Greater risk-taking by non-native than native shrimp: an advantage in a human-disturbed environment?

ABSTRACT:

Background

The invasion of non-native species into ecosystems is a growing human-induced problem. To control their spread and population growth, knowledge is needed on the factors that facilitate or impede their invasions. In animals, traits often associated with invasion success are high activity, boldness, and aggression. However, these traits also make individuals susceptible to predation, which could curb population growth. We investigated if a recent invader into the Baltic Sea, the shrimp Palaemon elegans, differs in risk-taking from a native shrimp, P. adspersus. We recorded activity, habitat choice, and response to perceived predation threat of both species.

Results

We found the invading shrimp to take greater risks than the native one; while the native shrimp adjust

SUBMITTER: Gomez AE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11574993 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature