Murakami, M. & Nakano, S. (2000): Species-specific bird functions in a forest-canopy food web. Proc. R. Soc. Lond. B 267: 1597-1601.

Összefoglalás

Species-specific bird functions in a forest-canopy food web
M. Murakami and S. Nakano

Bird functions in a forest-canopy food web were evaluated by a large-scale field experiment using 'canopy' enclosures. By controlling the presence of two bird species, great tits (Parus major; foliage gleaner) and nuthatches (Sitta europaea; trunk gleaner), in the eclosures, their effect on predatory insects (ants), herbivorous insects (Lepidoptera larvae) and producers (oak trees) was quantified. Great tits reduced the density of Lepidoptera larvae and, indirectly, leaf damage, but had no impact on ants. Nuthatches decreased the density of ants but did not influence either Lepidoptera larvae or leaf damage. These results highlight species-specific functions of birds in the maintenance of forest ecosystems.

Megjegyzések

cascading effects; canopy eclosure; avian predation; ants; Lepidoptera larvae; oak


Címszavazva- VA

Lelőhely
ER Archívum (2000/P-002)
Első szerző
Murakami, M.