Sublethal effects of a rapidly spreading native alga on a key herbivore.

ABSTRACT: Multiple anthropogenic stressors are causing a global decline in foundation species, including macrophytes, often resulting in the expansion of functionally different, more stressor-tolerant macrophytes. Previously subdominant species may experience further positive demographic feedback if they are exposed to weaker plant-herbivore interactions, possibly via decreased palatability or being structurally different from the species they are replacing. However, the consequences of the spread of opportunistic macrophytes for the local distribution and life history of herbivores are unknown.The green alga, Caulerpa filiformis, previously a subdominant macrophyte on low intertidal-shallow subtidal rock shores, is becoming locally more abundant and has spread into warmer waters across the c

SUBMITTER: Bradley DJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8462141 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature