Experimental Studies of Population Growth and Predator-Prey Interactions of South Florida Fishes
Smith S and Trexler J. 2004. Experimental Studies of Population Growth and Predator-Prey Interactions of South Florida Fishes. Critical Ecosystems Studies Initiative. RES97-15. Everglades National Park/South Florida Natural Resources Center
Final Report. Alligators and panthers often garner much attention as south Florida's apex predators. Yet it is the expansive mats of periphyton that form the base of the complex Everglades food web. The trophic dynamics of the entire ecosystem seem to pivot on the availability of this prolific primary producer. This CESI-funded investigation examines the interactions between periphyton and the aquatic species it supports. Algal mats can serve a variety of purposes for such organisms, including both refuge and nutrition. Knowledge gained from observing such interactions can help managers better infer how these communities will respond to environmental change. Smith, Shawn E. and Joel C. Trexler. 2004. Defining the Roles of Common Small-bodied Consumers in the Food Web of the Everglades Periphyton-mat Complex. Final Report submitted to the Critical Ecosystems Studies Initiative. NPS Interagency Agreement with United States Geological Survey. Everglades National Park, Homestead, Florida.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Smith, Shawn; Trexler, Joel
- Date of Issue
- 2004-08
- Units
- EVER
- Keywords
- Assessment, CESI, everglades, Fish, Food Webs, Periphyton, Prey, Research, Restoration, trophic studies
- Subjects
- Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | Focal Species or Communities | Freshwater Communities , Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | Focal Species or Communities | Fishes