The Experts below are selected from a list of 9837 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Jeffery K Tomberlin - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
acari community in association with delayed pig Carrion decomposition
Experimental and Applied Acarology, 2021Co-Authors: Chong Chin Heo, Pete D Teel, Barry M Oconnor, Jeffery K TomberlinAbstract:Acari community structure and function associated with delayed pig Carrion decomposition has not been examined. In this study, 18 swine carcasses were studied in central Texas, USA, during two consecutive summers (2013 and 2014). Samples of ca. 400 g soil were collected from beneath, aside, and 5 m away from each pig carcass over 180 days. Mites from soil samples were extracted using Berlese funnels and identified to order and family levels and classified according to ecological function. In total 1565 and 1740 mites were identified from the 2013 and 2014 soil samples, respectively. Significant differences were determined for mite community structure at order and family levels temporally on Carrion (e.g., day 0 × day 14) regardless of treatments and between soil regions where mites were collected (e.g., soil beneath vs. soil 5 m away from Carrion). However, no significant differences were found in mite community structure at the order level between pig Carrion with and without delayed Diptera colonization (i.e., treatments). Analysis at the family level determined a significant difference across treatments for both summers. Ecological function of mites did not change significantly following the delayed decomposition of pig carcasses. However, detritivores and fungivores were significant indicator groups during the pig Carrion decomposition process. Furthermore, 13 phoretic mite species associated with eight forensically important beetle species were documented. Data from this study indicated that the rate of nutrient flow into the soil impacted associated arthropod communities; however, detecting such shifts depends on the taxonomic resolution being applied.
-
Volatile organic compounds in variably aged Carrion impacted by the presence of the primary colonizer, Cochliomyia macellaria (Diptera: Calliphoridae)
International Journal of Legal Medicine, 2021Co-Authors: Zanthé Kotzé, Pablo J. Delclos, Anthony H. Knap, Terry L. Wade, Jeffery K TomberlinAbstract:The attraction and colonization of vertebrate remains by Carrion-associated arthropods are processes largely governed by olfaction. As remains decompose, they emit a bouquet of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which in part originate from endogenous and exogenous microbes surrounding the carcass or from the carcass itself. The composition and concentration of VOCs are influenced by the presence and abundance of microbial species and arthropods. Blowfly species, such as Cochliomyia macellaria , play a critical role in nutrient recycling and the decomposition process of Carrion. Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy analysis was used to identify and classify volatile emissions from insect-colonized (with C. macellaria ) and uncolonized rat carcasses, as well as a standard Gainesville diet, over a 10-day period. There were significant differences in composition and abundance of compounds present in each treatment, with significant effects of time, and different compound composition between treatments. Notable indicator compounds included, but were not limited to, indole, dimethyl disulfide, and dimethyl trisulfide. A high compound richness, and a low compound diversity, was detected over the 10-day period. The indicator compounds detected across all treatments were found to be of microbial origin, highlighting the importance of microbes in decomposition processes and arthropod attraction to Carrion. This study also discusses the significant impact of necrophagous arthropods to the VOC profile of Carrion. The results of this study provide insight into the changes in decomposition VOCs over time, with an explanation of compounds in high concentration known to be attractive to Carrion-colonizing arthropods.
-
influence of substrate age on oviposition behavior of a specialist Carrion colonizer cochliomyia macellaria diptera calliphoridae
Journal of Medical Entomology, 2020Co-Authors: Zanthé Kotzé, Jeffery K TomberlinAbstract:The location and consumption of Carrion by arthropods is a process that can be potentially distinguished temporally based on the makeup of the associated community. In fact, succession on Carrion is a continuum of different generalist and specialist arthropods entering and leaving the system. Blow flies commonly associated with vertebrate remains are considered specialists due to their reliance on Carrion as a source of food for offspring and protein for females. However, this specialization may come at a price; increased competition for resources and greater risk of local extinction. The present study examined the effects of the presence or absence of intraspecific colonization, carcass age, and exposure time on the colonization and oviposition responses of the specialist, primary colonizer, the secondary screw worm, Cochliomyia macellaria (Fabricius) (Diptera: Calliphoridae). Carcass age, exposure time, and colonization status significantly influenced the ovipositional response of C. macellaria. This species exhibited an oviposition preference for aged carcasses, with a tendency for higher oviposition after 8-h exposure time, but no preference between previously colonized or uncolonized carcasses. Mean egg hatch rate was also shown to be influenced by the aforementioned factors, with mean hatch rates varying between 81.26 and 90.97% across various treatments. These results provide insight into mechanisms driving succession on Carrion, as well as highlight the variation observed in successional studies for the targeted species. Investigators relying on arthropod succession to indicate a time of colonization should proceed with caution in relying solely on the assumption primary colonizers only arrive and colonize fresh Carrion.
