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Linking Predation Risk, Herbivore Physiological Stress and Microbial Decomposition of Plant Litter

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Disturbance, biological legacies and community development in stream mesocosms.

Mark E Ledger¹, Rebecca M L Harris, Alexander M Milner

¹School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT, Birmingham, UK. m.e.ledger@bham.ac.uk

|April 28, 2006

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Biological legacies from remnant stream species significantly impact post-disturbance community development. The snail Radix peregra acted as an ecological engineer, altering invertebrate communities, while Gammarus pulex influenced species abundance through interference and predation.

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Area of Science:

Ecology
Freshwater Biology
Community Ecology

Background:

Disturbances in stream ecosystems reduce biodiversity and leave biological legacies, such as remnant species.
The influence of these remnant species on post-disturbance community development is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the effects of three remnant species—Radix peregra (snail), Serratella ignita (mayfly), and Gammarus pulex (freshwater shrimp)—on community development in simulated disturbed stream habitats.
To determine if the identity of remnant species influences legacy effects on invertebrate communities.

Main Methods:

Mesocosms mimicking disturbed stream habitat patches were established.
Three remnant species (Radix peregra, Serratella ignita, Gammarus pulex) were introduced to separate mesocosms.
Community development was monitored for 21 days following colonization by immigrant species.

Main Results:

The identity of the remnant species significantly affected community development, with Radix peregra having the most substantial impact.
Radix peregra acted as an ecological engineer by altering epilithon, promoting filter feeders and predators, and deterring non-predatory chironomids.
Gammarus pulex significantly increased in density and negatively affected other invertebrates through interference and/or predation.
Serratella ignita did not significantly alter the developing benthic community structure.
No remnant species significantly affected overall assemblage taxon richness or the richness of specific trophic groups.

Conclusions:

Biological legacies, specifically the identity of remnant species, play a crucial role in shaping post-disturbance community structure in stream ecosystems.
Different remnant species exert varying ecological influences based on their life-history traits and foraging behaviors, leading to distinct legacy effects.
Biota can create spatial heterogeneity in epilithon and benthic invertebrate distribution within stream environments.