Density-Dependent Habitat Selection in a Growing Threespine Stickleback Population
Joint Authors
Source
International Journal of Zoology
Issue
Vol. 2012, Issue 2012 (31 Dec. 2012), pp.1-6, 6 p.
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Publication Date
2012-06-04
Country of Publication
Egypt
No. of Pages
6
Main Subjects
Abstract EN
Human-induced eutrophication has increased offspring production in a population of threespine stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus in the Baltic Sea.
Here, we experimentally investigated the effects of an increased density of juveniles on behaviours that influence survival and dispersal, and, hence, population growth—habitat choice, risk taking, and foraging rate.
Juveniles were allowed to choose between two habitats that differed in structural complexity, in the absence and presence of predators and conspecific juveniles.
In the absence of predators or conspecifics, juveniles preferred the more complex habitat.
The preference was further enhanced in the presence of a natural predator, a perch Perca fluviatilis (behind a transparent Plexiglas wall).
However, an increased density of conspecifics relaxed the predator-enhanced preference for the complex habitat and increased the use of the open, more predator-exposed habitat.
Foraging rate was reduced under increased perceived predation risk.
These results suggest that density-dependent behaviours can cause individuals to choose suboptimal habitats where predation risk is high and foraging rate low.
This could contribute to the regulation of population growth in eutrophicated areas where offspring production is high.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Candolin, Ulrika& Selin, Marita. 2012. Density-Dependent Habitat Selection in a Growing Threespine Stickleback Population. International Journal of Zoology،Vol. 2012, no. 2012, pp.1-6.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-467358
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Candolin, Ulrika& Selin, Marita. Density-Dependent Habitat Selection in a Growing Threespine Stickleback Population. International Journal of Zoology No. 2012 (2012), pp.1-6.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-467358
American Medical Association (AMA)
Candolin, Ulrika& Selin, Marita. Density-Dependent Habitat Selection in a Growing Threespine Stickleback Population. International Journal of Zoology. 2012. Vol. 2012, no. 2012, pp.1-6.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-467358
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes bibliographical references
Record ID
BIM-467358