![]() ![]() ![]() Here, we provide an updated synthesis to guide the application of bulk stable isotope ratios to study ecological niches. While the isotopic niche offers a useful means to understand interactions at many ecological resolutions (e.g., individual, population, community, ecosystem), a variety of intrinsic and extrinsic factors drive isotopic variability and influence the ultimate geometry of observed niche dimensions. The development of the isotopic niche, an n-dimensional hypervolume (with n being the number of isotopes) occupied by a population in delta-space, has revolutionized the study of animal interactions in wild populations. validus copes with the present and future modification of environmental conditions induced by climate change. This trophic plasticity will likely influence how O. brandti in the outer fjord with a limited risk of competition. validus to expand and share its isotopic niche with D. Conversely, higher resource availability could allow O. This could represent a mechanism for competition avoidance in a resource-limited system. Low resource availability within the fjord, linked to higher turbidity, could induce trophic niche constriction and interspecific resource segregation. validus had a smaller isotopic niche size in the inner than the outer fjord. Specifically, δ13C and δ15N values were linked to disc radius in generalist species (Diplasterias brandti and Odontaster validus), which could indicate ontogenetic diet shifts, while this relationship occurred less frequently in more specialised species (Bathybiaster loripes, Notasterias bongraini, and Perknaster sladeni). The disc radius influenced δ13C and δ15N values, whereas more limited changes in δ13C or δ34S values were related to arm length. Here we assessed the trophic ecology in relation to the size and habitat of sea stars in a fjord on King George Island (South Shetland Islands) using stable isotope values of carbon (δ13C), nitrogen (δ15N), and sulphur (δ34S). Furthermore, knowledge of resource use is important for predicting how species will respond to environmental change.Īntarctic sea stars can occupy different trophic niches and display different trophic levels, but, while the impacts of their body size and environmental features on their trophic niches are potentially important, they are presently understudied. Assessing species at the population level may mask intraspecific differences in resource use where predators play vastly different ecological roles. We demonstrate substantial spatial and intraspecific variation in resource use that is not attributable to body size. Using a novel tri‐isotope ellipsoid approach, we consider for the first time the isotopic niche partitioning of co‐occurring reef predators spanning multiple families. Food web dynamics are driven by resource availability, and sympatric species may partition resources to facilitate co‐existence. Knowledge of resource use is important for predicting how species will respond to environmental change and spatial variation should be considered when investigating trophic diversity. Assessing species at the population level will mask these intraspecific differences in resource use. Furthermore, within each area, there was evidence of intraspecific variation in feeding behaviors that could not wholly be attributed to individual body size. We demonstrate substantial spatial variation in resource use of all predator populations. Using a novel tri‐isotope ellipsoid approach, we investigate the feeding strategies of seven of these species across an atoll seascape in the Maldives. We consider for the first time the isotopic niche partitioning of co‐occurring, teleost reef predators spanning multiple families. While spatial variation and specialization in feeding strategies may be prevalent among large marine predators, studies have focussed on sharks, birds, and marine mammals. ![]() Sympatric species may partition resources to reduce competition and facilitate co‐existence. ![]()
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