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Species-Specific Traits Rather Than Resource Partitioning Mediate Diversity Effects on Resource Use

Species-Specific Traits Rather Than Resource Partitioning Mediate Diversity Effects on Resource Use
Species-Specific Traits Rather Than Resource Partitioning Mediate Diversity Effects on Resource Use
Background: The link between biodiversity and ecosystem processes has firmly been established, but the mechanisms underpinning this relationship are poorly documented. Most studies have focused on terrestrial plant systems where resource use can be difficult to quantify as species rely on a limited number of common resources. Investigating resource use at the bulk level may not always be of sufficient resolution to detect subtle differences in resource use, as species-specific nutritional niches at the biochemical level may also moderate diversity effects on resource use.

Methodology/Principal Findings: Here we use three co-occurring marine benthic echinoderms (Brissopsis lyrifera, Mesothuria intestinalis, Parastichopus tremulus) that feed on the same phytodetrital food source, to determine whether resource partitioning is the principal mechanism underpinning diversity effects on resource use. Specifically we investigate the use of phytodetrital pigments ( chlorophylls and carotenoids) because many of these are essential for biological functions, including reproduction. Pigments were identified and quantified using reverse-phase high performance liquid Chromatography ( HPLC) and data were analysed using a combination of extended linear regression with generalised least squares (GLS) estimation and standard multivariate techniques. Our analyses reveal no species-specific selectivity for particular algal pigments, confirming that these three species do not partition food resources at the biochemical level. Nevertheless, we demonstrate increased total resource use in diverse treatments as a result of selection effects and the dominance of one species (B. lyrifera).

Conclusion: Overall, we found no evidence for resource partitioning at the biochemical level, as pigment composition was similar between individuals, which is likely due to plentiful food availability. Reduced intra-specific competition in the species mixture combined with greater adsorption efficiency and differences in feeding behaviour likely explain the dominant use of resources by B. lyrifera.
1932-6203
e7423
Godbold, Jasmin A
df6da569-e7ea-43ca-8a95-a563829fb88a
Rosenberg, Rutger
9e2105a2-6a75-4611-a26b-90a0bd465667
Solan, Martin
c28b294a-1db6-4677-8eab-bd8d6221fecf
Godbold, Jasmin A
df6da569-e7ea-43ca-8a95-a563829fb88a
Rosenberg, Rutger
9e2105a2-6a75-4611-a26b-90a0bd465667
Solan, Martin
c28b294a-1db6-4677-8eab-bd8d6221fecf

Godbold, Jasmin A, Rosenberg, Rutger and Solan, Martin (2009) Species-Specific Traits Rather Than Resource Partitioning Mediate Diversity Effects on Resource Use. PLoS ONE, 4 (10), e7423. (doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0007423).

Record type: Article

Abstract

Background: The link between biodiversity and ecosystem processes has firmly been established, but the mechanisms underpinning this relationship are poorly documented. Most studies have focused on terrestrial plant systems where resource use can be difficult to quantify as species rely on a limited number of common resources. Investigating resource use at the bulk level may not always be of sufficient resolution to detect subtle differences in resource use, as species-specific nutritional niches at the biochemical level may also moderate diversity effects on resource use.

Methodology/Principal Findings: Here we use three co-occurring marine benthic echinoderms (Brissopsis lyrifera, Mesothuria intestinalis, Parastichopus tremulus) that feed on the same phytodetrital food source, to determine whether resource partitioning is the principal mechanism underpinning diversity effects on resource use. Specifically we investigate the use of phytodetrital pigments ( chlorophylls and carotenoids) because many of these are essential for biological functions, including reproduction. Pigments were identified and quantified using reverse-phase high performance liquid Chromatography ( HPLC) and data were analysed using a combination of extended linear regression with generalised least squares (GLS) estimation and standard multivariate techniques. Our analyses reveal no species-specific selectivity for particular algal pigments, confirming that these three species do not partition food resources at the biochemical level. Nevertheless, we demonstrate increased total resource use in diverse treatments as a result of selection effects and the dominance of one species (B. lyrifera).

Conclusion: Overall, we found no evidence for resource partitioning at the biochemical level, as pigment composition was similar between individuals, which is likely due to plentiful food availability. Reduced intra-specific competition in the species mixture combined with greater adsorption efficiency and differences in feeding behaviour likely explain the dominant use of resources by B. lyrifera.

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Published date: 14 October 2009
Organisations: Ocean Biochemistry & Ecosystems

Identifiers

Local EPrints ID: 301270
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/301270
ISSN: 1932-6203
PURE UUID: 55f61204-1c4d-4f09-b06f-440e066dd9b8
ORCID for Jasmin A Godbold: ORCID iD orcid.org/0000-0001-5558-8188
ORCID for Martin Solan: ORCID iD orcid.org/0000-0001-9924-5574

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Date deposited: 29 Feb 2012 13:52
Last modified: 15 Mar 2024 03:41

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Contributors

Author: Rutger Rosenberg
Author: Martin Solan ORCID iD

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