Changes In Food Web Research Articles

Quantification of Bt-endotoxin exposure pathways in carabid food webs across multiple transgenic events

Despite the reported specificity of Bacillus thuringiensis proteins against target pests, a number of studies have indicated that the uptake of Bt-endotoxins from bioengineered crops could have negative effects on natural enemies. It is therefore essential to quantify exposure pathways in non-target arthropod food webs across multiple transgenic events. Adult ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) were collected from transgenic corn fields expressing lepidopteran-specific Cry1Ab, coleopteran-specific Cry3Bb1, and both Cry1Ab and Cry3Bb1 (stacked event), as well as a non-transgenic isoline. Carabid gut-contents were screened for Cry1Ab Bt-endotoxin using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Significant numbers of carabids tested positive for Cry1Ab from the lepidopteran-specific field: Harpalus pensylvanicus (39%, 25 of 64), Stenolophus comma (4%, 6 of 136), Cratacanthus dubius (50%, 1 of 2), Clivina bipustulata (50%, 1 of 2), and Cyclotrachelus sodalis (20%, 1 of 5). The highest proportion of Bt-endotoxin uptake was 4–6 weeks post-anthesis. Only one species, H. pensylvanicus (5%, 4 of 75), screened positive for Cry1Ab from the stacked line, despite similar expression of this endotoxin in plant tissue harvested from both lines. This difference in Cry1Ab uptake could be due to changes in the non-target food web or differential rates of Bt-endotoxin decay between genetic events. This study has quantified the differential uptake of Cry1Ab Bt-endotoxin by the carabid community across multiple transgenic events, thus forming the framework for future risk-assessment of transgenic crops.

Decadal changes in a NW Mediterranean Sea food web in relation to fishing exploitation

We analysed changes in the ecological roles of species, trophic structure and ecosystem functioning using four standardized mass-balance models of the South Catalan Sea (North-western Mediterranean). Models represented the ecosystem during the late 1970s, mid 1990s, early 2000s, and a simulated no-fishing scenario. The underlying hypothesis was that ecosystem models should quantitatively capture the increasing exploitation in the ecosystem from the 1970s to 2000s, as well as differences between the exploited and non-exploited scenarios. Biomass showed a general decrease, while there was an increase in biomass at lower trophic levels (TL) from the 1970s to 2000s. The efficiency of energy transfer (TE) from lower to higher TLs significantly increased with time. The ecosystem during the 1990s showed higher biomass and flows than during the 1970s and 2000s due to an increase in small pelagic fish biomass (especially sardines). Exploited food webs also showed similarities in terms of general structure and functioning due to high intensity of fishing already in the 1970s. This intensity was highlighted with low trophic levels in the catch, high consumption of production by fisheries, medium to high primary production required to sustain the catches and high losses in secondary production due to fishing. Significant differences on ecosystem structure and functioning were highlighted between the exploited and no-fishing scenarios. Biomass of higher TLs increased under the no-fishing scenario and the mean trophic level of the community and the fish/invertebrate biomass ratios were substantially lower in exploited food webs. The efficiency of energy transfer (TE) from lower to higher TLs was lower under the no-fishing scenario, and it showed a continuous decrease with increasing TL. Marine mammals, large hake, anglerfish and large pelagic fish were identified as keystone species of the ecosystem when there was no fishing, while their ecological importance notably decreased under the exploited periods. On the contrary, the importance of small-sized organisms such as benthic invertebrates and small pelagic fish was higher in exploited food webs.

Potential of δ13C and δ15N of cladoceran subfossil exoskeletons for paleo-ecological studies

Stable isotope analyses on cladoceran subfossil exoskeletons retrieved from sediment cores could allow the reconstruction of past changes in lake food webs provided the δ13C and δ15N values of the exoskeletons reflect those of the organisms’ whole body. The relationships between the C and N stable isotope compositions of the exoskeletons and those of the whole body were investigated for two freshwater cladoceran taxa (Bosmina sp. and Daphnia sp.) from modern samples. The C and N stable isotope compositions of the exoskeleton and those of the whole body were strongly correlated. Exoskeleton δ13C was similar to the whole body δ13C for both taxa. Daphnia exoskeletons were strongly depleted in 15N (−7.9‰) compared to the whole body. Stable isotope analyses were thereafter performed on cladoceran remains from five downcore samples from Lake Annecy, France. Results showed that Bosmina δ15N values increased by more than 4‰, between the early twentieth and twenty first centuries. Such changes might be the result of changes in nitrogen sources or cycling in the lake and/or of major shifts in Bosmina trophic position within the lake food web. This study sets up the potential of stable isotope analyses performed on cladoceran subfossil remains for paleo-ecological purposes.

Food-web changes in the Adriatic Sea over the last three decades

We used a process-oriented model (Ecosim) to characterize changes in marine resources in the north-central (NC) Adriatic Sea (Mediterranean) from 1975 to 2002, and to explore the extent to which these changes were driven by trophic interactions, environment and fishing. Fishing efforts and fishing mortalities were used to drive the ecosystem model, and available biomass and catch data were compared to the model predictions. We calibrated and assessed the fit of the model using the sum of the squared deviations of the observed and predicted biomass values. Trophodynamic indica- tors were then calculated and used to analyse changes to the ecosystem. Trophic interactions, fishing, and environmental conditions were important driving factors of the ecosystem. Predictions from the model adequately matched observed biomass and catch data for each year. Observed trends and pre- dicted data for biomasses decreased with time for several species, including Norway lobster, hake, red mullets, flatfish, and anchovy. The environmental functions resulting from the fitting procedure predicted that primary production and nutrients increased beyond the baseline from 1975 level, and then showed a decrease. They were negatively correlated with mean sea surface temperature and positively correlated with the Mediterranean Oscillation Index. Our results suggested that the NC Adriatic ecosystem became more degraded over time due to expanding fishing effort, bottom-up effects, and climatic anomalies. Possible mechanisms involved are discussed. Comparing our findings with descriptions of the south Catalan Sea ecosystem showed certain similarities between these 2 Mediterranean ecosystems and revealed unique features of the Adriatic Sea.

Changes in the trophic level of Portuguese landings and fish market price variation in the last decades

Fishing can alter the structure of marine food web by selective removal of some species. Changes in marine food webs in Portuguese waters were evaluated based on estimates of the annual mean trophic levels (TLm) and fishing-in-balance index (FiB) of mainland, Azores, Madeira and total Portuguese marine fisheries landings for the period between 1970 and 2006. The log-relative-price-index (LRPI), that translates the relationship between the logarithm of prices of low and high trophic level species, was also calculated for each year. TLm of mainland landings showed a decreasing trend, reflecting changes in the structure of marine food webs, whereas in Azores and Madeira TLm increased. FiB index also showed a downward trend and negative values in mainland waters, which may be associated with unbalanced fisheries. In the period studied LRPI increased, indicating that high trophic level species had become more valuable in relation to species feeding at lower trophic levels. It is likely that the persistence of present trends will compromise the sustainability of fisheries. A better management is needed in order to reverse this decreasing trend in TLm in the long-term using an ecosystem-based approach.

Diets of aquatic birds reflect changes in the Lake Huron ecosystem

Human activities have affected the Lake Huron ecosystem, in part, through alterations in the structure and function of its food webs. Insights into the nature of food web change and its ecological ramifications can be obtained through the monitoring of high trophic level predators such as aquatic birds. Often, food web change involves alterations in the relative abundance of constituent species and/or the introduction of new species (exotic invaders). Diet composition of aquatic birds is influenced, in part, by relative prey availability and therefore is a sensitive measure of food web structure. Using bird diet data to make inferences regarding food web change requires consistent measures of diet composition through time. This can be accomplished by measuring stable chemical and/or biochemical “ecological tracers” in archived avian samples. Such tracers provide insights into pathways of energy and nutrient transfer. In this study, we examine the utility of two groups of naturally-occurring intrinsic tracers (stable isotopes and fatty acids) to provide such information in a predatory seabird, the herring gull (Larus argentatus). Retrospective stable nitrogen and carbon isotope analysis of archived herring gull eggs identified declines in gull trophic position and shifts in food sources in Lake Huron over the last 25 years and changes in gull diet composition were inferred from egg fatty acid patterns. These independent groups of ecological tracers provided corroborating evidence of dietary change in this high trophic level predator. Gull dietary shifts were related to declines in prey fish abundance which suggests large-scale alterations to the Lake Huron ecosystem. Dietary shifts in herring gulls may be contributing to reductions in resources available for egg formation. Further research is required to evaluate how changes in resource availability may affect population sustainability in herring gulls and other waterbird species. Long-term biological monitoring programs are required to identify ecosystem change and evaluate its ecological significance.

