Simulated Predator Extinctions: Predator Identity Affects Survival and Recruitment of Oysters

• Published in: Ecology (Durham) Vol. 89; no. 2; pp. 428 - 438
• Main Authors: O'Connor, N.E, Grabowski, J.H, Ladwig, L.M, Bruno, J.F
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.02.2008
• Subjects: Animals; Biodiversity; Brachyura - physiology; Callinectes sapidus; Conservation of Natural Resources; crabs; Crassostrea virginica; Decapoda; ecological function; Ecosystem; estuaries; estuarine sediments; extinction; fish cages; Food Preferences; habitats; interspecific competition; Menippe mercenaria; mortality; organic matter; Ostreidae - growth & development; overfishing; oysters; Panopeus herbstii; Population Density; Population Dynamics; Population Growth; population size; predator-prey relationships; predatory arthropods; Predatory Behavior - physiology; species differences; species diversity; Species Specificity; trophic relationships; young animals; North Carolina

The rate of species loss is increasing at a global scale, and human-induced extinctions are biased toward predator species. We examined the effects of predator extinctions on a foundation species, the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica). We performed a factorial experiment manipulating the presen...