Interactive effects of predation risk and conspecific density on the nutrient stoichiometry of prey.

ABSTRACT: The mere presence of predators (i.e., predation risk) can alter consumer physiology by restricting food intake and inducing stress, which can ultimately affect prey-mediated ecosystem processes such as nutrient cycling. However, many environmental factors, including conspecific density, can mediate the perception of risk by prey. Prey conspecific density has been defined as a fundamental feature that modulates perceived risk. In this study, we tested the effects of predation risk on prey nutrient stoichiometry (body and excretion). Using a constant predation risk, we also tested the effects of varying conspecific densities on prey responses to predation risk. To answer these questions, we conducted a mesocosm experiment using caged predators (Belostoma sp.), and small bullfrog tadpoles (Li

SUBMITTER: Guariento RD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4662331 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature