Temporal variation in stable isotope composition ( delta super(13)C, delta super(15)N and delta super(34)S) of a temperate Zostera marina food web

Simultaneous triple stable isotope analysis of carbon, nitrogen and sulphur was employed to study the temporal variation in the food web of a subtidal eelgrass Zostera marina bed in the western Baltic Sea. Samples of 3 potential food sources (eelgrass, epiphytes and seston) and consumer species were...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Marine ecology. Progress series (Halstenbek) 2014-01, Vol.505, p.95-105
Main Authors: Mittermayr, Agnes, Fox, Sophia E, Sommer, Ulrich
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Zostera marina
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Summary:Simultaneous triple stable isotope analysis of carbon, nitrogen and sulphur was employed to study the temporal variation in the food web of a subtidal eelgrass Zostera marina bed in the western Baltic Sea. Samples of 3 potential food sources (eelgrass, epiphytes and seston) and consumer species were collected biweekly from March through September 2011. Temporal variation of stable isotope compositions was observed in primary producers and consumer species. However, variation between replicates, particularly omnivores, often exceeded variation over time. The high degree of omnivory among the generalist feeders in this eelgrass community allows for generalist feeders to flexibly switch food sources, thus enhancing food-web stability. As coastal systems are subject to seasonal changes, as well as alterations related to human disturbance and climate, these food webs may retain a certain resilience due to their plentiful omnivores.
ISSN:0171-8630
1616-1599
DOI:10.3354/meps10797