Abstract

We conducted a meta-analysis of the available literature to assess the effect of decapod crustacean macroconsumers on the processing and invertebrate colonization of leaf detritus in streams. Supplementary methodological (experimental set-up), geographical (i.e. latitude, climate) and biological (i.e. macroconsumers body size, detritus quality expressed as initial C:N ratio) data were collected, with the aim of assessing their influence on effect sizes variability. Overall, our results indicated some important effects of decapod crustacean macroconsumers on both detritus processing and colonization by invertebrates. Among the different factors examined, detritus quality and macroconsumer body size were important for predicting detritus processing and invertebrate colonization effects, respectively. This indicates that the pivotal role played by decapod crustacean macroconsumers on leaf decomposition, food webs, and wider stream ecosystem functioning, may be regulated by the interplay of both detritus chemistry and consumer's body size. The limitations and inadequacies of the analyzed literature are discussed

Autore Pugliese

• Mancinelli Giorgio

Tutti gli autori

• Mancinelli G. , Sangiorgio F. , Scalzo A.

Titolo volume/Rivista

INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF HYDROBIOLOGY

Anno di pubblicazione

2013

ISSN

1434-2944

ISBN

Non Disponibile

Numero di citazioni Wos

14

Ultimo Aggiornamento Citazioni

27/04/2018

Numero di citazioni Scopus

17

Ultimo Aggiornamento Citazioni

28/04/2018

Settori ERC

Non Disponibile

Codici ASJC

Non Disponibile