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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

The hermit crab-shell relationship through the lens of interaction networks: The use of network metrics and species role across communities

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Author(s):
da Silva, Alexandre R. [1] ; Rodrigues, Gabriel F. B. [2] ; Lima, Daniel [3] ; Cobo, Valter J. [4] ; da Costa, Rogerio C. [5] ; Castilho, Antonio L. [2]
Total Authors: 6
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Estadual Norte Parana UENP, Campus Cornelio Procopio, BR-86300000 Cornelio Procopio, Parana - Brazil
[2] Univ Estadual Paulista UNESP, Dept Zool, Inst Biociencias Botucatu, NEBECC Nucleo Estudos Biol Ecol & Cult Crustaceos, Botucatu, SP - Brazil
[3] Univ Fed Fluminense, Dept Biol Marinha, Niteroi, RJ - Brazil
[4] Univ Taubate UNITAU, Lab Biol Marinha, Inst Basico Biociencias, Taubate, SP - Brazil
[5] Univ Estadual Paulista UNESP, Lab Biol Camaroes Marinhos & Agua Doce LABCAM, Dept Ciencias Biol, Fac Ciencias, Bauru, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 5
Document type: Journal article
Source: AUSTRAL ECOLOGY; v. 45, n. 7 MAY 2020.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

Hermit crabs are among the most unique crustaceans because they have a non-calcified pleon, and they often use empty gastropod shells for shelter and protection. The lack of an adequate shell impacts their growth, reproduction and other population features especially because the shell resource might not be found for the entire population or community. This study focuses on the relationship between hermit crabs and their shells using network metrics. We analysed the nestedness, modularity, network specialisation, species specialisation and species role in eight hermit crab communities from two different types of substrate (rock and soft bottom). Most of these communities had a modular and non-nested pattern. Some communities presented different specialisation levels in terms of resource use (generalist or specialist) with species showing different roles across communities. These patterns could be related to the intra-/interspecific competition mechanism and by the resource (shell) usage pattern in the different regions. According to species roles, some species characterised as connectors can be addressed as conservation targets. The network approach in hermit crab/shell relationship proved to be an important tool in assessing their interaction in a community level. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 09/54672-4 - Reproductive biology and dynamic population of the Penaeoidean shrimps (Crustacea, Decapoda) from southeastern Brazilian coast: latitudinal effect and suggestion for fishery control
Grantee:Rogério Caetano da Costa
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
FAPESP's process: 10/50188-8 - Decapod crustaceans: multi-disciplinary characterization of the sea biodiversity of the State of São Paulo (taxonomy, spermiotaxonomy, molecular biology and population dynamics)
Grantee:Fernando Luis Medina Mantelatto
Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Thematic Grants