Effects of experimental watering but not warming on herbivory vary across a gradient of precipitation.

ABSTRACT: Climate change can affect biotic interactions, and the impacts of climate on biotic interactions may vary across climate gradients. Climate affects biotic interactions through multiple drivers, although few studies have investigated multiple climate drivers in experiments. We examined the effects of experimental watering, warming, and predator access on leaf water content and herbivory rates of woolly bear caterpillars (Arctia virginalis) on a native perennial plant, pacific silverweed (Argentina anserina ssp. pacifica), at two sites across a gradient of precipitation in coastal California. Based on theory, we predicted that watering should increase herbivory at the drier end of the gradient, predation should decrease herbivory, and watering and warming should have positive i

SUBMITTER: Pepi A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7920774 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature