Abstract
Interspecific competition occurs when one species using a resource limits the use of that resource by another species. A dominance relationship between the species competing over a resource may result in asymmetric competition. Here, we tested the hypothesis that two sympatric treefrog species, the endangered Hyla suweonensis and the abundant H. japonica, compete with each other over calling sites. We observed the locations of calling individuals of the two treefrog species in rice paddies and tested whether removing one species affected the calling locations of the other species. Individuals of the two species were spatially isolated within rice paddies, with H. japonica at the edges and H. suweonensis in the interior. Male H. suweonensis moved towards the edges of rice paddies when male H. japonica were removed from the area, whereas male H. japonica hardly moved when male H. suweonensis were removed. The results of both studies are consistent with asymmetric interspecific competition, in which the calling locations of H. suweonensis are affected by the calling activity of H. japonica. In addition, H. japonica were found “sitting” on the substrate during call production, whereas H. suweonensis were “holding” onto vegetation. The difference in calling posture may represent an adaptive response to asymmetric interspecific competition.
Highlights
Interspecific competition occurs when one species using a resource limits the use of that resource by another species
In order to be subject to competition, two or more competing species must share a common resource, and resource use by one species should affect that of the other species, as this paper aims to exemplify in the framework of asymmetric competition in amphibian breeding assemblages
When males of both Hyla suweonensis and H. japonica produced advertisement calls in the same rice paddy during the breeding season, they tended to be segregated from each other
Summary
Interspecific competition occurs when one species using a resource limits the use of that resource by another species. Male H. suweonensis moved towards the edges of rice paddies when male H. japonica were removed from the area, whereas male H. japonica hardly moved when male H. suweonensis were removed The results of both studies are consistent with asymmetric interspecific competition, in which the calling locations of H. suweonensis are affected by the calling activity of H. japonica. When two or more species share a common resource, the consumption of that resource by one of the species creates a “resource depletion zone” for the other species (sensu Schluter[1]) Such competition may lead to interspecific niche partitioning[2]. The note repetition rate is slightly higher and the dominant frequency slightly lower in H. japonica than in H. suweonensis[17,18] Distinguishing these two species based on morphology is difficult, male H. suweonensis are more slender than male H. japonica[19]. These two treefrog species are found together at the same time and location[21]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
