Methodological uncertainty in resource mixing models for generalist fishes.

Oecologia
D E GalvánN V C Polunin

Abstract

Carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios are used to assess diet composition by determining bounds for the relative contributions of different prey to a predator's diet. This approach is predicated on the assumption that the isotope ratios of predator tissues are similar to those of dominant food sources after accounting for trophic discrimination (Δ(x)X), and is formulated as linear mixing models based on mass balance equations. However, Δ(x)X is species- and tissue-specific and may be affected by factors such as diet quality and quantity. From the different methods proposed to solve mass balance equations, some assume Δ(x)X to be exact values whilst others (based on Bayesian statistics) incorporate variability and inherent uncertainty. Using field data from omnivorous reef fishes, our study illustrates how uncertainty may be taken into account in non-Bayesian models. We also illustrate how dietary interpretation is a function of both absolute Δ(x)X and its associated uncertainty in both Bayesian and non-Bayesian isotope mixing models. Finally, collated literature illustrate that uncertainty surrounding Δ(x)X is often too restricted. Together, these data suggest the high sensitivity of mixing models to variation in trophic di...Continue Reading

References

Oct 19, 1999·The American Naturalist·M Jake Vander ZandenJoseph B Rasmussen
May 22, 2003·Oecologia·Donald L Phillips, Jillian W Gregg
Feb 26, 2008·Ecology Letters·Jonathan W Moore, Brice X Semmens
Dec 3, 2008·Biological Reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society·Carlos Martínez del RioLeonard Z Gannes
Mar 20, 2010·PloS One·Andrew C ParnellAndrew L Jackson
Sep 15, 2010·Ecology·Nina CaracoPeter Raymond
Jul 22, 2011·Ecological Applications : a Publication of the Ecological Society of America·Alexander L Bond, Antony W Diamond

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