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Dryad

A parasite-inclusive food web for the California rocky intertidal zone

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Oct 18, 2024 version files 2.96 MB

Abstract

We present a highly resolved, species rich food web, including parasitic interactions, for the California rocky intertidal zone. The food web is comprised of 1809 nodes, representing 1845 taxa, and 13,222 links representing trophic interactions between nodes. While only 677 links represent parasitic interactions, we that we have assembled most speciose parasite-inclusive food web ever published. The inclusion of all nodes and links are justified using multiple lines of evidence which are built in to the dataset. In addition, metadata, including trophic strategy, taxonomic information, habitat, and other ecological attributes allow the data user to filter the food web to their specifications. The food web is a powerful and flexible tool for researchers with questions about large network properties, ecological dynamics of rocky shores, and the role of parasites in ecosystems. Our food web can be used to predict how complex ecosystems like the California rocky intertidal will respond to anthropogenic change and management strategies.