Predation risk in tadpole populations shapes behavioural responses of prey but not strength of trait-mediated indirect interactions

摘要: Prey animals often respond to predators by reducing activity levels. This can produce a trait-mediated indirect interaction (TMII) between and prey resources, whereby reduced foraging in the presence of predator causes an increase resources. TMIIs play important roles structuring communities, it is understand factors that determine their strength. One such influence may be behavioural variation species, with effects being stronger within populations are more responsive predator. We tested 1) whether responsiveness wood frog tadpoles cues was related predation risk native ponds, 2) yielded TMIIs. To do this, we measured from 18 mesocosms without caged predators, changes biomass periphyton (the tadpoles’ diet) treatments for each population. found higher ponds time outside refuges tended move less when visible, suggesting possible local adaptation regimes. Though generally resulted – TMII there no evidence strength this affected tadpole behaviour. Foraging general decoupled some extent, enabling high risk-adapted limit fitness costs present.