Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 15, 2026
10:20
Linking Predation Risk, Herbivore Physiological Stress and Microbial Decomposition of Plant Litter
Published on: March 12, 2013
14.0K
Divergent Functional Roles of Shredder Size: Interspecific Versus Intraspecific Effects on Aquatic Leaf Litter
Mourine J Yegon1,2, Pratiksha Acharya1,3, Katrin Attermeyer1,3
1Wassercluster Lunz-Biological Station Lunz am See Austria.
Ecology and Evolution
|January 14, 2026
Summary
Biodiversity enhances ecosystem functioning, but shredder identity and ontogenetic stage significantly impact leaf litter decomposition and fine particulate organic matter (FPOM) production. Younger larvae showed higher processing rates.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Ecosystem Science
- Invertebrate Ecology
Background:
- Biodiversity and species traits influence ecosystem functioning.
- Intraspecific variation, including ontogenetic stages, can alter a taxon's ecological role.
- Understanding these factors is crucial for predicting ecosystem processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of shredder identity, diversity, and ontogenetic stage on leaf litter decomposition.
- To examine the impact on fine particulate organic matter (FPOM) production.
- To test hypotheses regarding taxon-specific and ontogeny-driven variations in ecosystem functioning.
Main Methods:
- Laboratory experiments using three caddisfly shredder taxa (Allogamus, Potamophylax, Sericostoma).
- Incubation of alder leaves with individual taxa and combinations across different larval instars and collection times.
- Measurement of decomposition rates, FPOM production, and particle size distribution.
Main Results:
- Shredder identity and ontogenetic stage significantly influenced decomposition and FPOM production.
- Potamophylax exhibited the highest decomposition and FPOM production rates, producing larger particles.
- Allogamus showed the lowest rates and smallest particle production.
- Younger larval stages consistently demonstrated higher processing rates than older conspecifics within each taxon.
Conclusions:
- Shredder identity and ontogenetic stage are critical determinants of ecosystem process rates and timing.
- Intraspecific variation plays a significant role in modulating ecosystem functioning.
- Findings emphasize the need to consider life-history stages in ecological studies.
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