-
Carrion ecology evolution and their applications
2015Co-Authors: Eric M Benbow, Jeffery K Tomberlin, Aaron M TaroneAbstract:INTRODUCTION TO Carrion DECOMPOSITION Introduction to Carrion, Ecology, Evolution, and Their Applications Eric Benbow, Jeffery K. Tomberlin, and Aaron M. Tarone Processes and Mechanisms of Death and Decomposition of Vertebrate Carrion Shari L. Forbes and David O. Carter Microbial Interactions During Carrion Decomposition Tawni L. Crippen, M. Eric Benbow, and Jennifer L. Pechal Arthropod Communities in Terrestrial Environments Richard W. Merritt and Grant D. De Jong Carrion Effects on Belowground Communities and Consequences for Soil Processes Michael S. Strickland and Kyle Wickings Ecological Role of Vertebrate Scavengers James C. Beasley, Zach H. Olson, and Travis L. DeVault Design and Analysis of Field Studies in Carrion Ecology Kenneth G. Schoenly, J.-P. Michaud, and GaEtan Moreau ECOLOGICAL MECHANISMS OF Carrion DECOMPOSITION Community and Landscape Ecology of Carrion Eric Benbow, Jennifer L. Pechal, Rachel M. Mohr Chemical Ecology of Vertebrate Carrion Jonathan A. Cammack, Meaghan L. Pimsler, Tawni L. Crippen, and Jeffery K. Tomberlin Vertebrate Carrion as a Model for Conducting Behavior Research Jeffery K. Tomberlin, Michelle R. Sanford, Meaghan L. Pimsler, and Sherah L. VanLaerhoven Modeling Species Interactions within Carrion Food Webs Sherah L. VanLaerhoven Aquatic Vertebrate Carrion Decomposition John R. Wallace The Role of Carrion in Ecosystems Philip S. Barton EVOLUTIONARY ECOLOGY OF Carrion DECOMPOSITION Ecological Genetics Aaron M. Tarone Quantitative Genetics of Life-History Traits in Coprophagous and Necrophagous Insects Wolf Blanckenhorn Carrion and Dung Mimicry in Plants Andreas Jurgens and Adam Shuttleworth Population Genetics and Molecular Evolution of Carrion-Associated Arthropods Christine J. Picard, Jonathan J. Parrott, and John W. Whale Microbial Genetics and Systematics Michael S. Allen and Michael G. LaMontagne Microbiome Studies of Carrion Decomposition Jessica L. Metcalf, David O. Carter, and Rob Knight Interkingdom Ecological Interactions of Carrion Decomposition Heather R. Jordan, Jeffery K. Tomberlin, Thomas K. Wood, and M. Eric Benbow Ecology of African Carrion Sarah C. Jones, Eli D. Strauss, and Kay E. Holekamp APPLICATIONS OF Carrion DECOMPOSITION Carrion Communities as Indicators in Fisheries, Wildlife Management, and Conservation .D. Hocking and S.M. O'Regan Composting as a Method for Carrion Disposal in Livestock Production Shanwei Xu, Tim Reuter, Kim Stanford, Francis J. Larney, and Tim A. McAllister Human Decomposition and Forensics Gail S. Anderson Frontiers in Carrion Ecology and Evolution Eric Benbow, Jeffery K. Tomberlin, and Aaron M. Tarone
-
delayed insect access alters Carrion decomposition and necrophagous insect community assembly
Ecosphere, 2014Co-Authors: Jennifer L. Pechal, Eric M Benbow, Aaron M Tarone, Tawni L Crippen, Jeffery K TomberlinAbstract:Vertebrate Carrion in terrestrial ecosystems is an unpredictable, ephemeral resource pulse that contributes to local biodiversity and nutrient transformation dynamics. Carrion ecology is infrequently studied compared to other decomposition systems, such as leaf litter detritus, despite its importance as a resource subsidy in most ecosystems. We hypothesized that delayed insect access to Carrion (insects excluded for five days) would demonstrate marked shifts in necrophagous insect community structure, turnover rates and assembly with overall effects on Carrion decomposition. Despite similarities between taxon arrival patterns, once insects were allowed to colonize Carrion previously excluded from insects there was an increased necrophagous insect taxon richness and increased community turnover rates. Additionally, during the first five days of decomposition, insect exclusion carcasses remained in bloat stage while those naturally colonized were well advanced in active decomposition. This resulted in substantial differences in decomposition and highlighted the importance of insect community assembly in the decomposition process. Carrion decomposition has been a neglected field of study compared to other organic matter processes (e.g., leaf detritus), and these data suggest the ecology of Carrion-arthropod interactions can contribute to a broader understanding of decomposition processes and ecosystem function.
