Predator macroevolution drives trophic cascades and ecosystem functioning

Area of Science:

• Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
• Macroevolutionary Studies
• Ecosystem Functioning

Background:

• Ecology influences evolution, and evolution shapes ecological patterns.
• Macroevolutionary transitions can lead to species phenotypic differences.
• These differences impact species interactions, community assembly, and ecosystem functioning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how macroevolutionary transitions affect species interactions and ecosystem functioning.
• To test the hypothesis that macroevolutionary history predicts ecological impacts.
• To examine the role of repeated speciation in creating similar ecological patterns.

Main Methods:

• Conducted experiments using dragonfly larvae from different pond habitats (with fish, without fish, or both).
• Assessed behavioral differences in dragonfly larvae based on their habitat history.
• Analyzed impacts on prey abundance, community composition, and trophic cascades.

Main Results:

• Macroevolutionary transitions resulted in more active fishless pond dragonfly larvae compared to fish pond specialists.
• Increased activity led to reduced prey abundance and altered prey community structure.
• These changes amplified trophic cascades and influenced ecosystem multi-functioning.

Conclusions:

• Macroevolutionary history has predictable impacts on phenotypic traits.
• These trait changes have significant consequences for species interactions and ecosystem processes.
• Evolutionary history is a key factor in understanding current ecological patterns and ecosystem functioning.