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In deep trouble: habitat selection constrained by multiple enemies in zooplankton
Ellen Decaestecker1, Luc De Meester, Dieter Ebert
1Laboratory of Aquatic Ecology, Catholic University of Leuven, Charles de Bériotstraat 32, 3000 Leuven, Belgium. ellen.decaestecker@bio.kuleuven.ac.be
Summary
Waterfleas (Daphnia magna) face a tradeoff between avoiding predators and parasites. Deeper habitats reduce predation but increase parasite risk, influencing habitat selection evolution.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Behavioral Ecology
Background:
- Habitat selection is a key predator-avoidance strategy, often viewed as a resource-predator tradeoff.
- Organisms frequently face multiple enemies, necessitating a broader perspective on habitat selection evolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the tradeoff between predator and parasite avoidance in waterflea (Daphnia magna) habitat selection.
- To explore the role of multiple enemies in the evolution of habitat selection behavior.
Main Methods:
- Experimental manipulation of waterflea phototaxis and exposure to predators and parasites.
- Observation of habitat selection behavior in response to predator cues.
- Assessment of parasitic infection rates.
Main Results:
- Negatively phototactic Daphnia avoid predators but increase parasite risk from sediment spores.
- Positively phototactic Daphnia have higher predation risk but lower infection rates.
- Predator-induced habitat shifts do not eliminate increased parasite risk.
Conclusions:
- A tradeoff exists between predator and parasite avoidance in Daphnia habitat selection.
- This tradeoff, driven by multiple enemies, may explain genetic variation in habitat selection behavior.
- Predator-induced behavioral changes can incur significant costs related to other environmental threats.