The effects of impoundment and non‐native species on a river food web in Mexico's central plateau

AbstractHabitat modifications, non‐native species and other anthropogenic impacts have restructured fish communities in lotic ecosystems of central Mexico. Conservation of native fishes requires understanding of food web changes resulting from the introduction of non‐native species, flow alteration and other human impacts. Using δ13C and δ15N analysis of fishes and invertebrates we investigated the effects of non‐native species, and reservoirs on food webs of the Laja river ecosystem (Guanajuato, central Mexico). We estimated trophic position (TP), relative trophic niche and food web dispersion at 11 reservoir, river and tailwater sites. Reservoirs and non‐native fishes modified food webs in the Laja. Food web dispersion was greater in reservoir than in tailwater and river sites. Reservoir food webs had the greatest range of δ13C values, indicating a more diverse resource base compared to rivers. δ13C values increased with distance downstream from reservoirs, suggesting declining subsidies of river food webs by reservoir productivity. Stable isotopes revealed potential effects of non‐native fishes on native fishes via predation or competition. Non‐native Micropterus salmoides were top predators in the system. Non‐natives Cyprinus carpio, Oreochromis mossambicus and Carassius auratus exhibited lowest TP in the Laja but overlapped significantly with most native species, indicating potential for resource competition. Native Chirostoma jordani was the only species with a significantly different trophic niche from all other fish. Many rivers in central Mexico share similar anthropogenic impacts and similar biotas, such that food web patterns described here are likely indicative of other river systems in central Mexico. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Long-term variation in isotopic baselines and implications for estimating consumer trophic niches

Carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios are increasingly used to study long-term food web change. Temporal variation at the base of the food web may impact the accuracy of trophic niche estimates, but data describing interannual baseline variation are limited. We quantified baseline variation over a 23-year period in a north-temperate lake and used a simulation model to examine how this variation might affect consumer trophic niche estimates. Interannual variation in C and N stable isotope ratios was significant for both benthic and pelagic primary consumer baselines. Long-term linear trends and shorter-term autoregressive patterns were apparent in the data. There were no correlations among benthic and pelagic C and N baselines. Simulations demonstrated that error in estimated fish trophic niches, but not bias, increased substantially when sampling of baselines was incomplete. Accurate trophic niche estimates depended more on accurate estimation of baseline time series than on accurate estimation of growth and turnover rates. These results highlight the importance of previous and continued efforts to constrain bias and error in long-term stable isotope food web studies.

Sixty years of environmental change in the world's largest freshwater lake – Lake Baikal, Siberia

High-resolution data collected over the past 60 years by a single family of Siberian scientists on Lake Baikal reveal significant warming of surface waters and long-term changes in the basal food web of the world's largest, most ancient lake. Attaining depths over 1.6 km, Lake Baikal is the deepest and most voluminous of the world's great lakes. Increases in average water temperature (1.21 °C since 1946), chlorophyll a (300% since 1979), and an influential group of zooplankton grazers (335% increase in cladocerans since 1946) may have important implications for nutrient cycling and food web dynamics. Results from multivariate autoregressive (MAR) modeling suggest that cladocerans increased strongly in response to temperature but not to algal biomass, and cladocerans depressed some algal resources without observable fertilization effects. Changes in Lake Baikal are particularly significant as an integrated signal of long-term regional warming, because this lake is expected to be among those most resistant to climate change due to its tremendous volume. These findings highlight the importance of accessible, long-term monitoring data for understanding ecosystem response to large-scale stressors such as climate change.

