium thurberi). Season-long ant exclusion experiments revealed that ants had a larger proportional effect on damage by B. thurberiella than on caterpillar abundance, a result that suggests ants have a strong non-consumptive effect. Behavioral experiments conducted in two populations over 2 years demonstrated that B. thurberiella caterpillars were substantially less likely to damage wild cotton leaves in the presence of ants due to ant-induced changes in caterpillar behavior. In the absence of ants caterpillars spent more time stationary (potential feeding time) and less time dropping from leaves by a thread of silk than when ants were present. Furthermore, ants altered the spatial distribution of both caterpillars and damage; caterpillars spent relatively more time on the upper surfaces of leaves and caused damage further from the leaf margin in ant exclusion treatments. Both direct encounters with ants and information conveyed when ants walked onto leaves were key events leading to the anti-predator behaviors of caterpillars. This study contributes to a small body of evidence from terrestrial systems demonstrating that the trait-mediated effects of predators can cascade to the host plants of prey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Rudgers
- Center for Population Biology, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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CUETO VÍCTORR, LOPEZ de CASENAVE JAVIER. FORAGING BEHAVIOR AND MICROHABITAT USE OF BIRDS INHABITING COASTAL WOODLANDS IN EASTCENTRAL ARGENTINA. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2002. [DOI: 10.1676/0043-5643(2002)114[0342:fbamuo]2.0.co;2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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