Organismal traits are more important than environment for species interactions in the intertidal zone.

摘要: Species interactions come in a variety of forms, from weak to strong, and negative or positive, each with unique consequences for local community structure. However, depend on several biotic, abiotic scale-dependent variables that make their magnitude direction difficult predict. Here, we quantify the relative impacts multiple factors species diverse array intertidal organisms, using our own experiments across range environments New Zealand North America. Interaction strengths are related organism body size trophic level, but relatively insensitive environmental conditions associated tidal height. Although at higher levels exert stronger per-capita effects other taxa, population-level equivalent basal groups. This indicates interaction intensity is largely based requirements resources, such as food space, follow allometric scaling rules. These results demonstrate potential predict interactivity simple criteria without detailed information particular communities.