Richardson, W. B., and Threlkeld, S. T., 1993, Complex interactions of multiple
aquatic consumers: An experimental mesocosm manipulation: Canadian Journal of
Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, v. 50, no. 1, p. 29-42.

Abstract

In 7-m super(3) outdoor tanks filled with lake water, the presence/absence of
omnivorous young-of-the-year Micropterus salmoides), zooplanktivorous Menidia
beryllina , and herbivorous larval Hyla chrysocelis was experimentally manipulated. A
cross-classified design was used to assess the interactive effects of these vertebrate
consumers on the experimental food webs. The primary effects of the experimental
manipulations on food web components were two-and three-way interactions in which
the effect of a given treatment was dependent on the presence of another treatment.
Results suggest that the addition or removal of consumers may not cause linear,
additive changes in food webs.

Keywords

interspecific-relationships, grazing, omnivores, plankton-feeders, prey-selection,
food-webs, controlled-conditions, Micropterus-salmoides, Menidia-beryllina,
Hyla-chrysocelis, freshwater-organisms