Article
Entomology
Eduardo T. Mezquida, Paula Caputo, Pablo Acebes
Summary: Seed predation is an antagonistic interaction that negatively affects the performance of individual plants and can limit plant population dynamics. Crop size, acorn production in a given year, and acorn size and chemical composition appear to be important traits for reducing damage by insect predators and improving the reproductive success of Quercus faginea.
Article
Ecology
Lillian J. Tuttle, Robert W. Lamb, Allison L. Stringer
Summary: Cleaning symbioses on coral reefs involve mutualistic interactions between cleaner and client fish, where cleaners remove parasites from clients. The study shows that learned avoidance behavior can protect cleaners from predation by invasive predators, highlighting the importance of behavioral plasticity in mediating species interactions in marine ecosystems.
FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Nathalie R. R. Sommer, Yara A. A. Alshwairikh, A. Z. Andis Arietta, David K. K. Skelly, Robert W. W. Buchkowski
Summary: Predation risk leads to various responses in prey, including changes in life history and habitat shifts. Metabolism, being a ubiquitous trait, provides a way to study the effects of predators and generate generalizable outcomes. In this study, we examined the metabolic responses of different functional groups of terrestrial and aquatic prey to predator cues. We found that constitutively defended prey did not show any metabolic responses, while deimatic and freeze-flight prey exhibited cue type and predator hunting mode-dependent metabolic responses. Consistent with previous research on nonconsumptive effects, ambush predators elicited metabolic responses, while active predators did not. We propose that future research should continue to use a metabolic approach as a unified, scalable response variable to study the sensory ecology of nonconsumptive effects and identify additional systems to evaluate predator hunting mode and prey antipredator defenses more comprehensively.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Finn C. G. Parker, Catherine J. Price, Clare McArthur, Jenna P. Bytheway, Peter B. Banks
Summary: Biological invasions are increasing globally, leading to more interactions between native and alien species. This study examines if native predators can overcome their naivete towards novel alien prey through a learned association between prey cues and food rewards, and if this conditioning increases their motivation to hunt alien prey. The study found that pre-exposing native bush rats to cockroach odor and food rewards increased their predation rates on the invasive cockroach species. The results suggest that predators can overcome naivete through learning, and pre-exposure to novel prey cues can enhance predation on alien prey.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Andrew M. Rogers, Francoise Lermite, Andrea S. Griffin, Berndt J. van Rensburg, Salit Kark
Summary: This study investigated the influence of the invasive Indian myna and native brushtail possum on urban nest box use by native birds in Australia. They found that possums were the most common nest box users and their occupancy was associated with higher nesting failure rates. The presence of common mynas did not have a significant negative impact on other birds, but better nest box design is needed to provide more nesting opportunities for native birds.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Xiao Yang, Zhi Yan, Xiaodong Li, Yaxi Li, Ke Li
Summary: Bloom-forming algae have the capacity to sense and respond to chemical cues from grazers, resulting in shifts in phenotype and the production of defensive compounds. This study investigated the effects of rotifer kairomones and algae-grazed cues on the morphology and chemical defenses of Phaeocystis globosa. The findings revealed that different stimuli can elicit morphological and chemical defenses through the regulation of lipid metabolism pathways and the production of glycosaminoglycans. This research highlights the importance of chemical ecology in herbivore-phytoplankton interactions.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Monika Sysiak, Barbara Pietrzak, Matylda Kubiak, Anna Bednarska, Andrzej Mikulski
Summary: By perceiving conspecific chemical cues, damselfly larvae are able to recognize the presence of other cannibals, which provides additional benefits for hunting and defense. However, it is unclear whether these cues inform individuals of danger or food availability in cannibalistic interactions. This study aimed to investigate the response of Ischnura elegans larvae to chemical cues from older conspecific larvae, and found that they exhibit anti-predator defense mechanisms in response to these cues, balancing prey-catching with staying safe.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
V. Selonen, P. B. Banks, J. Tobajas, T. Laaksonen
Summary: Complicated conservation problems may arise when predator numbers exceed their natural boundaries due to human influence. A study in southern Finland found that non-lethal methods such as chemical camouflage and conditioned food aversion showed potential for reducing nest predation. However, these methods did not decrease predator activity but affected their foraging behavior and ability to find nests.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2022)
Review
Ecology
Gregory A. Geller, Scott L. Parker
Summary: The dynamics of freshwater turtle nest predation by mammalian predators are influenced by various biotic and abiotic factors. Different predators use different cues to locate turtle nests. Most of the existing studies focus on North America, and more research is needed in other regions.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Carmen K. Blubaugh, Anne E. McElvenny, Ivy V. Widick
Summary: Red imported fire ants dominate certain food webs in North America due to their omnivorous and aggressive feeding behavior. Structural complexity of the habitat can mediate the effects of fire ants on native insects, increasing their activity and seed removal while reducing that of native seed predators.