Effects of shoreline development on the nearshore environment in large deep oligotrophic lakes

Summary1. In large deep oligotrophic lakes, the shallow nearshore waters may provide the most important habitat for animals to feed and breed, and it is this area of the lake where humans are most likely to have initial impacts as the shoreline is developed. Nutrients in fertilizers, sediments and sewage effluents are likely to be rapidly intercepted by nearshore algae at the lake edge, having heterogeneous effects nearshore before offshore effects are noted.2. Here we examined the spatially explicit effects of residential development on nearshore periphyton communities in three large deep oligotrophic lakes that have all experienced modest residential development in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. We demonstrate that substantial nearshore changes in the basal food web are detectable even with low levels of shoreline development. These changes can potentially affect whole‐lake food web dynamics.3. For our primary study site (Lake Crescent, Washington, USA), we found that algal biomass and accumulation of detritus were higher at developed sites. In addition, both macroinvertebrate and periphyton communities exhibited a shift in composition with more detritivores and filamentous green algae at developed sites. These differences were more pronounced during the spring than at other times of year.4. A complementary investigation of field patterns in Priest Lake and Lake Pend Oreille (Idaho, USA) suggested that, although spatial and temporal patterns were idiosyncratic, indicators of productivity and the presence of filamentous green algae were generally higher at developed sites across lakes.5. Stable isotope signatures and water column nutrients were not useful in distinguishing developed and undeveloped sites, increasing the potential usefulness of periphyton monitoring during early stages of lake development.6. A laboratory investigation suggested that common macroinvertebrate grazers assimilated a much greater proportion of diatoms than the filamentous green algae that are associated with fertilization at developed sites.7. These findings have at least two clear implications: (i) periphyton may be used to detect human impacts before disturbance is evident in offshore monitoring programmes and (ii) nearshore impacts in response to modest residential development have the potential to disrupt lake food web dynamics.

Lake Whitefish Relative Abundance, Length-at-Age, and Condition in Lake Michigan as Indicated by Fishery-independent Surveys

In the mid 1990s, growth and condition of lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis) declined within commercial catches in Lake Michigan. However, underlying mechanisms responsible for the declines have not been thoroughly explored. Using fishery-independent survey data, we examined growth and relative abundance of adult whitefish over historical (1980–1990) and recent (1996–2005) time periods in three regions of Lake Michigan: north, mid, and south. Relative abundance was assessed from catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) of independent surveys, and changes in growth conditions were evaluated using size-at-age estimates. Relative abundance increased in the mid and south regions between the two time periods and decreased in the north region. Length-at-age significantly declined between the two time periods in the north, mid, and south regions; the north region consistently had the lowest length-at-age. Condition also declined between the two time periods in each region. The decline in growth and condition coupled with increases in relative abundance suggest density-dependent mechanisms are contributing to the observed population changes in the south region. The north region does not appear to be regulated by density, suggesting density-independent mechanisms, such as food web changes, are influencing stocks. Changes in the mid region are likely from a mixture of increased lake whitefish abundance and food web changes. Using fishery-independent population data, our results suggest that multiple factors are potentially contributing differentially within three Lake Michigan regions to cause similar declines in length-at-age and condition of whitefish. These factors (e.g., food web changes, lake whitefish density) should be considered when managing the commercial fishery.

Diet and Foraging Ecology of Roseate Terns and Lesser Noddies Breeding Sympatrically on Aride Island, Seychelles

Inferences on seabird ecology from stable isotopes ratios (delta C-13, delta N-15) and mercury concentrations analysis of feathers have been made for temperate and polar species but are far more rare for tropical species. In this paper, we used this approach combined with analysis of regurgitations and feeding observations at Colonies to g examine diet segregation between Roseate Terns (Sterna dougallii) and Lesser Noddies (Anous tenuirostris) breeding sympatrically on Aride Island (Seychelles), western Indian Ocean. Our results indicated extensive overlap between the two species ill trophic level and foraging area during the breeding season. Goatfish predominated (93-97%) in all diet samples of adults and chicks collected in the colonies, except in prey fed to mates by Roseate Terns, of which scad and tuna comprised 20%. The isotopic analyses of feathers replaced by adults (primary and body feathers) suggested, however, that the two species differ in foraging ecology during the nonbreeding period. Roseate Tern adults had consistently lower delta N-15 values than Lesser Noddies which, in turn, had delta N-15 values comparable to those of chick feathers grown on Aride. Moreover, low but similar mercury levels were found in body feathers of Lesser Noddy adults and Roseate Tern chicks, whereas Roseate Tern adults were significantly more contaminated. Overall, these results support the hypothesis that the Lesser Noddy is largely sedentary, being associated with the Same food web in the vicinity of the colonies year-round. In contrast, Roseate Terns rely on distinct prey during the molting (nonbreeding) season which may be also consistent with a change in food web (i.e., a migratory regime) although the assignment of potential wintering areas remain difficult without isotopic basemaps currently available for the Indian Ocean.

