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Sublethal effects on reproduction in native fauna: are females more vulnerable to biological invasion?

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 00:15 authored by Gribben, PE, Jeffrey WrightJeffrey Wright
Although invasive species are a major threat to survivorship of native species, we know little about their sublethal effects. In soft-sediment marine systems, mat-forming invasive species often have positive effects, facilitating recruitment and enhancing the diversity and abundance of native invertebrates. However, because mat-forming invasive species change the habitat in which they invade, and benthic invertebrates are sensitive to environmental disturbance, important sublethal effects on native species may exist. Using a model marine system we show that the widespread mat-forming invasive alga Caulerpa taxifolia (Vahl) C. Agardh has strong negative effects on the reproductive traits of a native bivalve Anadara trapezia (Deshayes, 1840) (e.g. timing of reproductive development and spawning, and follicle and gamete production) even though the invader has positive effects on recruitment. Moreover, gender specific responses occurred and indicated that females were more susceptible to invasion than males. Our results indicate that sublethal effects of an invasive species on reproductive traits will have severe consequences for fitness of the native species. © Springer-Verlag 2006.

History

Publication title

Oecologia

Volume

149

Pagination

352-361

ISSN

0029-8549

Department/School

Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies

Publisher

Springer

Place of publication

New York

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Control of pests, diseases and exotic species in marine environments

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