Nematode dynamics in an African dolomite cave: What is the role of environmental filtering in spatial and temporal distribution?
Caves present unique and interesting habitats, captivating scientists in discovering new species and disentangling unfamiliar food webs. However, cave-dwelling nematodes remain poorly studied with minimal evidence supporting their ecological relevance. Therefore, the present study was aimed at inves...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Elsevier
2023-09-01
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| Series: | Basic and Applied Ecology |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1439179123000245 |
| _version_ | 1797744045911441408 |
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| author | GC Du Preez M Souza Silva H Fourie C Girgan EC Netherlands A Swart RL Ferreira |
| author_facet | GC Du Preez M Souza Silva H Fourie C Girgan EC Netherlands A Swart RL Ferreira |
| author_sort | GC Du Preez |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Caves present unique and interesting habitats, captivating scientists in discovering new species and disentangling unfamiliar food webs. However, cave-dwelling nematodes remain poorly studied with minimal evidence supporting their ecological relevance. Therefore, the present study was aimed at investigating the role of selected environmental filters over temporal (seasonal) and spatial (site location) scales on the community dynamics and functional diversity of cave-dwelling nematodes in Dripkelder Cave (South Africa). Multiple sampling sites, with varying levels of exposure to surface material, were investigated over four consecutive seasons. Selected microhabitat characteristics were also measured including sediment respiration, organic and active carbon, moisture content, pH, electrical conductivity, texture, and temperature. The results indicated significant effects on nematode community dynamics from exposure to surface material and environmental filters (including a physical restriction between the entrance area and deeper cave sites). Furthermore, clear temporal trends evidenced the effect of seasonality. An example of this was the rapid response of nematode colonisers (Rhabditis sp.) to the introduction of food and later transitioning to dauer larvae. Finally, multiple trophic groups associated with more isolated cave habitats indicated the potential role of nematode functional diversity in food web dynamics. This study showed that nematode dynamics in caves are likely more complex than originally believed. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-12T15:04:06Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-22dc28eea35a4fa39384dc602891e1d4 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1439-1791 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-12T15:04:06Z |
| publishDate | 2023-09-01 |
| publisher | Elsevier |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Basic and Applied Ecology |
| spelling | doaj.art-22dc28eea35a4fa39384dc602891e1d42023-08-13T04:53:23ZengElsevierBasic and Applied Ecology1439-17912023-09-01711832Nematode dynamics in an African dolomite cave: What is the role of environmental filtering in spatial and temporal distribution?GC Du Preez0M Souza Silva1H Fourie2C Girgan3EC Netherlands4A Swart5RL Ferreira6Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, South Africa; Corresponding author.Centro de Estudos em Biologia Subterrânea, Departamento de Ecologia e Conservação, Instituto de Ciências Naturais, Universidade Federal de Lavras, Caixa Postal 3037, Campus Universitário, Lavras, Minas Gerais CEP 37200-900, BrasilUnit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, South AfricaNematology Unit, Biosystematics, Agricultural Research Council-Plant Health and Protection, Private Bag X134, Queenswood 0121, South AfricaDepartment of Zoology and Entomology, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South AfricaNematology Unit, Biosystematics, Agricultural Research Council-Plant Health and Protection, Private Bag X134, Queenswood 0121, South Africa; Department of Zoology, University of Johannesburg, PO Box 524, Auckland Park, Johannesburg 2006, South AfricaCentro de Estudos em Biologia Subterrânea, Departamento de Ecologia e Conservação, Instituto de Ciências Naturais, Universidade Federal de Lavras, Caixa Postal 3037, Campus Universitário, Lavras, Minas Gerais CEP 37200-900, BrasilCaves present unique and interesting habitats, captivating scientists in discovering new species and disentangling unfamiliar food webs. However, cave-dwelling nematodes remain poorly studied with minimal evidence supporting their ecological relevance. Therefore, the present study was aimed at investigating the role of selected environmental filters over temporal (seasonal) and spatial (site location) scales on the community dynamics and functional diversity of cave-dwelling nematodes in Dripkelder Cave (South Africa). Multiple sampling sites, with varying levels of exposure to surface material, were investigated over four consecutive seasons. Selected microhabitat characteristics were also measured including sediment respiration, organic and active carbon, moisture content, pH, electrical conductivity, texture, and temperature. The results indicated significant effects on nematode community dynamics from exposure to surface material and environmental filters (including a physical restriction between the entrance area and deeper cave sites). Furthermore, clear temporal trends evidenced the effect of seasonality. An example of this was the rapid response of nematode colonisers (Rhabditis sp.) to the introduction of food and later transitioning to dauer larvae. Finally, multiple trophic groups associated with more isolated cave habitats indicated the potential role of nematode functional diversity in food web dynamics. This study showed that nematode dynamics in caves are likely more complex than originally believed.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1439179123000245Cave-dwelling nematodesEcosystem functioningFood availabilityActive carbonMicrobial activity |
| spellingShingle | GC Du Preez M Souza Silva H Fourie C Girgan EC Netherlands A Swart RL Ferreira Nematode dynamics in an African dolomite cave: What is the role of environmental filtering in spatial and temporal distribution? Basic and Applied Ecology Cave-dwelling nematodes Ecosystem functioning Food availability Active carbon Microbial activity |
| title | Nematode dynamics in an African dolomite cave: What is the role of environmental filtering in spatial and temporal distribution? |
| title_full | Nematode dynamics in an African dolomite cave: What is the role of environmental filtering in spatial and temporal distribution? |
| title_fullStr | Nematode dynamics in an African dolomite cave: What is the role of environmental filtering in spatial and temporal distribution? |
| title_full_unstemmed | Nematode dynamics in an African dolomite cave: What is the role of environmental filtering in spatial and temporal distribution? |
| title_short | Nematode dynamics in an African dolomite cave: What is the role of environmental filtering in spatial and temporal distribution? |
| title_sort | nematode dynamics in an african dolomite cave what is the role of environmental filtering in spatial and temporal distribution |
| topic | Cave-dwelling nematodes Ecosystem functioning Food availability Active carbon Microbial activity |
| url | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1439179123000245 |
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