Asexual reproduction changes predator population dynamics in a life predator–prey system. Issue 2 (11th January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Scheuerl, Thomas; Stelzer, Claus‐Peter
• Is Part Of: Population ecology. Volume 61:Issue 2(2019)
• Page Start: 210
• Page End: 216
• Publication Date: 2019-01-11
• Subjects: Brachionus calyciflorus -- population dynamics -- sex; Animal populations -- Periodicals; Insect populations -- Periodicals; 591.788
• DOI: 10.1002/1438-390X.1017
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1438-3896

Abstract

Abstract: Many organisms display oscillations in population size. Theory predicts that these fluctuations can be generated by predator–prey interactions, and empirical studies using life model systems, such as a rotifer‐algae community consisting of Brachionus calyciflorus as predator and Chlorella vulgaris as prey, have been successfully used for studying such dynamics. B. calyciflorus is a cyclical parthenogen (CP) and clones often differ in their sexual propensity, that is, the degree to which they engage into sexual or asexual (clonal) reproduction. Since sexual propensities can affect growth rates and population sizes, we hypothesized that this might also affect population oscillations. Here, we studied the dynamical behaviour of B. calyciflorus clones representing either CPs (regularly inducing sex) or obligate parthenogens (OPs). We found that the amplitudes of population cycles to be increased in OPs at low nutrient levels. Several other population dynamic parameters seemed unaffected. This suggests that reproductive mode might be an important additional variable to be considered in future studies of population oscillations. Abstract : Many organisms find themselves in predator‐prey relationships where growth rates of prey and attack rates of predators determine the dynamics. Since sexual reproduction can affect growth rates and population sizes compared to asexual reproduction, we hypothesized that this might also affect population oscillations. Using a predator‐prey system with Brachionus calyciflorus rotifer clones representing either cyclical parthenogens (regularly inducing sex) or obligate parthenogens, feeding on Chlorella vulgaris algal populations, we found that the amplitudes of predator population cycles are increased in obligate parthenogens at low nutrient levels.