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Behavioural interactions between ecosystem engineers control community species richness.

Paul E Gribben1, James E Byers, Michael Clements

  • 1Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Technology, Sydney, Australia. paul.gribben@uts.edu.au

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|August 26, 2009
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The invasive alga Caulerpa taxifolia indirectly boosts biodiversity by altering clam behavior. This modification of the native clam Anadara trapezia provides new surfaces for other organisms, increasing overall community diversity.

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Area of Science:

  • Marine ecology
  • Invasive species biology
  • Community ecology

Background:

  • Ecosystem engineers significantly shape community structure.
  • The invasive alga Caulerpa taxifolia is present in southeastern Australia.
  • The native clam Anadara trapezia is an ecosystem engineer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if Caulerpa taxifolia indirectly facilitates community diversity by altering Anadara trapezia behavior.
  • To understand the role of behavioral interactions between ecosystem engineers in structuring communities.

Main Methods:

  • Field observations of Anadara trapezia in Caulerpa-invaded and unvegetated sediments.
  • Experimental manipulation of clam burial depth, predator exposure, and habitat.
  • Quantification of epibiont diversity and abundance on Anadara trapezia.

Main Results:

  • Clams in Caulerpa-invaded sediments partially unburied themselves, exposing more shell surface.
  • Higher diversity and abundance of epibiota were found on clams in Caulerpa compared to unvegetated sediments.
  • Clam burial depth was the primary driver of epibiont species richness and abundance.

Conclusions:

  • Caulerpa taxifolia facilitates epibiont communities by altering Anadara trapezia burial depth.
  • Behavioral modifications of one ecosystem engineer by another can lead to widespread community facilitation.
  • Subtle behavioral responses can have significant impacts on community structure and diversity.