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The effect of small‐scale resource origin on trophic position estimates in Perca fluviatilis
Author(s) -
Quevedo M.,
Olsson J.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
journal of fish biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.672
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1095-8649
pISSN - 0022-1112
DOI - 10.1111/j.1095-8649.2006.01072.x
Subject(s) - trophic level , perch , biology , ecology , benthic zone , littoral zone , habitat , isotope analysis , predation , ecomorphology , niche , fishery , fish <actinopterygii>
The influence of small‐scale differences in resource origin on trophic position estimates was evaluated with the stable isotopes method. Perch Perca fluviatilis , a widespread freshwater predator, was used as a model organism. High individual variability was found in the contribution of benthic resources to the isotopic signatures of perch caught in the littoral zone, suggesting substantial within‐habitat individual specialization. Small‐scale resource origin and δ 13 C enrichment should be accounted for to avoid misleading estimates of both the absolute values and the ontogenetic trajectories of trophic position. A conceptual framework using end‐member pathways is proposed to estimate trophic position with the stable isotope technique, particularly when marked ontogenetic niche shifts are expected.