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Experimental Protocol for Manipulating Plant-induced Soil Heterogeneity
Published on: March 13, 2014
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
Ecology Letters
|August 26, 2009
Summary
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.
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.
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