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Dryad

A multivariate approach reveals diversity of ontogenetic niche shifts across taxonomic and functional groups

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Dec 18, 2019 version files 231.48 KB

Abstract

Shifts in the fundamental and realize niche of individuals during their ontogeny are ubiquitous in nature, but we know little about what aspects of the niche change and how these changes vary across species within communities. Yet, this knowledge is essential to predict the dynamics of populations and communities and how they respond to environmental change. Here I introduce a range of metrics to describe different aspects of shifts in the realized trophic niche of individuals based on stable isotopes. Applying this multi-variate approach to 2,272 individuals from 13 taxonomic and functional distinct species (Amphibia, Hemiptera, Coleoptera, Odonata) sampled in natural pond communities allowed me to: (1) describe and quantify the diversity of trophic niche shift patterns over ontogeny in multi-dimensional space, and (2) identify what aspects of ontogenetic shifts vary across taxa, and functional groups. Results revealed that species can differ substantially in which aspects of the trophic niche change and how they change over ontogeny. Interestingly, patterns of ontogenetic niche shifts grouped in distinct taxonomic clusters in multi-variate space, including two distinct groups of predators (Hemiptera vs. Odonata). Given the differences in traits (especially feeding mode) across groups, this suggests that differences in ontogenetic niche shifts across species could at least partially be explained by variation in traits and functional roles of species. These results emphasize the importance of a multivariate approach to capture the large diversity of trophic niche shifts patterns possible in natural communities, and suggest that differences in ontogenetic niche shifts follow general patterns. Shifts in the fundamental and realize niche of individuals during their ontogeny are ubiquitous in nature, but we know little about what aspects of the niche change and how these changes vary across species within communities. Yet, this knowledge is essential to predict the dynamics of populations and communities and how they respond to environmental change.