Cercarial behaviour alters the consumer functional response of three-spined sticklebacks.

摘要: Free-living parasite life stages may contribute substantially to ecosystem biomass and thus represent a significant source of energy flow when consumed by non-host organisms. However, ambient temperature the predator's own infection status modulate consumption rates towards prey. We investigated combined effects predator on consumer functional response three-spined sticklebacks free-living cercariae two common freshwater trematode parasites (Plagiorchis spp., Trichobilharzia franki). Our results revealed genera-specific responses each prey: Type II for Plagiorchis spp. III T. franki, with an overall higher rate franki. Elevated (13 oC) increased prey mild cestode infections (<5% fish body weight) only. High cercarial impact population dynamics severely reducing or even functionally eliminating from environment. This supports potential role as biocontrol agents similar dispersion strategies, in instances where relationships have been established. study demonstrates how organisms be shaped traits inherent transmission dispersal, emphasizes need consider integral resources aquatic food webs.