Impacts of copper contamination on a rocky intertidal predator-prey interaction

Autor(es)

Pardal, Andre ^{[1, 2, 3]} ; Martinez, Aline S. ^[3] ; Christofoletti, Ronaldo A. ^[3] ; Karythis, Simon ^[1] ; Jenkins, Stuart R. ^[1]

Afiliação do(s) autor(es)

^[1] Bangor Univ, Sch Ocean Sci, Menai Bridge LL59 5AB, Anglesey - Wales

^[2] Fed Univ ABC, CCNH, UFABC, Ctr Nat & Human Sci, Rua Santa Adelia 166, BR-09210170 Santo Andre, SP - Brazil

^[3] Univ Fed Sao Paulo, IMar, Inst Marine Sci, UNIFESP, Rua Dr Carvalho de Mendonca 144, BR-11070100 Santos, SP - Brazil

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: Marine Pollution Bulletin; v. 162, JAN 2021.
• Citações Web of Science: 1

Resumo

Metal contamination can change ecological interactions with potential effects on community dynamics. However, understanding real effects of metals on biota relies on studies undertaken in natural conditions. Through a field experiment, we investigated the effects of copper contamination on the responses of a barnacle prey and its predator, the dogwhelk, and explicitly their interaction. Contamination increased barnacle mortality and reduced predation with no effects on interaction strength. This was because the higher mortality of the prey compensated for the lower consumption of the predator. Despite not affecting the interaction strength, these results suggest a decrease in energy flow in the trophic chain that may lead to important changes in community structure and ecosystem functioning. This study shows the importance of manipulative experiments designed to provide mechanistic insights into ecological interactions to better clarify the effect of stressors on the structure and dynamic of communities. (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 16/11947-7 - Endurecimento costeiro: status do conhecimento, impactos e projeções futuras
• Beneficiário: Aline Sbizera Martinez
• Modalidade de apoio: Bolsas no Brasil - Pós-Doutorado
• Processo FAPESP: 16/24551-4 - Força de interações ecológicas e a mediação ambiental em sistemas costeiros
• Beneficiário: Ronaldo Adriano Christofoletti
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Regular
• Processo FAPESP: 17/09641-0 - Efeitos da contaminação por metais na interação entre predador e presa do entremarés rochoso
• Beneficiário: Andre Luiz Pardal Souza
• Modalidade de apoio: Bolsas no Exterior - Estágio de Pesquisa - Doutorado