Ayres Abstracts
| Strand, R.M., D.A. Herms, M.P. Ayres, M.E. Kubiske, M.G. Kaufman, E.D. Walker, K.S. Pregitzer, and R.W. Merritt. 1999. Effects of atmospheric CO2, light availability, and tree species on the quality of leaf detritus as a resource for treehole mosquitoes. Oikos 84:277-283.. |
| Elevated atmospheric CO2 may impact the productivity of heterotrophic aquatic ecosystems through effects on the quality of allochtonous leaf litter on which they are based. We examined the effects of atmospheric CO2, light availability, and tree species on quality of leaf detritus as a resource for treehole mosquito larvae (Aedes triseriatus) by quantifying survival, development time, adult mass, relative growth rate and reproductive potential. Larvae were reared in laboratory microcosms with naturally senesced, abscised foliage from red oak (Quercus rubra) and paper birch (Betula papyrifera) grown in ambient and two-times ambient CO2 atmospheres. Oaks were grown in full sun; birches were grown in full sun and shade. The only effect of elevated CO2 was to increase the size of adult females that had been reared on birch as larvae. Shade decreased development time, and increased survival, growth rate, body size, and reproductive potential. Development time was shorter on oak than birch, resulting in a faster growth rate. These data suggest that light availability and tree species will have stronger effects on the quality of senesced foliage for treehole mosquitoes than will elevated atmospheric CO2. |