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Body Size Mediated Coexistence in Swans
Joint Authors
Engelhardt, Katharina A. M.
Ritchie, Mark E.
Powell, James A.
Source
Issue
Vol. 2014, Issue 2014 (31 Dec. 2014), pp.1-12, 12 p.
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Publication Date
2014-02-04
Country of Publication
Egypt
No. of Pages
12
Main Subjects
Medicine
Information Technology and Computer Science
Abstract EN
Differences in body sizes may create a trade-off between foraging efficiency (foraging gains/costs) and access to resources.
Such a trade-off provides a potential mechanism for ecologically similar species to coexist on one resource.
We explored this hypothesis for tundra (Cygnus columbianus) and trumpeter swans (Cygnus buccinator), a federally protected species, feeding solely on sago pondweed (Stuckenia pectinata) tubers during fall staging and wintering in northern Utah.
Foraging efficiency was higher for tundra swans because this species experienced lower foraging and metabolic costs relative to foraging gains; however, trumpeter swans (a) had longer necks and therefore had access to exclusive resources buried deep in wetland sediments and (b) were more aggressive and could therefore displace tundra swans from lucrative foraging locations.
We conclude that body size differentiation is an important feature of coexistence among ecologically similar species feeding on one resource.
In situations where resources are limiting and competition for resources is strong, conservation managers will need to consider the trade-off between foraging efficiency and access to resources to ensure ecologically similar species can coexist on a shared resource.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Engelhardt, Katharina A. M.& Ritchie, Mark E.& Powell, James A.. 2014. Body Size Mediated Coexistence in Swans. The Scientific World Journal،Vol. 2014, no. 2014, pp.1-12.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1050472
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Engelhardt, Katharina A. M.…[et al.]. Body Size Mediated Coexistence in Swans. The Scientific World Journal No. 2014 (2014), pp.1-12.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1050472
American Medical Association (AMA)
Engelhardt, Katharina A. M.& Ritchie, Mark E.& Powell, James A.. Body Size Mediated Coexistence in Swans. The Scientific World Journal. 2014. Vol. 2014, no. 2014, pp.1-12.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1050472
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes bibliographical references
Record ID
BIM-1050472