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Species-specific traits predict whole-assemblage detritus processing by pond invertebrates
Jared A Balik1,2,3, Cameron Leitz4,5, Susan E Washko4,6,7
1Department of Applied Ecology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA. balikj3@gmail.com.
Oecologia
|August 18, 2022
Summary
Functional trait diversity impacts ecosystem processes. Species-specific detritus processing rates are predictable using traits and are additive in mixed assemblages, aiding ecosystem function predictions.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Ecosystem Science
- Functional Ecology
Background:
- Functional trait diversity is key to understanding ecosystem process sensitivity to species changes.
- Detritivore trait variation influences processing rates and contributions to ecosystem functions.
- Understanding species-specific detritus processing is crucial for predicting ecosystem responses to biodiversity shifts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify species-specific processing of coarse and fine particulate organic matter (CPOM and FPOM) for various aquatic invertebrates.
- To identify which traits (life history, dietary, extrinsic) best explain interspecific variation in detritus processing.
- To assess the additivity of single-species detritus processing rates in mixed-species assemblages.
Main Methods:
- Microcosm experiments were conducted to measure CPOM and FPOM processing by ten larval caddisfly and three non-caddisfly species.
- Trait-based models incorporating life history, dietary, and extrinsic traits were developed to explain processing variation.
- Mixed-assemblage processing in microcosms and natural ponds was compared to additive predictions from single-species rates.
Main Results:
- Significant interspecific variation in biomass-specific CPOM (13-fold) and FPOM (8-fold) processing was observed.
- Dietary percent detritus, development rate, body size, and wetland hydroperiod explained 81% of CPOM and 57% of FPOM processing variation.
- Mixed-assemblage processing closely matched additive predictions, with a maximum 15% overestimate.
Conclusions:
- Single-species detritus processing rates are largely additive in mixed assemblages, supporting their use in predicting ecosystem functions.
- Trait-based models effectively predict species-specific detritus processing, enabling the estimation of whole-assemblage functions.
- Non-shredder taxa may contribute significantly to detritus processing, broadening our understanding of aquatic food webs.
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