Theory predicts that when prey can reach a size refuge from predation, prey
vulnerability to predation is a function of hatchling size, growth rate, and the handling
limitations of its predator, which collectively influence the amount of time prey spend
vulnerable. I examined the mechanistic role of prey size for the predator-prey interaction
between predatory crayfish (Procambarus fallax) and apple snail prey (Pomacea
paludosa and P. maculata) and found that crayfish feeding rates decreased with snail
size, such that smaller hatchling P. maculata were more than twenty times more
vulnerable than hatchling P. paludosa. Experimental manipulations of productivity
increased apple snail growth rates, reducing the effects of predatory crayfish on P.
maculata survivorship, but not P. paludosa survivorship. My results indicate that when
prey can reach a size refuge from predation, increased system productivity decreases
predator limitation of that prey. / Includes bibliography. / Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2016. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:fau.edu/oai:fau.digital.flvc.org:fau_33909 |
| Contributors | Davidson, Andrew (author), Dorn, Nathan (Thesis advisor), Florida Atlantic University (Degree grantor), Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences |
| Publisher | Florida Atlantic University |
| Source Sets | Florida Atlantic University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation, Text |
| Format | 82 p., application/pdf |
| Rights | Copyright © is held by the author with permission granted to Florida Atlantic University to digitize, archive and distribute this item for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires permission of the copyright holder., http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ |
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