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Spatial distribution and ecological niches of non-breeding planktivorous petrels.

ABSTRACT: According to niche theory, mechanisms exist that allow co-existence of organisms that would otherwise compete for the same prey and other resources. How seabirds cope with potential competition during the non-breeding period is poorly documented, particularly for small species. Here we investigate for the first time the potential role of spatial, environmental (habitat) and trophic (isotopic) segregation as niche-partitioning mechanisms during the non-breeding season for four species of highly abundant, zooplanktivorous seabird that breed sympatrically in the Southern Ocean. Spatial segregation was found to be the main partitioning mechanism; even for the two sibling species of diving petrel, which spent the non-breeding period in overlapping areas, there was evidence from distribution and stable isotope ratios for differences in habitat use and diving depth.

SUBMITTER: Navarro J

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4499811 | biostudies-other | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other

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Spatial distribution and ecological niches of non-breeding planktivorous petrels.

Navarro Joan J Cardador Laura L Brown Ruth R Phillips Richard A RA

Scientific reports 20150713

According to niche theory, mechanisms exist that allow co-existence of organisms that would otherwise compete for the same prey and other resources. How seabirds cope with potential competition during the non-breeding period is poorly documented, particularly for small species. Here we investigate for the first time the potential role of spatial, environmental (habitat) and trophic (isotopic) segregation as niche-partitioning mechanisms during the non-breeding season for four species of highly a ...[more]

PMID: 26165162

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