Heritable variation in prey defence provides refuge for subdominant predators

Proceedings. Biological Sciences
Paul A LenhartJennifer A White

Abstract

Generalist predators with broadly overlapping niches commonly coexist on seemingly identical sets of prey. Here, we provide empirical demonstration that predators can differentially exploit fine-grained niches generated by variable, heritable and selective defences within a single prey species. Some, but not all, clones of the aphid Aphis craccivora are toxic towards the dominant invasive predatory ladybeetle, Harmonia axyridis However, other less competitive ladybeetle species are not affected by the aphid's toxic trait. In laboratory and open field experiments, we show: (i) that subdominant ladybeetle species were able to exploit the toxic aphids, benefitting from the suppression of the dominant predator; and (ii) that this narrow-spectrum toxicity can function as an anti-predator defence for the aphid, but depends on enemy community context. Our results demonstrate that niche differentiation among generalist predators may hinge upon previously underappreciated heritable variation in prey defence, which, in turn, may promote diversity and stability of enemy communities invaded by a dominant predator.

References

Feb 19, 2000·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·G C Trussell, L D Smith
Oct 18, 2000·Animal Behaviour·K M Warkentin
Feb 4, 2003·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·Kerry M OliverMartha S Hunter
Aug 27, 2005·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·Kerry M OliverMartha S Hunter
Nov 22, 2007·Ecology·Oswald J Schmitz
Nov 22, 2007·Proceedings. Biological Sciences·Kerry M OliverMartha S Hunter
Sep 9, 2008·Trends in Plant Science·Erik H PoelmanMarcel Dicke
Jan 30, 2010·The American Naturalist·Jonathan J Storm, Steven L Lima
Jan 17, 2012·Trends in Ecology & Evolution·Cyrille ViolleJulie Messier
Oct 25, 2013·Molecular Ecology·Adam J MartinezKerry M Oliver
Jul 3, 2015·Proceedings. Biological Sciences·Ailsa H C McLean, H Charles J Godfray
Oct 26, 2016·The Journal of Animal Ecology·Jan HrčekH Charles J Godfray
Nov 20, 2016·Evolution; International Journal of Organic Evolution·Benjamin D Blanchard, Corrie S Moreau
Aug 5, 2017·Ecology and Evolution·Kelly A JacksonJennifer A White
Aug 26, 2017·Evolution; International Journal of Organic Evolution·Alice B DennisChristoph Vorburger

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Citations

Mar 19, 2021·Annals of the Entomological Society of America·Hongran LiJohn J Obrycki

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.