Predators and resources influence phosphorus transfer along an invertebrate food web through changes in prey behaviour.

ABSTRACT: Predators play a fundamental role in prey trophic behaviour, with indirect consequences for species coexistence and ecosystem functioning. Resource quality and availability also influence prey trophic behaviour, with potential effects on predator-prey dynamics. Although many studies have addressed these topics, little attention has been paid to the combined effects of predators and resources on prey species coexistence and nutrient transfer along food chains, especially in detritus-based systems. To determine the influence of predators and resource quality on the movement and P uptake of detritivores, we carried out a field experiment on the River Kelvin (Scotland) using (32)P to test the hypothesis of reduced prey vagility among resource patches as a strategy to avoid predation. Thirty le

SUBMITTER: Calizza E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3672138 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature