Body size predicts ontogenetic nitrogen stable-isotope (δ¹⁵N) variation, but has little relationship with trophic level in ectotherm vertebrate predators.

ABSTRACT: Large predators have disproportionate effects on their underlying food webs. Thus, appropriately assigning trophic positions has important conservation implications both for the predators themselves and for their prey. Large-bodied predators are often referred to as apex predators, implying that they are many trophic levels above primary producers. However, theoretical considerations predict both higher and lower trophic position with increasing body size. Nitrogen stable isotope values (δ¹⁵N) are increasingly replacing stomach contents or behavioral observations to assess trophic position and it is often assumed that ontogenetic dietary shifts result in higher trophic positions. Intraspecific studies based on δ¹⁵N values found a positive relationship between size and

SUBMITTER: Villamarin F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11189434 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature