Abstract
Many aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems are comprised of assemblages of multiple foundation species. Despite the common occurrence of multiple foundation species, relatively few studies have examined the independent and combined effects of multiple co-occurring foundation species or investigated whether they facilitate similar or distinct associated communities. At 2 sites in a temperate Australian mangrove forest, we examined the independent and interactive effects of co-occurring intermediate foundation species (the macroalga Hormosira banksii and the oyster Saccostrea glomerata-each of which is facilitated by mangrove pneumatophores) on associated community structure. Because the identity of the associated species facilitated by these 2 foundation species can differ, we hypothesized that their combined effects on species richness would be independent and additive. We found that despite their mutual facilitation by mangrove pneumatophores, the 2 intermediate foundation species exhibited independent and positive effects on associated species abundance, richness, and composition. Associated species abundance and richness increased consistently with S. glomerata biomass. In contrast, associated species abundance and richness only responded to H. banksii presence (not biomass), and this response differed across sites. Our finding that functionally different species produce additive effects on biodiversity is consistent with predictions from other recent studies of facilitation cascades. Furthermore, the site-specific effects of foundation species in this study add to growing evidence that while foundation species can set the potential abundance and richness of associated communities, realized community structure is determined by processes operating at larger spatial and temporal scales.
| Language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages | 129-138 |
| Number of pages | 10 |
| Journal | Marine Ecology Progress Series |
| Volume | 508 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 4 Aug 2014 |
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Additive and site-specific effects of two foundation species on invertebrate community structure. / Hughes, A. Randall; Gribben, Paul E.; Kimbro, David L.; Bishop, Melanie J.
In: Marine Ecology Progress Series, Vol. 508, 04.08.2014, p. 129-138.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer-review
TY - JOUR
T1 - Additive and site-specific effects of two foundation species on invertebrate community structure
AU - Hughes, A. Randall
AU - Gribben, Paul E.
AU - Kimbro, David L.
AU - Bishop, Melanie J.
PY - 2014/8/4
Y1 - 2014/8/4
N2 - Many aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems are comprised of assemblages of multiple foundation species. Despite the common occurrence of multiple foundation species, relatively few studies have examined the independent and combined effects of multiple co-occurring foundation species or investigated whether they facilitate similar or distinct associated communities. At 2 sites in a temperate Australian mangrove forest, we examined the independent and interactive effects of co-occurring intermediate foundation species (the macroalga Hormosira banksii and the oyster Saccostrea glomerata-each of which is facilitated by mangrove pneumatophores) on associated community structure. Because the identity of the associated species facilitated by these 2 foundation species can differ, we hypothesized that their combined effects on species richness would be independent and additive. We found that despite their mutual facilitation by mangrove pneumatophores, the 2 intermediate foundation species exhibited independent and positive effects on associated species abundance, richness, and composition. Associated species abundance and richness increased consistently with S. glomerata biomass. In contrast, associated species abundance and richness only responded to H. banksii presence (not biomass), and this response differed across sites. Our finding that functionally different species produce additive effects on biodiversity is consistent with predictions from other recent studies of facilitation cascades. Furthermore, the site-specific effects of foundation species in this study add to growing evidence that while foundation species can set the potential abundance and richness of associated communities, realized community structure is determined by processes operating at larger spatial and temporal scales.
AB - Many aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems are comprised of assemblages of multiple foundation species. Despite the common occurrence of multiple foundation species, relatively few studies have examined the independent and combined effects of multiple co-occurring foundation species or investigated whether they facilitate similar or distinct associated communities. At 2 sites in a temperate Australian mangrove forest, we examined the independent and interactive effects of co-occurring intermediate foundation species (the macroalga Hormosira banksii and the oyster Saccostrea glomerata-each of which is facilitated by mangrove pneumatophores) on associated community structure. Because the identity of the associated species facilitated by these 2 foundation species can differ, we hypothesized that their combined effects on species richness would be independent and additive. We found that despite their mutual facilitation by mangrove pneumatophores, the 2 intermediate foundation species exhibited independent and positive effects on associated species abundance, richness, and composition. Associated species abundance and richness increased consistently with S. glomerata biomass. In contrast, associated species abundance and richness only responded to H. banksii presence (not biomass), and this response differed across sites. Our finding that functionally different species produce additive effects on biodiversity is consistent with predictions from other recent studies of facilitation cascades. Furthermore, the site-specific effects of foundation species in this study add to growing evidence that while foundation species can set the potential abundance and richness of associated communities, realized community structure is determined by processes operating at larger spatial and temporal scales.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84906079796&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.3354/meps10867
DO - 10.3354/meps10867
M3 - Article
VL - 508
SP - 129
EP - 138
JO - Marine Ecology Progress Series
T2 - Marine Ecology Progress Series
JF - Marine Ecology Progress Series
SN - 0171-8630
ER -