10.5061/DRYAD.7H766
Heermann, Lisa
University of Cologne
DeAngelis, Donald L.
United States Geological Survey
Borcherding, Jost
University of Cologne
Data from: A new mechanistic approach for the further development of a
population with established size bimodality
Dryad
dataset
2018
Eurasian perch
Perca fluviatilis
stage-structured model
2018-06-07T00:00:00Z
2018-06-07T00:00:00Z
en
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0179339
128661 bytes
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CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication
Usually, the origin of a within-cohort bimodal size distribution is
assumed to be caused by initial size differences or by one discrete period
of accelerated growth for one part of the population. The aim of this
study was to determine if more continuous pathways exist allowing shifts
from the small to the large fraction within a bimodal age-cohort.
Therefore, a Eurasian perch population, which had already developed a
bimodal size-distribution and had differential resource use of the two
size-cohorts, was examined. Results revealed that formation of a bimodal
size-distribution can be a continuous process. Perch from the small
size-cohort were able to grow into the large size-cohort by feeding on
macroinvertebrates not used by their conspecifics. The diet shifts were
accompanied by morphological shape changes. Intra-specific competition
seemed to trigger the development towards an increasing number of large
individuals. A stage-structured matrix model confirmed these assumptions.
The fact that bimodality can be a continuous process is important to
consider for the understanding of ecological processes and links within
ecosystems.
Heermann et al_PLOSONEIn this file, data on food resources (zooplankton
and macroinvertebrates) of perch can be found. Also given is total length
of fish used in the analyses as well as the percentage composition of diet
items and where available information about sex and maturation state of
perch. Further, data derived from Procrustes superimposition describing
shape of perch is shown.
Germany