Article
Ecology
Davinder Kaur, Azeem Iqbal, Ismael Soto, Jan Kubec, Milos Buric
Summary: Multisensory stimuli provide organisms with information to assess threats. In aquatic environments, olfactory cues dominate over other senses. The effect of chemical predator cues combined with learning in species without previous contact is not well understood.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Jian Wen, Takatoshi Ueno
Summary: This study investigates the effects of predator cues on the development, reproduction, and behavior of small brown planthoppers, finding that exposure to predator cues leads to shorter adult longevity, lower fecundity, and weight gain, as well as reduced activity levels. Field foliage sprays of predator cues decrease planthopper abundance and increase rice plant biomass, suggesting their potential for pest control. Predator cues extracted using chloroform show stronger non-polar characteristics, indicating their effectiveness in altering prey behavior and improving rice growth.
Article
Zoology
Sean Beckmann, Paloma Avila, Terence Farrell
Summary: Rodents use direct and indirect cues of predators to assess predation risk. While the responses to mammalian predators are well-studied, the understanding of responses to reptilian predators is limited. This study explores the responses of rodents to scent cues of snake predators in tropical and subtropical regions and finds that different species utilize different cues to evaluate predation risk.
JOURNAL OF MAMMALOGY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Shanshan Qin, Lili Ma, Da Li, Jing Huang, Lu Zhang, Yunfei Sun, Zhou Yang
Summary: Cladocerans can recognize predation risk through chemical cues and adjust anti-predator defenses based on temperature changes. Elevated temperatures affect the inducible anti-predator defenses and life history traits of Ceriodaphnia cornuta, leading to shifts in survival strategies under warming conditions.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Yi-Ju Chen, Boon Huat Cheah, Chih-Yu Lin, Yu-Ting Ku, Cheng-Hsiang Kuo, Yuan-Yun Zhang, Bing-Rong Chen, Olga Nean, Cheng-Han Hsieh, Pei-Min Yeh, Freddy Kuok San Yeo, Ya-Ping Lin, Wen-Po Chuang, Cheng-Ruei Lee, Hieng-Ming Ting
Summary: We identified Mungbean genotypes resistant (R1) and susceptible (S1) to the common cutworm through screening. RNA-Seq data suggested the involvement of CaMK, MAPK and JA signaling in the defense response of R1 plants. R1 plants exhibited higher expression levels of defense-related genes and accumulated higher amounts of JA, tryptophan, and tyrosine, leading to the production of glucosylated kaempferols and emission of (E)-beta-ocimene. However, R1 plants showed lower drought tolerance and endogenous proline levels.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Sydne Record, Nicole M. Voelker, Phoebe L. Zarnetske, Nathan I. Wisnoski, Jonathan D. Tonkin, Christopher Swan, Luca Marazzi, Nina Lany, Thomas Lamy, Aldo Compagnoni, Max C. N. Castorani, Riley Andrade, Eric R. Sokol
Summary: The loss of global biodiversity and its associated ecosystem services is accelerating at an alarming rate. Metacommunity theory offers a framework for understanding the multi-scale processes driving changes in biodiversity over time and space. Coordinated research and observation networks, such as the United States Long Term Ecological Research program, present an opportunity to advance our understanding of biodiversity patterns and improve conservation efforts.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Ecology
David M. Iwaniec, Michael Gooseff, Katharine N. Suding, David Samuel Johnson, Daniel C. Reed, Debra P. C. Peters, Byron Adams, John E. Barrett, Brandon T. Bestelmeyer, Max C. N. Castorani, Elizabeth M. Cook, Melissa J. Davidson, Peter M. Groffman, Niall P. Hanan, Laura F. Huenneke, Pieter T. J. Johnson, Diane M. McKnight, Robert J. Miller, Gregory S. Okin, Daniel L. Preston, Andrew Rassweiler, Chris Ray, Osvaldo E. Sala, Robert L. Schooley, Timothy Seastedt, Marko J. Spasojevic, Enrique R. Vivoni
Summary: This paper highlights the importance of long-term data collection and experiments in addressing the most challenging questions in scientific ecology. The diverse case studies presented within the LTER network demonstrate the complex interactions and impacts of human and environmental factors on ecosystems. Long-term ecological research shows that connectivity plays a crucial role in sustaining ecosystem functions and can also be a driver of state change and the introduction of undesirable species.
