The role of an invader in its native range: could differential grazing by apple snails structure the submersed macrophytes assemblages in Southern Pampas (Argentina)?
- Manara, Enzo
- Maldonado, Mara Anahí
- Martín, Pablo Rafael
DOIAbstract
Apple snails are renowned for their strong impacts on aquatic vegetation and ecosystem function in invaded regions but the existing knowledge on their role in aquatic ecosystems and communities in their native range is scarce. The variation in palatability of five submersed macrophytes, the preference of Pomacea canaliculata for them and the potential effects of its differential grazing on macrophyte assemblages in Southern Pampas were investigated. In no-choice trials, macrophytes showed differences in palatability that were correlated to physical defences and not to nutritional values. In free-choice trials, preference was consistent with the palatability ranking. In a mesocosms experiment, Chara contraria and Zannichellia palustris were ...
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