作者: Jordi Moya-Laraño , Rogelio Macías-Ordóñez , Wolf U. Blanckenhorn , Carmen Fernández-Montraveta
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2656.2008.01433.X
关键词:
摘要: 1. Body condition (defined as the relative amount of energy reserves in body) is an animal trait with strong ecological implications. In some taxa (e.g. arthropods), external volume body part which most nutrients are stored abdomen) used interchangeably mass to estimate condition, making implicit assumption that abdomen residual a good surrogate mass. However, degree correlation between these two measures should largely depend on density stored. 2. We simulated food-supplemented experimental groups animals, each storing slightly different lipids either their abdomens or entire bodies, and explored (i) how estimates were able detect fixed differences groups; (ii) could affect outcome non-intrusive dichotomous variable survival, mating success). found (body statistically controlled for structural size volume) has much greater power effects binary response variables than do classic mass/size volume/size indices. 3. Using data Lycosa tarantula (L.), burrowing wolf spider, we report dramatic among three indices ability sex effect feeding treatment at maturity. particular, plot against reflecting nutrient suggests poorly fed spiders nutritionally unbalanced, since well-fed invest very density. 4. Furthermore, using Scathophaga stercoraria yellow dung fly, index was better distinguishing populations alone. 5. propose including surrogates (mass, density) will substantially improve accuracy thus providing more powerful tools direct application wide range disciplines.