Elevated temperatures alter competitive outcomes and body condition in southern Appalachian salamanders

摘要: Temperature elevation due to climate change is directly altering organismal performance and distributions, but the mechanisms behind these shifts require additional attention. Because small aquatic ectotherms are proposed perform better at future climates, it possible that competitive interactions in size-structured communities may also shift. To study interactive effects of competition on species performance, we evaluated body condition large desmognathan salamanders current elevated temperatures stream mesocosms, characterized habitat use. In situ evaluation capture locations demonstrated widespread larger species, Desmognathus conanti, competitively excludes smaller more narrowly distributed, D. abditus, from centers cooler temperatures, ex mesocosm experiments indicated an interaction between temperature intra- versus inter-specific abditus condition. At increased presence tended decline relative intraspecific competitors. We noted individuals prioritized growth differently than by shifting allocations away length mass consistent with responses other organisms stressful conditions could result declining reproductive rates. This demonstrates processes interact affect species’ success.