Shredder species identity over diversity: Insights into litter decomposition in ponds

Kód výsledku v 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>

Výsledek na webu

<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>

Jazyk výsledku

angličtina

Název v původním jazyce

Shredder species identity over diversity: Insights into litter decomposition in ponds

Popis výsledku v původním jazyce

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.

Název v anglickém jazyce

Shredder species identity over diversity: Insights into litter decomposition in ponds

Popis výsledku anglicky

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.

Druh

J_imp - Článek v periodiku v databázi Web of Science

CEP obor

—

OECD FORD obor

10618 - Ecology

Projekt

—

Návaznosti

S - Specificky vyzkum na vysokych skolach

Rok uplatnění

2025

Kód důvěrnosti údajů

S - Úplné a pravdivé údaje o projektu nepodléhají ochraně podle zvláštních právních předpisů

Název periodika

PLoS One

ISSN

1932-6203

e-ISSN

1932-6203

Svazek periodika

20

Číslo periodika v rámci svazku

AUG 14 2025

Stát vydavatele periodika

US - Spojené státy americké

Počet stran výsledku

15

Strana od-do

1-15

Kód UT WoS článku

001551423500035

EID výsledku v databázi Scopus

2-s2.0-105013300943