Variable and complex food web structures revealed by exploring missing trophic links between birds and biofilm

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Zoology

Background:

• Food webs are crucial for understanding ecosystem processes, but unknown interactions complicate their study.
• Direct predator-prey relationships between shorebirds and biofilm represent a critical, yet overlooked, component of many food webs.

Discussion:

• The strength of the shorebird-biofilm interaction varies with predator traits (body mass, foraging rate) and environmental food density.
• Morphological adaptations in smaller shorebirds suggest a phylogenetic basis for biofilm consumption, influencing niche differentiation.

Key Insights:

• Direct consumption of biofilm by shorebirds is a widespread phenomenon, mediated by ecological and evolutionary factors.
• This previously missing link is vital for accurate food web modeling and understanding ecosystem stability.
• The findings necessitate a re-evaluation of niche differentiation and interspecific competition in coastal ecosystems.

Outlook:

• Further research should explore the broader implications of biofilm consumption across diverse avian and aquatic ecosystems.
• Investigating the evolutionary pathways and adaptive significance of biofilm feeding in shorebirds is warranted.
• Incorporating these missing links into ecological models will enhance predictions of ecosystem responses to environmental change.