Philip S. Barton - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
is resource change a useful predictor of Carrion insect succession on pigs and humans
Journal of Medical Entomology, 2021Co-Authors: Blake M Dawson, James F Wallman, Maldwyn J Evans, Philip S. BartonAbstract:Carrion is a dynamic and nutrient-rich resource that attracts numerous insect species that undergo succession due to the rapid change in the Carrion resource. Despite this process being well-understood, few studies have examined resource change as a driver of Carrion insect succession, and instead have focused on the effects of time per se, or on coarse, qualitative measures such as decay stage. Here we report on three field succession experiments using pig carcasses and human cadavers encompassing two winters and one summer. We quantified the effects of resource change (measured as total body score, TBS), Carrion type, initial Carrion mass, ambient temperature, and season on insect species richness and community composition. We found that all variables had an effect on different taxonomic or trophic components of the insect community composition, with the exception of initial Carrion mass which had no effect. We found significant positive effects of TBS on beetle species richness and composition, while fly species richness was not significantly affected by TBS, but was by ambient temperature. TBS had a significant positive effect on all trophic groups, while ambient temperature also had a significant positive effect on the necrophages and predator/parasitoids. Our study indicates that resource change, as indicated by TBS, is an important driver of Carrion insect species turnover and succession on Carrion, and that TBS can provide information about insect ecological patterns on Carrion that other temporal measures of change cannot.
-
traits reveal ecological strategies driving Carrion insect community assembly
Ecological Entomology, 2020Co-Authors: Philip S. Barton, James F Wallman, Maldwyn J EvansAbstract:1. The succession of Carrion‐associated (necrophilous) insects on decomposing Carrion is well documented. To exploit the changing nutritious and dynamic resources available throughout the Carrion decomposition process, different species colonise and consume Carrion in a predictable temporal sequence. The traits of these necrophilous insects should reflect their ecological strategies. Morphological traits of these insects, such as body size and wing size, however, have not previously been examined during active and advanced decomposition. 2. We used fourth‐corner multivariate generalised linear models to identify insect community morphological trait patterns and to quantify their change through time on decomposing rabbit carcasses in grassland and woodland environments. 3. We found that larger‐bodied species of flies and Carrion‐specialist beetles were associated with the early stages of decomposition. The morphological traits of ants, in contrast, showed no changes at carcasses through time and instead showed body size differences between grassland and woodland environments. 4. Our findings indicate that specialist flies and beetles that arrive early in the decomposition process possess traits that enable rapid discovery of Carrion at a large scale. Generalist beetles and ants do not share this same trait and are instead adapted to locate and consume a wider variety of resources in their preferred habitat type at their local scale. 5. Our results provide insights into the morphological adaptations linked to the ecological strategies of distinct components of Carrion insect communities. Further, our results offer insights into the community assembly dynamics that structure the communities of necrophilous insect species.
