Coexistence mechanisms and individual trophic niche variation between functionally analogous non-native and native carp species.

ABSTRACT: Understanding the mechanisms that promote coexistence between functionally analogous non-native and native species that share similar prey is important for predicting the ecological consequences of their competitive interactions. Theory predicts that species coexistence is facilitated by stabilizing mechanisms that enhance inter-specific trophic niche partitioning, and/ or the equalizing mechanisms that reduce differences in the average fitness. Inter-specific niche partitioning, influenced by the ecological opportunity in prey resources, also affects intra-specific niche partitioning and individual niche expansion. These theories were tested using the non-native mrigal carp Cirrhinus mrigala and its congener native mud carp C. molitorella that coexist across the Pearl River basin, Souther

SUBMITTER: Zhang Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11550417 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature