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Predator-dependent species-area relationships.

Wade A Ryberg1, Jonathan M Chase

  • 1Department of Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, USA. waryberg@artsci.wust.edu

The American Naturalist
|September 25, 2007
PubMed
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Predators can alter species richness by influencing prey extinction rates, potentially reducing the slopes of species-area relationships (SARs). This study investigated how predation impacts diversity patterns in different ecosystems.

Area of Science:

  • Ecology
  • Island Biogeography
  • Biodiversity Research

Background:

  • Habitat area positively affects species richness (species-area relationships, SARs).
  • Predator presence, influenced by habitat area, can indirectly affect prey richness.
  • The combined direct and indirect effects of area on richness are simultaneous but not fully understood regarding predation's role.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate how predation influences the slopes of prey species-area relationships (SARs).
  • To extend MacArthur and Wilson's equilibrium theory of island biogeography by incorporating predation-induced extinction.
  • To understand the interactive effects of habitat area, predation, and diversity.

Main Methods:

  • Examined orthopteran richness in Ozark glades with and without insectivorous lizards.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Assessed zooplankton richness in freshwater ponds with and without zooplanktivorous fishes.
  • Compared SAR slopes in ecosystems with and without predators to evaluate predation's impact.

    • Main Results:

    • Predators were predicted to reduce the slopes of prey SARs.
    • Data from Ozark glades and freshwater ponds supported the prediction that predators alter diversity patterns.
    • The study demonstrated that predation significantly influences the relationship between habitat area and species richness.

    Conclusions:

    • Predation plays a critical role in shaping species-area relationships.
    • Anthropogenic activities can simultaneously alter ecological processes affecting diversity.
    • Understanding the interplay between habitat changes and predation is crucial for biodiversity conservation.