Predation risk and habitat complexity modify intermediate predator feeding rates and energetic efficiencies in a tri-trophic system

RNDr. Vojtěch KOLÁŘ

Rigorózní práce

Abstract:

Many species show behavioural and physiological responses to predation risk, with important implications for their individual growth and development, but these responses may be context dependent. The goal of this study was to measure feeding and metabolic rates of intermediate invertebrate predators under different levels of predation risk and abiotic conditions to understand how they might affect their energetic efficiency, i.e. the ability to utilize available resources for individual growth. We ran laboratory experiments with larvae of three odonate species representing intermediate predators exposed to three levels of predation risk (none, visual cues, and visual and chemical cues) and two levels of habitat complexity (present vs. absent artificial submerged vegetation). We show that the response of intermediate predators to predation risk and its consequences for energetic efficiency are species specific and likely determined by their foraging and defense traits and their habitat domains.

Jazyk práce: angličtina

Datum vytvoření / odevzdání či podání práce: 20. 1. 2020

Obhajoba závěrečné práce

• Obhajoba proběhla 19. 2. 2020

JIHOČESKÁ UNIVERZITA V ČESKÝCH BUDĚJOVICÍCH

Přírodovědecká fakulta

Rigorózní řízení / obor:
Biologie / Biologie ekosystémů