Shredder species identity over diversity: Insights into litter decomposition in ponds
The result's identifiers
Result code in IS VaVaI
<a href="https://www.isvavai.cz/riv?ss=detail&h=RIV%2F60460709%3A41320%2F25%3A102919" target="_blank" >RIV/60460709:41320/25:102919 - isvavai.cz</a>
Result on the web
<a href="https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0327999" target="_blank" >https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0327999</a>
DOI - Digital Object Identifier
<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0327999" target="_blank" >10.1371/journal.pone.0327999</a>
Alternative languages
Result language
angličtina
Original language name
Shredder species identity over diversity: Insights into litter decomposition in ponds
Original language description
Many freshwater ecosystems rely on the decomposition of organic matter as a key process for nutrient cycling and energy flow. Small lentic freshwater ecosystems, such as ponds, often derive a large amount of energy from allochthonous detritus due to their close connection with the terrestrial environment. However, the process of leaf litter decomposition in ponds remains poorly understood. We conducted a microcosm experiment in a pond environment to investigate intra- and inter-specific variation in organic matter processing by three shredders (Tipula sp., Sericostoma sp. and Gammarus fossarum) and to assess the effects of shredder community characteristics on the mass loss of black alder (Alnus glutinosa) leaf litter. We developed a novel approach to quantify functional traits directly related to litter processing. Detailed gut content analysis revealed significant inter- and intra-specific variation in the organic matter particles ingested by individual shredder taxa. Our results showed that neither taxonomic nor functional diversity reliably predicts leaf litter decomposition rates in ponds. Instead, the keystone shredder Sericostoma showed a pronounced effect on decomposition rates driven by their unique feeding behaviour and density-dependent shifts in particle size preferences. These findings highlight the importance of a detailed understanding of species-specific functional traits and behaviour in shaping ecosystem processes, as the role of keystone species can outweigh the contributions of overall diversity measures in driving ecosystem processes.
Czech name
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Czech description
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Classification
Type
J<sub>imp</sub> - Article in a specialist periodical, which is included in the Web of Science database
CEP classification
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OECD FORD branch
10618 - Ecology
Result continuities
Project
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Continuities
S - Specificky vyzkum na vysokych skolach
Others
Publication year
2025
Confidentiality
S - Úplné a pravdivé údaje o projektu nepodléhají ochraně podle zvláštních právních předpisů
Data specific for result type
Name of the periodical
PLoS One
ISSN
1932-6203
e-ISSN
1932-6203
Volume of the periodical
20
Issue of the periodical within the volume
AUG 14 2025
Country of publishing house
US - UNITED STATES
Number of pages
15
Pages from-to
1-15
UT code for WoS article
001551423500035
EID of the result in the Scopus database
2-s2.0-105013300943