Environmental heterogeneity and population density affect the functional diversity of personality traits in small mammal populations

Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 287(1940), P. 20201713 - 20201713

Published: Dec. 9, 2020

Understanding factors affecting the functional diversity of ecological communities is an important goal for ecologists and conservationists. Previous work has largely been conducted at community level; however, recent studies have highlighted critical importance considering intraspecific (i.e. phenotypic traits among conspecifics). Further, a major limitation existing literature on this topic lack empirical examining behavioural phenotypes —including animal personalities. This shortcoming because personality can affect fitness individuals, composition personalities in population consequences. Our study aims to contribute filling knowledge gap by investigating wild populations. Specifically, we predicted that richness, divergence evenness associated with would be impacted key components forest structure vary between contrasting types. To achieve our objective fully replicated large-scale field experiment over 4 year period using small mammal populations as model system. We found greater heterogeneity cover shrubs, coarse woody debris canopy was lower traits. Greater density richness maintain behaviourally diverse its functions, managers may promote vegetation increased density, which most determinants driving

Language: Английский

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Personality and behavioral syndromes in two Peromyscus species: presence, lack of state dependence, and lack of association with home range size

Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 75(1)

Published: Jan. 1, 2021

Language: Английский

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Land‐use change alters associations between personality and microhabitat selection

Ecological Applications, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 31(8)

Published: Aug. 29, 2021

Abstract Ecologists commonly assess ecological patterns at the population level, focusing on average response of all individuals within a population, but to predict how populations will respond land‐use change we must understand changes habitat differentially affect population. For example, forest management is widespread type that impacts wildlife through loss key features, may vary in their responses this due differences selection among individuals. Specifically, intraspecific variation has been linked animal personalities (i.e., consistent behavioral conspecifics), previous research not examined whether relationship between personality and influenced by change. To address knowledge gap, tested hypothesis alters association microhabitat small mammals. investigated two main questions: (1) what extent are correlated conspecifics? (2) Does alter individual selection? answer these questions, conducted large‐scale field experiment over 4 years, contrasting unmanaged (control) with managed (two silvicultural treatments) Maine, USA. We relationships traits deer mice ( Peromyscus maniculatus ) southern red‐backed voles Myodes gapperi ). found were multiple spatial scales. Furthermore, altered selection; resulting either personality‐associated or novel forests. These findings suggest promoting structural complexity scales, such as interspersing stands mature stands, maintain variety associated outcomes.

Language: Английский

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Mechanistic models of seed dispersal by animals

Oikos, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 2022(2)

Published: Oct. 12, 2021

Modelling seed dispersal by animals seems straightforward; we need a way to keep track of the position on animal through time and clock for how long seeds travel with it. Mathematical models show changing retention parameters can result in very different kernels, including fat‐tailed ones. When movement is more realistic, sense that it tied spatial distribution resources, agent‐based both consumption kernels varying according neighborhoods focal plants. In general, are built ways lead overparameterization poor predictive capacity. Considering several emergent properties one wishes capture building hierarchy complexity should improve our understanding important mechanisms behind particular patterns. Progress hierarchical data analysis tools allows fitting joint‐species which species‐level foraging modelled as function species traits their phylogenetic relationships. Overall, there has been great progress collection modelling but still better times, bird physiology influences fruit choice. Further improvements ability understand predict would probably also require considering individual personalities, well within among interactions. As capacity collect bring us into realm big models, mechanistic be achieved close collaborations merging ecology, behavior, physiology, mathematics, computation statistics.

Language: Английский

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Behaviour, body mass and sex: How intraspecific variation influences seed dispersal by a scatter‐hoarding rodent

Functional Ecology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 38(6), P. 1420 - 1430

Published: March 26, 2024

Abstract Intraspecific variation plays a pivotal role in shaping ecological dynamics. As the dispersal of seeds most woody plants is mediated by animals, individual within animal dispersers holds considerable implications for plant population and ecology. We explored how traits (such as sex, body mass exploration levels) yellow‐necked mice ( Apodemus flavicollis ) impact common oak Quercus robur acorns. Over 3 years, we collected data on seed fate specific responsible their dispersal. The relationship between was not static, but influenced yearly environmental conditions. Heavier individuals tended to carry farther, yet contrary our expectations, sex had no effect distance Moreover, rate showed an inconsistent association with consumption distance, while it positively impacted from nearest tree. Synthesis . Our findings suggest more nuanced than often assumed, noticeable annual significantly influencing these impacts. Consequently, appears there single, universally beneficial type ensure maximal benefits plants. Rather, conferring advantages are dynamic, subject change over time response context. Read free Plain Language Summary this article Journal blog.

Language: Английский

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