Personality variation in two predator species does not impact prey species survival or plant damage in staged mesocosms

摘要: Mounting evidence suggests that consistent individual differences in behavior, better known as animal personality, can shape aspects of population and community ecology. Yet, the potential for personality to affect more complex non-linear food webs, like those seen nature, remains understudied. Here, we explore degree which aggregate behaviors two predator species simultaneously interact alter prey survival rates presence magnitude trophic cascades. We set up mesocosms an old-field habitat containing four different insect either Phidippus clarus (Salticidae), Platycryptus undatus or one each predator. Prior initiating mesocosm, assayed activity level boldness included these metrics our models predicting plant damage. then compared number surviving damage under conditions tested associations between response variables behavior. found no significant effect composition predators’ behavior on These results suggest effects may be subtle absent interaction modules. Although much research influence broader scale ecological phenomena, ability modules unresolved. whether pairs predators types differentially impacted a tritrophic system, varied based composition. recovered influenced regardless considered. undetectable complex, realistic settings. The majority laboratory-based studies published date evaluate only dyadic interactions simplified environments. Our findings therefore raise concerns such are prone overestimate personality.