Article
Ecology
Margaret O'Brien, Colin A. Smith, Eric R. Sokol, Corinna Gries, Nina Lany, Sydne Record, Max C. N. Castorani
Summary: The idea of harmonizing data has been around for decades, but faces challenges when dealing with studies where sampling protocols vary greatly and complex environmental conditions are involved. A collaborative approach with an environmental data repository and a national observatory is discussed to create a decentralized model for reformatting data without altering original data. This approach aims to contribute subsets of available data to different analysis-ready data preparation efforts while ensuring metadata retention and programmatic data access.
ECOLOGICAL INFORMATICS
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Lauren G. Shoemaker, Lauren M. Hallett, Lei Zhao, Daniel C. Reuman, Shaopeng Wang, Kathryn L. Cottingham, Richard J. Hobbs, Max C. N. Castorani, Amy L. Downing, Joan C. Dudney, Samuel B. Fey, Laureano A. Gherardi, Nina Lany, Cristina Portales-Reyes, Andrew L. Rypel, Lawrence W. Sheppard, Jonathan A. Walter, Katharine N. Suding
Summary: Synchronous and compensatory dynamics are universal phenomena in ecological systems, which can vary by different mechanisms and timescales. Traditional assessment methods tend to focus on long-term drivers and may overlook the importance of short-term drivers.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Selina L. Cheng, Kinsey N. Tedford, Rachel S. Smith, Sean Hardison, Michael R. Cornish, Max C. N. Castorani
Summary: This study examined the relative abundance of blue crabs in different habitat environments. The results showed that the abundance of blue crabs is influenced by seagrass, salt marsh, and bathymetric features, and the habitat associations depend on sex and reproductive stage. Changes in coastal geomorphology and vegetation may impact the abundance and distribution of blue crabs in the future.
ESTUARIES AND COASTS
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Sara Hogan, Elizabeth A. K. Murphy, Martin P. Volaric, Max C. N. Castorani, Peter Berg, Matthew A. Reidenbach
Summary: Oyster reefs have spatial influence on surrounding infauna and sediment composition, but the extent of this influence is still uncertain. The study found that the density of infauna increased with distance from oyster reefs, while predatory crustaceans showed the opposite pattern. Within a halo of approximately 40 meters, the probability of finding bivalves and gastropods increased by 70%, while large crustaceans decreased by about 4 times compared to locations adjacent to reefs. The increase in oyster reef cover and area correlated with smaller sediment grain size, increased organic matter, and reduced flow rates.
MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Rachel S. Smith, Sara Hogan, Kinsey N. Tedford, Bo Lusk, Matthew A. Reidenbach, Max C. N. Castorani
Summary: Habitat suitability models have been used to predict landscape capacity to support populations of species, with high-resolution remote sensing data increasingly included in these models. Validating model predictions with long-term quantitative data is important, as shown in a study of oyster reefs in coastal Virginia. The study found that using habitat suitability models could enhance oyster biomass, particularly when considering elevation as a key driver of success.
MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Jonathan A. Walter, Max C. N. Castorani, Tom W. Bell, Lawrence W. Sheppard, Kyle C. Cavanaugh, Daniel C. Reuman
Summary: This study presents a general theory on how the distribution and correlation structure of an environmental driver affects tail-dependent spatial synchrony through a non-linear response. Empirical evidence from giant kelp along the California coastline confirms the theoretical predictions. The study finds that intensity of waves influences synchronous declines in sheltered areas, while calm periods primarily drive synchronised recovery in exposed areas. Evidence of geographies of tail dependence in synchrony contributes to regional population resilience.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Rachel S. Smith, Bo Lusk, Max C. N. Castorani
Summary: Global declines of foundation species have reduced ecological function, but restoration can quickly recover multiple ecological functions and match natural systems. Restored reefs with increasing biomass become more temporally stable, suggesting that restoration can increase resilience and stabilize ecosystem processes.
CONSERVATION LETTERS
(2022)
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Rachel S. Smith, Selina L. Cheng, Max C. N. Castorani
Summary: Oyster restoration can significantly increase oyster production, habitat provisioning, nitrogen removal, and sediment nutrients and organic matter. Restored oyster reefs perform similarly to reference reefs in providing these ecosystem services.
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Max C. N. Castorani, Tom W. Bell, Jonathan A. Walter, Daniel C. Reuman, Kyle C. Cavanaugh, Lawrence W. Sheppard
Summary: Spatial synchrony is an important feature of population dynamics, but its factors and variations are not fully understood. By studying giant kelp populations, it was found that disturbance and resources interacted to produce synchrony across geography and timescales. The findings highlight the need to understand and predict synchrony by considering multiple environmental drivers.
