Journal Article
Distribution patterns, carbon sources and niche partitioning in cave shrimps (Atyidae: Typhlatya)
Chávez‑Solís, E.M., Solís, C., Simões, N., and Mascaró, M.
Record Number:
4798
Year:
2020
Journal:
Scientific Reports
Volume:
10:12812
URL:
www.nature.com/scientificreports
Abstract:
Cave shrimps of the Typhlatya genus are common and widespread in fresh, brackish and marine
groundwater throughout the Yucatan Peninsula (Mexico). These species are ideal models to test niche
partitioning within sympatric species in oligotrophic systems. Nevertheless, their food sources remain
unidentified, and despite their frequency and functional importance, distribution and abundance
patterns of these species within caves have not been fully recognized. Here, we describe the
abundance of three Typhlatya species in different temporal and spatial scales, investigate changes in
water conditions, and potential sources of carbon as an indication of food origin. Species composition
and abundance varied markedly in space and time revealing patterns that differed from one system
to another and in relation to environmental parameters. Isotope analysis showed that each species
reflects a particular δ13C and Δ14C fingerprint, suggesting they feed in different proportions from the
available carbon sources. Overall, our findings suggest a niche partitioning of habitat and feeding
sources amongst the three Typhlatya species investigated, where environmental characteristics and
physiological differences could play an important role governing their distribution patterns.
Times Cited:
3