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Extreme rainfall events alter the trophic structure in bromeliad tanks across the Neotropics

Author

Listed:
  • Gustavo Q. Romero

    (University of Campinas (UNICAMP))

  • Nicholas A. C. Marino

    (Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), CP 68020
    Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, PO Box 68020)

  • A. Andrew M. MacDonald

    (Centre for the Synthesis and Analysis of Biodiversity (CESAB-FRB)
    Université de Montreal, Montreal)

  • Régis Céréghino

    (Université de Toulouse, CNRS)

  • M. Kurtis Trzcinski

    (University of British Columbia)

  • Dimaris Acosta Mercado

    (University of Puerto Rico - Mayagüez Campus)

  • Céline Leroy

    (Univ. Montpellier, CIRAD, CNRS, INRAE, IRD
    Université de Guyane, Université des Antilles)

  • Bruno Corbara

    (CNRS, LMGE (Laboratoire Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement))

  • Vinicius F. Farjalla

    (Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, PO Box 68020)

  • Ignacio M. Barberis

    (Universidad Nacional de Rosario, S2125ZAA)

  • Olivier Dézerald

    (INRAE, Agrocampus Ouest)

  • Edd Hammill

    (Utah State University)

  • Trisha B. Atwood

    (Utah State University)

  • Gustavo C. O. Piccoli

    (University of São Paulo State (UNESP/IBILCE). 15054 - 000)

  • Fabiola Ospina Bautista

    (Universidad de los Andes
    Universidad de Caldas)

  • Jean-François Carrias

    (CNRS, LMGE (Laboratoire Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement))

  • Juliana S. Leal

    (Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), CP 68020)

  • Guillermo Montero

    (Universidad Nacional de Rosario, S2125ZAA)

  • Pablo A. P. Antiqueira

    (University of Campinas (UNICAMP))

  • Rodrigo Freire

    (Universidad Nacional de Rosario, S2125ZAA)

  • Emilio Realpe

    (Universidad de los Andes)

  • Sarah L. Amundrud

    (University of British Columbia)

  • Paula M. Omena

    (University of Campinas (UNICAMP)
    Universidade Federal do Pará)

  • Alice B. A. Campos

    (Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), CP 68020)

  • Pavel Kratina

    (School of Biological and Chemical Sciences)

  • Eoin J. O’Gorman

    (University of Essex)

  • Diane S. Srivastava

    (University of British Columbia)

Abstract

Changes in global and regional precipitation regimes are among the most pervasive components of climate change. Intensification of rainfall cycles, ranging from frequent downpours to severe droughts, could cause widespread, but largely unknown, alterations to trophic structure and ecosystem function. We conducted multi-site coordinated experiments to show how variation in the quantity and evenness of rainfall modulates trophic structure in 210 natural freshwater microcosms (tank bromeliads) across Central and South America (18°N to 29°S). The biomass of smaller organisms (detritivores) was higher under more stable hydrological conditions. Conversely, the biomass of predators was highest when rainfall was uneven, resulting in top-heavy biomass pyramids. These results illustrate how extremes of precipitation, resulting in localized droughts or flooding, can erode the base of freshwater food webs, with negative implications for the stability of trophic dynamics.

Suggested Citation

  • Gustavo Q. Romero & Nicholas A. C. Marino & A. Andrew M. MacDonald & Régis Céréghino & M. Kurtis Trzcinski & Dimaris Acosta Mercado & Céline Leroy & Bruno Corbara & Vinicius F. Farjalla & Ignacio , 2020. "Extreme rainfall events alter the trophic structure in bromeliad tanks across the Neotropics," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 11(1), pages 1-8, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:11:y:2020:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-020-17036-4
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-17036-4
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