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Prey diversity, prey composition, and predator population dynamics in experimental microcosms.
1Department of Ecology, Evolution and Natural Resources, 14 College Farm Road, Cook College, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901-8511, USA.
The Journal of Animal Ecology
|January 10, 2018
Summary
Contrary to common ecological assumptions, this study found that increased food-web complexity, specifically higher prey diversity, enhanced predator population stability in aquatic ecosystems. This suggests prey reliability is key to stability.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Ecological stability
- Food web dynamics
Background:
- Food-web complexity-stability relationships are a core ecological concept.
- Many empirical studies indicate that greater complexity leads to lower population stability.
- This study investigates the counter-intuitive relationship between complexity and stability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine how prey diversity influences predator population stability.
- To determine the role of prey composition alongside prey diversity.
- To identify mechanisms through which prey diversity affects predator dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Aquatic microcosm experiments were conducted.
- Predator population variability was measured against varying prey diversity.
- Prey composition was systematically altered within diversity levels.
Main Results:
- Predator population variability decreased as prey diversity increased.
- Both prey diversity and specific prey species composition affected predator population dynamics.
- Evidence supports prey reliability as a key mechanism enhancing predator stability.
Conclusions:
- Greater food-web complexity, specifically increased prey diversity, can lead to enhanced predator population stability.
- Prey composition and diversity are critical determinants of predator stability.
- Findings support the hypothesis that increased prey reliability at higher diversities bolsters predator stability.
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