| Predators accelerate nutrient cycling in a bromeliad ecosystem. | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 17095695 Owner: NLM Status: MEDLINE |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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Conventional ecological theory predicts that predators affect nutrient cycling by decreasing the abundance or activity of prey. By using a predator-detritivore-detritus food chain in bromeliads, we show that predators can increase nutrient cycling by a previously undescribed, but broadly applicable, mechanism: reducing nutrient export by prey emigration. Contrary to expectations, predation on detritivores increases detrital nitrogen uptake by bromeliads. Predation reduces detritivore emergence and hence export of nitrogen from the system. Detritivores therefore benefit their host plant, but only when predators are present. More generally, our results show that predator loss or extinction can dramatically and unexpectedly affect ecosystem functioning. |
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Authors:
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Jacqueline T Ngai; Diane S Srivastava |
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Publication Detail:
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Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't |
Journal Detail:
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Title: Science (New York, N.Y.) Volume: 314 ISSN: 1095-9203 ISO Abbreviation: Science Publication Date: 2006 Nov |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 2006-11-10 Completed Date: 2006-11-22 Revised Date: 2007-03-19 |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 0404511 Medline TA: Science Country: United States |
Other Details:
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Languages: eng Pagination: 963 Citation Subset: IM |
Affiliation:
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Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, 6270 University Boulevard, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada. ngai@zoology.ubc.ca |
Export Citation:
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APA/MLA Format Download EndNote Download BibTex |
| MeSH Terms | |
Descriptor/Qualifier:
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Animals Beetles / growth & development, metabolism Bromeliaceae / metabolism* Chironomidae / growth & development, metabolism Diptera / growth & development, metabolism Ecosystem* Food Chain* Insects / growth & development, metabolism* Nitrogen / metabolism Phosphorus / metabolism Plant Leaves / metabolism* Predatory Behavior |
| Chemical | |
Reg. No./Substance:
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7723-14-0/Phosphorus; 7727-37-9/Nitrogen |
From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
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