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Inferring predator-prey interaction in the subterranean environment: a case study from Dinaric caves
Ester Premate1, Maja Zagmajster2, Cene Fišer2
1SubBio Lab, Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia. ester.premate@bf.uni-lj.si.
Scientific Reports
|November 5, 2021
Summary
In Dinaric caves, spined amphipods (Niphargus) co-occur with the predatory olm (Proteus anguinus), suggesting spines evolved for defense against this predator. This study offers a framework for studying predator-prey dynamics in inaccessible environments.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Cave Biology
Background:
- Predator-prey interactions are crucial for community structure and trait evolution.
- Subterranean environments pose challenges for studying these dynamics.
- Dorsal spines in Niphargus amphipods are hypothesized defensive traits against the olm predator.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate predator-prey interactions between Niphargus amphipods and the olm in Dinaric cave systems.
- To determine if dorsal spines in Niphargus serve as a defense against olm predation.
- To develop a methodological framework for studying such interactions in extreme environments.
Main Methods:
- Spatial overlap analysis between olm and Niphargus species.
- Phylogenetic methods to model the evolution of dorsal spines.
- Comparative analysis of spined versus non-spined Niphargus species.
Main Results:
- Spined Niphargus species exhibit greater spatial overlap and co-occurrence with the olm.
- Phylogenetic modeling suggests coevolution of dorsal spines in response to olm presence.
- Non-spined species are found less frequently in proximity to the olm.
Conclusions:
- Dorsal spines in Niphargus likely evolved as a defensive adaptation against the predatory olm.
- This study provides evidence for a predator-prey arms race in subterranean ecosystems.
- The combined spatial and phylogenetic approach offers a viable method for studying inaccessible ecological interactions.
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