Predation intensity depends on factors that affect both the predator’s ability to locate prey as well as defensive responses by prey to approaching predators. The interactive effects of short-term hypoxia and predation were tested on the survival of two bivalves (Tapes philippinarum and Musculista senhousia) through laboratory experiments. The crab Carcinus aestuarii was the predator. We found M. senhousia to be a focal prey of C. aestuarii, but after non-lethal hypoxia, the crabs’ preference for the focal prey was influenced by the presence of the other prey, T. philippinarum. We observed an environmentally-mediated, non-reciprocal indirect interaction between the two prey species, probably caused by differences in specific traits. Identifying the influence of short-term disturbance on predator-prey relationships is critical for predicting the effects of changes in water quality on trophic interactions and food web dynamics in transitional systems
Short-term sublethal hypoxia affects a predator-prey system in Northern Adriatic transitional waters
MUNARI, Cristina;MISTRI, Michele
2012
Abstract
Predation intensity depends on factors that affect both the predator’s ability to locate prey as well as defensive responses by prey to approaching predators. The interactive effects of short-term hypoxia and predation were tested on the survival of two bivalves (Tapes philippinarum and Musculista senhousia) through laboratory experiments. The crab Carcinus aestuarii was the predator. We found M. senhousia to be a focal prey of C. aestuarii, but after non-lethal hypoxia, the crabs’ preference for the focal prey was influenced by the presence of the other prey, T. philippinarum. We observed an environmentally-mediated, non-reciprocal indirect interaction between the two prey species, probably caused by differences in specific traits. Identifying the influence of short-term disturbance on predator-prey relationships is critical for predicting the effects of changes in water quality on trophic interactions and food web dynamics in transitional systemsI documenti in SFERA sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.