Habitat structural complexity mediates the foraging success of multiple predator species
Habitat structural complexity mediates the foraging success of multiple predator species
复制标题
DOI：
10.1007/s00442-004-1644-x
复制
发表时间：
2004-08
期刊：
影响因子：
2.7
通讯作者：
D. M. Warfe;L. Barmuta
中科院分区：
文献类型：
--
作者：
D. M. Warfe;L. Barmuta
We investigated the role of freshwater macrophytes as refuge by testing the hypothesis that predators capture fewer prey in more dense and structurally complex habitats. We also tested the hypothesis that habitat structure not only affects the prey-capture success of a single predator in isolation, but also the effectiveness of two predators combined, particularly if it mediates interactions between the predators. We conducted a fully crossed four-factorial laboratory experiment using artificial plants to determine the separate quantitative (density) and qualitative (shape) components of macrophyte structure on the prey-capture success of a predatory damselfly,Ischnura heterosticta tasmanica, and the southern pygmy perch,Nannoperca australis. Contrary to our expectations, macrophyte density had no effect on the prey-capture success of either predator, but both predators were significantly less effective in the structurally complexMyriophyllumanalogue than in the structurally simplerTriglochinandEleocharisanalogues. Furthermore, the greater structural complexity ofMyriophyllumamplified the impact of the negative interaction between the predators on prey numbers; the habitat use by damselfly larvae in response to the presence of southern pygmy perch meant they captured less prey inMyriophyllum. These results demonstrate habitat structure can influence multiple predator effects, and support the mechanism of increased prey refuge in more structurally complex macrophytes.
