Effects of invasive macrophyte on trophic diversity and position of secondary consumers |
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Authors: | Katya E Kovalenko Eric D Dibble |
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Institution: | (1) Biological Sciences, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, N9B 3P4, Canada;(2) Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mississippi State University, PO Box 9690, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA |
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Abstract: | Invasive species are one of the widespread stressors of aquatic ecosystems. Several studies document food web effects of invasive
fish, but little information is available on the effects of invasive macrophytes. We studied differences in food chain length
as well as trophic position and trophic diversity of fish and odonates in lakes dominated by native plants or invasive Eurasian
watermilfoil. Trophic position and food chain length were determined using baseline-adjusted δ15N isotope signatures. Trophic diversity, or isotope niche width, was estimated from convex hull area analysis. Results show
that trophic position of secondary consumers was not affected by the invasive macrophyte, whereas trophic diversity was greater
in watermilfoil-dominated lakes. The direction of isotopic niche expansion was different in fish and odonates, suggesting
potential decoupling in predator–prey interactions. This study shows that dominant non-native macrophytes may cause significant
changes in food web structure of invaded ecosystems. Trophic diversity may be a more sensitive indicator of environmental
stress than trophic position and has the potential to be used for assessment of invasive species impacts and restoration success. |
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Keywords: | |
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