Large-scale responses of nematode communities to chronic otter-trawl disturbance

Nematodes, because of their small size and short life cycles, are thought to be less affected by direct trawling mortality compared with the larger macrofauna. However, nematodes may still be indirectly affected by the physical disturbance of trawling through changing sediment characteristics and food web structure. We determined whether nematode communities on two muddy fishing grounds located in the North Sea and Irish Sea were affected by chronic otter-trawl disturbance and quantified these effects. Nematode abundance, production, and genus richness declined in response to trawling within both areas. Nematode biomass did not respond to trawling intensity. Genus composition was affected by trawling only in the North Sea. The responses in abundance of individual nematode genera to increasing trawling intensity were negative as well as positive. These results indicate that despite their size and fast life cycle, nematodes are affected by intensive trawling on muddy fishing grounds. The loss in secondary production from nematodes can have far-reaching consequences for the integrity of the benthic food web. As bottom trawl fisheries are expanding into ever deeper muddy habitats, the results presented here are an important step towards understanding the global ecosystem effects of bottom trawling.

Distribution of the invasive New Zealand mudsnail (Potamopyrgus antipodarum) in the Columbia River Estuary and its first recorded occurrence in the diet of juvenile Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)

Estuaries play an important role as nurseries and migration corridors for Chinook salmon and other fishes. The invasive New Zealand mudsnail, Potamopyrgus antipodarum (Gray, 1843), has been noted in the Columbia River Estuary and other estuaries in the western USA, yet no studies have addressed the estuarine impacts of this invader. Our data show P. antipodarum is currently found in five peripheral bays and many tributaries of the Columbia River Estuary, where it can constitute a major portion of the benthic invertebrate biomass and where it co-occurs with native amphipod species. We review the history of the P. antipodarum invasion in the Columbia River Estuary and discuss potential impacts on estuarine food webs. We also report the first occurrence of P. antipodarum in the diet of juvenile Chinook salmon from the Columbia River Estuary. Although present in Chinook diets at very low frequencies, our observations of P. antipodarum in Chinook gut contents may represent early stages of food web change due to the establishment of dense estuarine snail populations. Additional research is needed to determine the effects of P. antipodarum on benthic resources, native benthic invertebrates, and benthic predators. We encourage biologists working in western USA estuaries to be alert to the possibility of encountering P. antipodarum in benthic habitats and predator diets.

Can stable isotope (δ13C and δ15N) measurements of little auk (Alle alle) adults and chicks be used to track changes in high-Arctic marine foodwebs?

The little auk (Alle alle), a small and abundant planktivorous seabird that breeds in the high Arctic, has the potential to be used as a monitor of the composition and abundance of lower trophic-level zooplankton. We investigated age- and sex-related sources of variation in diet and stable isotope (δ13C and δ15N) values of little auks breeding in Spitsbergen during the summer of 2002 to evaluate this possibility. Stable isotope profiles of both adult and chick blood changed over the breeding season, with blood δ15N values increasing and δ13C values decreasing. This could represent a switch to higher trophic-level prey derived from more pelagic sources. However, while chick blood δ13C values followed those values in their meals, this was not the case for blood δ15N values, suggesting additional physiological mechanisms influencing blood δ15N values in growing chicks. Chicks had consistently lower δ15N values than their parents, which may indicate they were being fed on lower trophic-level prey items or may alternatively reflect complexities in chick blood δ15N values through the growth period. These results have several important implications for use of stable isotope analysis as a tool to detect changes in seabird diet and availability of lower trophic-level prey in high-Arctic marine environments. Until physiological aspects of stable isotope discrimination are well understood, we caution against using chicks of this seabird as any form of isotopic monitor.

Binary dietary responses of northern gannets Sula bassana indicate changing food web and oceanographic conditions

MEPS Marine Ecology Progress Series Contact the journal Facebook Twitter RSS Mailing List Subscribe to our mailing list via Mailchimp HomeLatest VolumeAbout the JournalEditorsTheme Sections MEPS 352:213-220 (2007) - DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps07075 Binary dietary responses of northern gannets Sula bassana indicate changing food web and oceanographic conditions W. A. Montevecchi* Cognitive and Behavioural Ecology Program, Memorial University, St. John’s, Newfoundland A1B 3X9, Canada *Email: mont@mun.ca ABSTRACT: Interactions between seabirds and their prey are shaped largely by the dynamics of the marine ecosystems in which they are embedded. Physical oceanographic processes can drive the distributions of ectothermic and planktonic prey and hence their availability to marine birds. Owing to the complex nature of these processes and interactions, the signal-to-noise ratios of avian indicators of prey conditions are variable, often low and further degraded (buffered) by seabird behaviour and life-history features. Cairns (1987, Biol Oceanogr 5:261–271) detailed seabird responses operating over a range of temporal scales to variation in food supplies, and suggested that interval relationships might be developed between avian responses and environmental variation. While this may be possible in some instances, it appears unrealistic in most instances to expect interval relationships between seabird responses and prey conditions that are often nonlinearly related. The present paper focuses on binary data (e.g. breeding success versus failure) derived from seabirds that can provide robust information about major shifts in prey and oceanographic conditions and that are particularly informative when accumulated over decadal and large ocean scales. Inter-annual and decadal variations in specific and nominally categorized (warm- versus cold-water) prey landings of northern gannets Sula bassana at a large oceanic colony in the NW Atlantic reflect shifts in pelagic food webs induced by changes in regional sea surface temperature. Binary patterns emphasize decadal shifts in food webs and yield predictive indication of systemic change. KEY WORDS: Binary patterns . Bio-indicators . Decadal scales . Seabirds . Ecosystem shift Full text in pdf format PreviousNextCite this article as: Montevecchi WA (2007) Binary dietary responses of northern gannets Sula bassana indicate changing food web and oceanographic conditions. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 352:213-220. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps07075 Export citation RSS - Facebook - Tweet - linkedIn Cited by Published in MEPS Vol. 352. Online publication date: December 20, 2007 Print ISSN: 0171-8630; Online ISSN: 1616-1599 Copyright © 2007 Inter-Research.

Role of tardigrades in the suppressive service of a soil food web

In a previous study, soil suppressiveness to populations of the plant-parasitic nematode Meloidogyne incognita was correlated with abundance of omnivore and predatory nematodes. In the current study, performance of the regulatory function switched from nematodes to tardigrades when predatory nematodes disappeared due to predation pressure and/or unfavorable environmental conditions. Two tardigrade species, Macrobiotus richtersi and M. harmsworthi effectively suppressed nematode populations. While there were significant changes in the soil food web over time, the regulatory function was maintained. Under experimental conditions, M. richtersi consumed 61 nematodes per day, indicating that tardigrades may significantly reduce nematode biomass. The impact of tardigrades on soil food web dynamics and their relationships with nematodes are discussed.

QUANTITATIVE APPROACHES TO THE ANALYSIS OF STABLE ISOTOPE FOOD WEB DATA

Ecologists use stable isotopes (delta13C, delta15N) to better understand food webs and explore trophic interactions in ecosystems. Traditionally, delta13C vs. delta15N bi-plots have been used to describe food web structure for a single time period or ecosystem. Comparisons of food webs across time and space are increasing, but development of statistical approaches for testing hypotheses regarding food web change has lagged behind. Here we present statistical methodologies for quantitatively comparing stable isotope food web data. We demonstrate the utility of circular statistics and hypothesis tests for quantifying directional food web differences using two case studies: an arthropod salt marsh community across a habitat gradient and a freshwater fish community from Lake Tahoe, USA, over a 120-year time period. We calculated magnitude and mean angle of change (theta) for each species in food web space using mean delta13C and delta15N of each species as the x, y coordinates. In the coastal salt marsh, arthropod consumers exhibited a significant shift toward dependence on Spartina, progressing from a habitat invaded by Phragmites to a restored Spartina habitat. In Lake Tahoe, we found that all species from the freshwater fish community shifted in the same direction in food web space toward more pelagic-based production with the introduction of nonnative Mysis relicta and onset of cultural eutrophication. Using circular statistics to quantitatively analyze stable isotope food web data, we were able to gain significant insight into patterns and changes in food web structure that were not evident from qualitative comparisons. As more ecologists incorporate a food web perspective into ecosystem analysis, these statistical tools can provide a basis for quantifying directional food web differences from standard isotope data.

