Experimental Evidence Shows the Importance of Behavioural Plasticity and Body Size under Competition in Waterfowl.

ABSTRACT: When differently sized species feed on the same resources, interference competition may occur, which may negatively affect their food intake rate. It is expected that competition between species also alters behaviour and feeding patch selection. To assess these changes in behaviour and patch selection, we applied an experimental approach using captive birds of three differently sized Anatidae species: wigeon (Anas penelope) (~600 g), swan goose (Anser cygnoides) (~2700 g) and bean goose (Anser fabalis) (~3200 g). We quantified the functional response for each species and then recorded their behaviour and patch selection with and without potential competitors, using different species combinations. Our results showed that all three species acquired the highest nitrogen intake at relatively t

SUBMITTER: Zhang Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5058547 | biostudies-literature | 2016

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature