Indirect effects shape macroalgal epifaunal communities. Issue 21 (9th October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ndhlovu, Aldwin; Lathlean, Justin A.; McQuaid, Christopher D.; Seuront, Laurent
• Is Part Of: Ecology and evolution. Volume 11:Issue 21(2021)
• Page Start: 15141
• Page End: 15152
• Publication Date: 2021-10-09
• Subjects: ecosystem engineer -- epifauna -- fractals -- Gelidium pristoides -- habitat -- rocky shore -- upwelling; Ecology -- Periodicals; Evolution -- Periodicals; 577.05
• DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8195
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2045-7758

Abstract

Abstract: We tested the response of algal epifauna to the direct effects of predation and the indirect consequences of habitat change due to grazing and nutrient supply through upwelling using an abundant intertidal rhodophyte, Gelidium pristoides . We ran a mid‐shore field experiment at four sites (two upwelling sites interspersed with two non‐upwelling sites) along 450 km of the south coast of South Africa. The experiment was started in June 2014 and ran until June 2015. Four treatments (predator exclusion, grazer exclusion, control, and procedural control) set out in a block design ( n = 5) were monitored monthly for algal cover for the first 6 months and every 2 months for the last 6 months. Epifaunal abundance, species composition, algal cover, and algal architectural complexity (measured using fractal geometry) were assessed after 12 months. Predation had no significant effect on epifaunal abundances, while upwelling interacted with treatment. Grazing reduced the architectural complexity of algae, with increased fractal dimensions in the absence of grazers, and also reduced algal cover at all sites, though the latter effect was only significant for upwelling sites. Epifaunal community composition was not significantly affected by the presence of herbivores or predators but differed among sites independently of upwelling; sites were more similar to nearby sites than those farther away. In contrast, total epifaunal abundance was significantly affected by grazing, when normalized to algal cover. Grazing reduced the cover of algae; thus, epifaunal abundances were not affected by the direct top‐down effects of predation but did respond to the indirect effects of grazing on habitat availability and quality. Our results indicate that epifaunal communities can be strongly influenced by the indirect consequences of biotic interactions. Abstract : Epifauna respond to the indirect effects of top‐down regulation of their habitat, rather than to the bottom‐up effects of nutrient availability, or the direct top‐down effects of predation.