Objectif This proposal aims to advance a new general theory that links plasticity in prey responses to predation and biogeochemical processes to explain context-dependent variations in ecosystem functioning. The physiological reaction of prey to predation involves allocating resources from production to support emergency functions. An example of such a reaction is an increase in maintenance respiration concomitant with higher carbohydrate and lower N demand. Such changes in prey energy and elemental budget should alter the role prey play in regulating the quality of detrital inputs to soils. Nutrient content of detritus is an important determinant of the way soil communities regulate ecosystem processes. Thus, the physiological reaction of prey to predation can potentially explicate changes in ecosystem functioning. My first empirical examination of a few selected mechanisms of this theory has yielded very promising insights.The main objectives of this proposal are: (1) To systematically test whether prey reactions to predation are consistent with the proposed theory’s predictions across species and ecosystems; (2) to examine the interface between stress physiology and anti-predatory behaviors in explaining predator induced diet shift, and (3) to evaluate how predator induced responses at the individual level regulate ecosystem processes. To address these objectives, I propose combining manipulative field experiments, highly controlled laboratory and garden experiments, and stable-isotopes pulse chase approaches. I will examine individual prey responses and the emerging patterns across five food-chains that represent phylogenetically distant taxa and disparate ecosystems. The proposed study is expected to revolutionize our understanding of the mechanisms by which aboveground predators regulate ecosystem processes. Promoting such a mechanistic understanding is crucial to predict how human-induced changes in biodiversity will affect life-supporting ecosystem services. Champ scientifique medical and health scienceshealth sciencesnutritionnatural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculescarbohydratesnatural sciencesbiological sciencesecologyecosystemsmedical and health sciencesbasic medicinephysiologynatural sciencesbiological sciencesbiological behavioural sciencesethologybiological interactions Programme(s) FP7-IDEAS-ERC - Specific programme: "Ideas" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Thème(s) ERC-SG-LS8 - ERC Starting Grant - Evolutionary, population and environmental biology Appel à propositions ERC-2013-StG Voir d’autres projets de cet appel Régime de financement ERC-SG - ERC Starting Grant Institution d’accueil THE HEBREW UNIVERSITY OF JERUSALEM Contribution de l’UE € 1 379 600,00 Adresse EDMOND J SAFRA CAMPUS GIVAT RAM 91904 Jerusalem Israël Voir sur la carte Type d’activité Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Chercheur principal Dror Hawlena (Dr.) Contact administratif Hani Ben Yehuda (Ms.) Liens Contacter l’organisation Opens in new window Site web Opens in new window Coût total Aucune donnée Bénéficiaires (1) Trier par ordre alphabétique Trier par contribution de l’UE Tout développer Tout réduire THE HEBREW UNIVERSITY OF JERUSALEM Israël Contribution de l’UE € 1 379 600,00 Adresse EDMOND J SAFRA CAMPUS GIVAT RAM 91904 Jerusalem Voir sur la carte Type d’activité Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Chercheur principal Dror Hawlena (Dr.) Contact administratif Hani Ben Yehuda (Ms.) Liens Contacter l’organisation Opens in new window Site web Opens in new window Coût total Aucune donnée
