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Dryad

Data from: Nonconsumptive predator effects modify crayfish-induced bioturbation as mediated by limb loss: field and mesocosm experiments

Data files

This dataset is embargoed . Please contact Luc Dunoyer at moc.liamg@reyonudcul with any questions.

Lists of files and downloads will become available to the public when released.

Abstract

1. We addressed the implications of limb loss and regeneration for multi-species interactions and their impacts on ecosystem engineering in freshwater stream environments. 2. We included regenerative and non-regenerative crayfish as well as fish predators in a 2x2 factorial design to assess the effects on water turbidity of interactions between crayfish ecosystem engineers differing in regenerative status and their fish predators. 3. We demonstrated that crayfish limb loss and predation risks lead to more turbidity in field and mesocosm conditions. Moreover, ongoing regeneration of crayfish increased turbidity, while fish presence seemed to hinder crayfish turbidity-inducing behaviors (such as tail-flipping and burrowing) in the mesocosm experiment. 4. We confirmed that greater numbers of crayfish produce a greater amount of turbidity in-situ in streams. 5. Although mechanical burrowing crayfish capacities may depend on crayfish burrowing classification (primary, secondary, or tertiary), our work emphasizes the implication for turbidity levels of crayfish autotomy in freshwater streams.