Resource partitioning in two heterochronic populations of Greek Alpine newts, Triturus alpestris veluchiensis

Abstract

Current ecological models suggest that the maintenance of trophic polymorphisms is favoured by a different resource use in alternative morphs. Facultative paedomorphosis in newts is an example of phenotypic variation as paedomorphs retain morphological larval traits, such as gills and gill slits. The aim of this study was to find out whether heterochronic morphs occupy particular micro-habitats and focus on specific prey items. Resource partitioning was found between morphs. It concerns mainly food selection with paedomorphs preying more on plankton and less on terrestrial invertebrates than metamorphs. Some habitat specializations were also found with metamorphs being more abundant at the water surface than paedomorphs. Diel variation in habitat use of the two different morphs was minimal. Polymorphism allows Alpine newts to exploit the different resources in the lakes in order to minimize intraspecific competition, but the extent of resource partitioning depends on habitat characteristics.