Global patterns in the effects of predator declines on sea urchins

摘要: Latitudinal gradients in the strength of biotic interactions have long been proposed, but empirical evidence for expectation more intense predation, herbivory and competition at low latitudes has mixed. Here, we use a meta-analysis to test prediction that predation pressure on sea urchins, group consumers with particularly strong influence community structure world's oceans, is strongest tropics. We then examine which abiotic factors best correlate biogeographic within habitat patterns urchin responses predation. Consistent expectations, predator impacts urchins were highest tropical coral reefs decreased towards poles rocky reef habitats (>25° absolute latitude). However, latitude temperature weakly correlated effect sizes, predictor was species. This suggests an important role prey identity (i.e. traits including behaviour, physical, chemical defences) rather than large scale determining variation interaction strengths. Ecosystem-shaping such as Tripneustes gratilla, Diadema savignyi Centrostephanus rodgersii strongly impacted by consumers, indicating tight coupling between predators these species their boom bust prey. Anthropogenic activities over-fishing, climate change destruction are causing rapid environmental change, understanding how varies temperature, across among species, will aid predicting likelihood ecosystem wide effects (via trophic cascades). This article protected copyright. All rights reserved.