Article
Ecology
Benjamin S. Halpern, Carl Boettiger, Michael C. Dietze, Jessica A. Gephart, Patrick Gonzalez, Nancy B. Grimm, Peter M. Groffman, Jessica Gurevitch, Sarah E. Hobbie, Kimberly J. Komatsu, Kristy J. Kroeker, Heather J. Lahr, David M. Lodge, Christopher J. Lortie, Julie S. S. Lowndes, Fiorenza Micheli, Hugh P. Possingham, Mary H. Ruckelshaus, Courtney Scarborough, Chelsea L. Wood, Grace C. Wu, Lina Aoyama, Eva E. Arroyo, Christie A. Bahlai, Erin E. Beller, Rachael E. Blake, Karrigan S. Bork, Trevor A. Branch, Norah E. M. Brown, Julien Brun, Emilio M. Bruna, Lauren B. Buckley, Jessica L. Burnett, Max C. N. Castorani, Samantha H. Cheng, Sarah C. Cohen, Jessica L. Couture, Larry B. Crowder, Laura E. Dee, Arildo S. Dias, Ignacio J. Diaz-Maroto, Martha R. Downs, Joan C. Dudney, Erle C. Ellis, Kyle A. Emery, Jacob G. Eurich, Bridget E. Ferriss, Alexa Fredston, Hikaru Furukawa, Sara A. Gagne, Sarah R. Garlick, Colin J. Garroway, Kaitlyn M. Gaynor, Angelica L. Gonzalez, Eliza M. Grames, Tamar Guy-Haim, Ed Hackett, Lauren M. Hallett, Tamara K. Harms, Danielle E. Haulsee, Kyle J. Haynes, Elliott L. Hazen, Rebecca M. Jarvis, Kristal Jones, Gaurav S. Kandlikar, Dustin W. Kincaid, Matthew L. Knope, Anil Koirala, Jurek Kolasa, John S. Kominoski, Julia Koricheva, Lesley T. Lancaster, Jake A. Lawlor, Heili E. Lowman, Frank E. Muller-Karger, Kari E. A. Norman, Nan Nourn, Casey C. O'Hara, Suzanne X. Ou, Jacqueline L. Padilla-Gamino, Paula Pappalardo, Ryan A. Peek, Dominique Pelletier, Stephen Plont, Lauren C. Ponisio, Cristina Portales-Reyes, Diogo B. Provete, Eric J. Raes, Carlos Ramirez-Reyes, Irene Ramos, Sydne Record, Anthony J. Richardson, Roberto Salguero-Gomez, Erin Satterthwaite, Chloe Schmidt, Aaron J. Schwartz, Craig R. See, Brendan D. Shea, Rachel S. Smith, Eric R. Sokol, Christopher T. Solomon, Trisha Spanbauer, Paris Stefanoudis, Beckett W. Sterner, Vitor Sudbrack, Jonathan D. Tonkin, Ashley R. Townes, Mireia Valle, Jonathan A. Walter, Kathryn Wheeler, William R. Wieder, David R. Williams, Marten Winter, Barbora Winterova, Lucy C. Woodall, Adam S. Wymore, Casey Youngflesh
Summary: Synthesis research in ecology and environmental science is important for improving understanding, advancing theory, identifying research priorities, and supporting management strategies. A virtual workshop with participants from different countries and disciplines was held to discuss how synthesis can address key questions and themes in the field in the next decade. Seven priority research topics and two issues regarding synthesis practices were identified, providing a strategic vision for future synthesis in ecology and environmental science.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Kinsey N. Tedford, Max C. N. Castorani
Summary: Predators play important roles in structuring communities with foundation species. This study conducted a meta-analysis to quantify the magnitude, uncertainty, and drivers of predator effects on oysters. The results show that predators cause a significant increase in oyster mortality and decrease in recruitment, and these effects vary with oyster size, predator identity, and richness.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Rachel S. Smith, Max C. N. Castorani
Summary: Restoration aims to reverse global declines of foundation species, but factors influencing restoration success are unclear. Oyster reef restoration in coastal seas is increasing, but outcomes vary and factors enhancing oyster production and biodiversity on restored reefs are unresolved.
ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
(2023)
Correction
Ecology
Rachel S. Smith, Sara Hogan, Kinsey N. Tedford, Bo Lusk, Matthew A. Reidenbach, Max C. N. Castorani
MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES
(2022)