10.5061/DRYAD.NS2517D
Wang, Rong
East China Normal University
Chen, Xiao-Yong
East China Normal University
Chen, Yan
Mianyang Normal University
Wang, Gang
Chinese Academy of Sciences
Dunn, Derek
Northwest University
Quinnell, Rupert
University of Leeds
Compton, Steve
University of Leeds
Data from: Loss of top-down biotic interactions changes the relative
benefits for obligate mutualists
Dryad
dataset
2019
Anthropocene
interspecific interaction
trophic cascades
Eupristina verticillata
Parasitoids
Ficus microcarpa
fig-fig wasp mutualism
2019-02-06T20:22:53Z
2019-02-06T20:22:53Z
en
https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2018.2501
1343353 bytes
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CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication
The collapse of mutualisms due to anthropogenic changes is contributing to
losses of biodiversity. Top predators can regulate biotic interactions
between species at lower trophic levels and may contribute to the
stability of such mutualisms, but they are particularly likely to be lost
after disturbance of communities. We focused on the mutualism between the
fig tree Ficus microcarpa and its host-specific pollinator fig wasp and
compared the benefits accrued by the mutualists in natural and
translocated areas of distribution. Parasitoids of the pollinator were
rare or absent outside the natural range of the mutualists, where the
relative benefits the mutualists gained from their interaction were
changed significantly away from the plant’s natural range due to reduced
seed production rather than increased numbers of pollinator offspring.
Furthermore, in the absence of the negative effects of its parasitoids, we
detected an oviposition range expansion by the pollinator, with the use of
a wider range of ovules that could otherwise have generated seeds. Loss of
top-down control has therefore resulted in a change in the balance of
reciprocal benefits that underpins this obligate mutualism, emphasising
the value of maintaining food web complexity in the Anthropocene.
relative benefits of mutualists data for submissionThis data file
comprises four parts: (1) data for the analyses concerning the characters
of figs and fig wasp communities and the effects of NPFWs on the relative
benefits of the mutualists; (2) pedicel length data for the analyses
concerning the oviposition preferences of pollinators; (3) ovipositor
length data of adult female pollinators; (4) number of pollinator
foundresses from unmatured figs.
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