Genetic variation, predator-prey interactions and food web structure

被引:45
作者
Moya-Larano, Jordi [1 ,2 ]
机构
[1] Univ Oviedo Principado Asturias, Cantabrian Inst Biodivers ICAB, Oviedo 33006, Asturias, Spain
[2] CSIC, Estn Expt Zonas Aridas, La Canada De San Urbano 04120, Almeria, Spain
关键词
ecological networks; food web robustness and stability; genetic variation and diversity; growth rate and phenology; individual variation; multivariate phenotypes; INTERACTION STRENGTH; BODY-SIZE; INTRAGUILD PREDATION; TROPHIC INTERACTIONS; BEHAVIORAL SYNDROMES; INTRASPECIFIC COMPETITION; EVOLUTIONARY CONSEQUENCES; COMMUNITY HERITABILITY; STABILITY RELATIONSHIP; PHENOTYPIC PLASTICITY;
D O I
10.1098/rstb.2010.0241
中图分类号
Q [生物科学];
学科分类号
07 ; 0710 ; 09 ;
摘要
Food webs are networks of species that feed on each other. The role that within-population phenotypic and genetic variation plays in food web structure is largely unknown. Here, I show via simulation how variation in two key traits, growth rates and phenology, by influencing the variability of body sizes present through time, can potentially affect several structural parameters in the direction of enhancing food web persistence: increased connectance, decreased interaction strengths, increased variation among interaction strengths and increased degree of omnivory. I discuss other relevant traits whose variation could affect the structure of food webs, such as morphological and additional life-history traits, as well as animal personalities. Furthermore, trait variation could also contribute to the stability of food web modules through metacommunity dynamics. I propose future research to help establish a link between within-population variation and food web structure. If appropriately established, such a link could have important consequences for biological conservation, as it would imply that preserving (functional) genetic variation within populations could ensure the preservation of entire communities.
引用
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页码:1425 / 1437
页数:13
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