Trophic Shifts of a Generalist Consumer in Response to Resource Pulses
Author Information
Author(s): Shaner Pei-Jen L., Macko Stephen A.
Primary Institution: Duke University, United States of America
Hypothesis
Are there trophic shifts in the White-footed mouse in response to seed and cicadas pulses, and if so, what are the directions and magnitudes of the shifts?
Conclusion
Resource pulses can drive significant dietary shifts in the White-footed mouse, with increased reliance on producers during seed pulses and variable responses to cicadas.
Supporting Evidence
- Producer contribution to mouse diets increased by 32% with seed pulses.
- Consumer contribution increased by 29% with cicadas in one grid but decreased in another.
- Stable isotopes provided quantitative descriptions of dietary shifts.
Takeaway
When food is plentiful, like seeds or cicadas, mice change what they eat, which can affect the whole food web.
Methodology
Stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes were used with a Bayesian multi-source mixing model to estimate dietary contributions of different trophic groups to the diets of the White-footed mouse.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in dietary estimates due to the use of generic isotope values for the fungus-detritivore group.
Limitations
The study's control for cicadas emergence was not ideal due to spatial confounding, and the results may not generalize to all environments.
Participant Demographics
The study focused on the White-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus), a common rodent species in North America.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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