Omnivory and Conditional Life-Histories in a Freshwater Community

小行星9411161 生物体的生长、发育和生存模式是在生态群落的背景下形成的。但特别是对于具有复杂生命周期的动物，生物体生命阶段之间的因果关系-以及种群和社区内的生物体之间的因果关系-通常很难建立和理解。特别是，捕食者对其他捕食者及其猎物（杂食性）的影响，以及种内捕食（同类相食）的作用显然需要额外的关注。 该概念验证奖的目的是（1）开发和评估Epitheca cynoclavis系统的实验室和半场方法，（2）构建quonset阵列以评估实验的可行性，（3）启动实验室培养并开发Ischnura verticalis系统的半场方法，以及（4）定位池塘系统以进行种群动态调查。 %%% 这个项目将直接有助于生活史理论的发展，并以一种综合的、相互促进的方式对理论进行实证检验。拟议的工作将大大提高生活史动态及其对人口和社区结构的影响的理解。最后，这项研究将提供深入了解复杂的生命周期如何响应他们的社区环境。

9411161 Crowley The patterns of organismal growth, development, and survival form in the context of ecological communities. But especially for animals with complex life cycles, causal linkages between life stages of the organism - and among organisms within populations and communities - are often difficult to establish and understand. In particular, the effects of predators feeding on both other predators and their prey (omnivory), and the role of intraspecific predation (cannibalism) clearly require additional attention. The objectives of this proof of concept award are to (1) develop and evaluate laboratory and semifield methods for the Epitheca cynosura system, (2) construct the quonset array to assess feasibility of experiments, (3) initiate laboratory culture and develop semifield methods for the Ischnura verticalis system, and (4) locate pond systems for surveys of population dynamics. %%% This project will directly contribute to development of life-history theory and to empirical testing of theory in an integrated, mutually stimulatory way. The proposed work will substantially enhance understanding of life history dynamics and its effects on population and community structure. Finally, this research will provide insight into how complex life cycles respond to their community context.