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A Real-Time Interactive System for Studying Confrontational Pursuit Behavior in Rodents

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Fitness and community consequences of avoiding multiple predators.

Barbara L Peckarsky¹, Angus R McIntosh²

¹Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA e-mail: BLP1@cornell.edu, , , , , , US.

|March 18, 2017

Summary

Multiple predators, brook trout and stoneflies, impact mayfly (Baetis bicaudatus) size and behavior. These predator interactions create a behavioral trophic cascade, increasing algal biomass, demonstrating complex ecological community dynamics.

Keywords:

Interaction modification Key words Behavioural trophic cascade Mayflies Predator-prey interactions Sublethal effects

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Area of Science:

Ecology
Behavioral Ecology
Aquatic Ecology

Background:

Sublethal effects of predators on prey behavior can have cascading consequences for lower trophic levels.
Understanding predator interactions is crucial for predicting community dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the fitness and community consequences of behavioral interactions with multiple predators in a four-trophic-level system.
To examine the single and interactive sublethal effects of brook trout and stoneflies on mayfly size at emergence and algal biomass.

Main Methods:

An experiment was conducted in artificial stream tanks using four treatments: trout odor, stoneflies, trout odor + stoneflies, and control.
Mayfly (Baetis bicaudatus) size at emergence and algal biomass were measured.
Mayfly behavior (drift and feeding) was observed to determine the mechanisms of sublethal effects.

Main Results:

Both trout odor and stoneflies reduced mayfly size at emergence, with non-additive effects observed.
Stoneflies delayed mayfly emergence, suggesting a greater sublethal fitness cost than trout.
Algal biomass was higher in tanks with both predators, indicating a behavioral trophic cascade.

Conclusions:

Predator-induced behavioral changes in prey can lead to significant indirect effects on lower trophic levels.
The presence of multiple predators can modify each other's impact on prey, a phenomenon known as interaction modification.
Considering multiple predators and their behavioral mechanisms is essential for a comprehensive understanding of ecological communities.