Trophic structure of zooplankton in the Fram Strait in spring and autumn 2003

Abstract The trophic structure of zooplankton was investigated in Fram Strait (north western Svalbard) in spring and autumn of 2003. Depth-stratified zooplankton samples were collected at 12 stations on the shelf (∼200 m), across the shelf-slope (∼500 m) and over deep water (>750 m), using a Multiple Plankton Sampler equipped with 0.180-mm mesh size nets. Higher zooplankton abundance and estimated biomass were found in the shelf area. Abundance and biomass were two times higher in August, when sea-surface temperature was higher than in May. Herbivores dominated numerically in May, and omnivores in August, suggesting a seasonal sequence of domination by different trophic groups. Cirripedia nauplii and Fritillaria borealis prevailed in spring, whereas copepod nauplii and Calanus finmarchicus were numerically the most important herbivores in autumn. Small copepods, Oithona similis and Triconia borealis , were the most numerous omnivorous species in both seasons, but their abundances increased in autumn. Chaetognatha (mainly Eukrohnia hamata ) accounted for the highest abundance and biomass among predatory taxa at all deep-water stations and during both seasons. Regarding vertical distribution, herbivores dominated numerically in the surface layer (0–20 m), and omnivores were concentrated somewhat deeper (20–50 m) during both seasons. Maximum abundance of predators was found in the surface layer (0–20 m) in spring, and generally in the 20–50 m layer in autumn. This paper presents the first comprehensive summary of the zooplankton trophic structure in the Fram Strait area. Our goals are to improve understanding of energy transfer through this ecosystem, and of potential climate-induced changes in Arctic marine food webs.

Nutrient versus consumer control of community structure in a Chesapeake Bay eelgrass habitat

MEPS Marine Ecology Progress Series Contact the journal Facebook Twitter RSS Mailing List Subscribe to our mailing list via Mailchimp HomeLatest VolumeAbout the JournalEditorsTheme Sections MEPS 348:71-83 (2007) - DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps07091 Nutrient versus consumer control of community structure in a Chesapeake Bay eelgrass habitat James Grayland Douglass*, J. Emmett Duffy, Amanda C. Spivak, John Paul Richardson Virginia Institute of Marine Science and College of William & Mary School of Marine Science, PO Box 1346, Gloucester Point, Virginia 23062, USA *Email: james@vims.edu ABSTRACT: Nutrient loading can dramatically alter benthic communities and has been implicated in the worldwide decline of seagrass beds. Ongoing changes in food webs caused by overfishing could also contribute to seagrass decline. However, the interaction of these factors and the role of small invertebrate grazers in mediating them are poorly understood. We examined the relative impacts of nutrient loading and food web alteration on eelgrass Zostera marina L. community structure in Chesapeake Bay by manipulating nutrients, predatory crabs, and invertebrate grazers in field enclosures over 28 d in summer. Nutrient loading increased epiphyte accumulation early in the experiment, decreased eelgrass biomass, and reduced the abundance of the colonial tunicate Botryllus schlosseri. Grazers decreased epiphyte accumulation, altered the recruitment of sessile invertebrates, and sometimes damaged eelgrass via overgrazing. Crabs reduced the abundance of eelgrass, and changed the species composition and abundance of grazers and sessile invertebrates. On average, the impacts of food web alterations and nutrient loading were comparable in magnitude and tended to be additive, rather than interactive. However, the distinct responses of different taxa in the community to the experimental treatments indicated that food web structure interacted with both bottom-up and top-down forces to determine overall community organization. These results highlight the importance of incorporating food web dynamics into seagrass conservation and management efforts. KEY WORDS: Zostera marina · Top-down processes · Bottom-up processes · Mesograzers · Nutrient loading Full text in pdf format PreviousNextCite this article as: Douglass JG, Duffy JE, Spivak AC, Richardson JP (2007) Nutrient versus consumer control of community structure in a Chesapeake Bay eelgrass habitat. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 348:71-83. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps07091Export citation RSS - Facebook - Tweet - linkedIn Cited by Published in MEPS Vol. 348. Online publication date: October 25, 2007 Print ISSN: 0171-8630; Online ISSN: 1616-1599 Copyright © 2007 Inter-Research.