Raw data used in A unified framework for herbivore-to-producer biomass ratio reveals the relative influence of four ecological factor
Cite this dataset
Urabe, Jotaro et al. (2021). Raw data used in A unified framework for herbivore-to-producer biomass ratio reveals the relative influence of four ecological factor [Dataset]. Dryad. https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.p8cz8w9ms
Abstract
The biomass ratio of herbivores to primary producers reflects the structure of a community. Four primary factors have been proposed to affect this ratio, including production rate, defense traits and nutrient contents of producers, and predation by carnivores. However, identifying the joint effects of these factors across natural communities has been elusive, in part because of the lack of a framework for examining their effects simultaneously. Here, we develop a framework based on Lotka-Volterra equations for examining the effects of these factors on the biomass ratio. We then utilize it to test if these factors simultaneously affect the biomass ratio of freshwater plankton communities. We found that all four factors contributed significantly to the biomass ratio, with carnivore abundance having the greatest effect, followed by producer stoichiometric nutrient content. Thus, the present framework should be useful for examining the multiple factors shaping various types of communities, both aquatic and terrestrial.
Funding
Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Award: 15H02642
Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Award: 20H03315
Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Award: 18H02509
Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Award: 16H04846
Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Award: 16K18618
Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Award: 16H02522