Species Diversity Enhances Predator Growth Rates

Research Letters in Ecology

Robert P.Jacobs¹  Mark H.Olson¹  Eileen B.O'Donnell¹ 

DOI  :  10.1155/2007/94587

学科分类：环境科学（综合）

来源: Hindawi Publishing Corporation

【 摘 要 】

Predators can be important top-down regulators of community structure and are known to have both positive and negative effects on species diversity.However, little is known about the reciprocal effects of species diversity on predators.Across a set of 80 lakes in Connecticut, USA, we found a strong positive correlation between prey species diversity (using the Shannon-Weiner Diversity Index) and growth rates of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). This correlation was strongest for small predators and decreased with body size.Although the underlying mechanisms are not known, the correlation is not driven by total fish abundance, predator abundance, or productivity.

【 授权许可】

Unknown