-
towards quantifying Carrion biomass in ecosystems
Trends in Ecology and Evolution, 2019Co-Authors: Philip S. Barton, Jennifer L. Pechal, Mariamartina Quaggiotto, Maldwyn J Evans, Claire N Foster, Joseph K Bump, Eric M BenbowAbstract:The decomposition of animal biomass (Carrion) contributes to the recycling of energy and nutrients through ecosystems. Whereas the role of plant decomposition in ecosystems is broadly recognised, the significance of Carrion to ecosystem functioning remains poorly understood. Quantitative data on Carrion biomass are lacking and there is no clear pathway towards improved knowledge in this area. Here, we present a framework to show how quantities derived from individual carcasses can be scaled up using population metrics, allowing for comparisons among ecosystems and other forms of biomass. Our framework facilitates the generation of new data that is critical to building a quantitative understanding of the contribution of Carrion to trophic processes and ecosystem stocks and flows.
-
Contrasting diversity dynamics of phoretic mites and beetles associated with vertebrate Carrion
Experimental and Applied Acarology, 2014Co-Authors: Philip S. Barton, Haylee J. Weaver, Adrian D. ManningAbstract:Carrion is an ephemeral and nutrient-rich resource that attracts a diverse array of arthropods as it decomposes. Carrion-associated mites often disperse between animal carcasses using phoresy, the transport of one species by another. Yet few studies have contrasted the dynamics of mite assemblages with other insect taxa present at Carrion. We examined and compared the changes in abundance, species richness and composition of mite and beetle assemblages sampled at kangaroo carcasses in a grassy eucalypt woodland at four different times over a 6-month period. We found that the majority of mites were phoretic, with the mesostigmatid genera Uroseius (Uropodidae), Macrocheles (Macrochelidae) and Parasitus (Parasitidae) the most abundant taxa (excluding astigmatid mites). Abundance and richness patterns of mites and beetles were very different, with mites reaching peak abundance and richness at weeks 6 and 12, and beetles at weeks 1 and 6. Both mites and beetles showed clear successional patterns via changes in species presence and relative abundance. Our study shows that mesostigmatid mite assemblages have a delay in peak abundance and richness relative to beetle assemblages. This suggests that differences in dispersal and reproductive traits of arthropods may contribute to the contrasting diversity dynamics of Carrion arthropod communities, and further highlights the role of Carrion as a driver of diversity and heterogeneity in ecosystems.
-
The role of Carrion in maintaining biodiversity and ecological processes in terrestrial ecosystems
Oecologia, 2013Co-Authors: Philip S. Barton, Saul A. Cunningham, David B. Lindenmayer, Adrian D. ManningAbstract:Carrion provides a resource for a subset of animal species that deliver a critical ecosystem service by consuming dead animal matter and recycling its nutrients. A growing number of studies have also shown various effects of Carrion on different plant and microbial communities. However, there has been no review of these studies to bring this information together and identify priority areas for future research. We review Carrion ecology studies from the last two decades and summarise the range of spatial and temporal effects of Carrion on soil nutrients, microbes, plants, arthropods, and vertebrates. We identify key knowledge gaps in Carrion ecology, and discuss how closing these gaps can be achieved by focusing future research on the (1) different kinds of Carrion resources, (2) interactions between different components of the Carrion community, (3) the ways that ecosystem context can moderate Carrion effects, and (4) considerations for Carrion management. To guide this research, we outline a framework that builds on the ‘ephemeral resource patch’ concept, and helps to structure research questions that link localised effects of Carrion with their consequences at landscape scales. This will enable improved characterisation of Carrion as a unique resource pool, provide answers for land managers in a position to influence Carrion availability, and establish the ways that Carrion affects the dynamics of species diversity and ecological processes within landscapes.
Aaron M Tarone - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
the role of ants in vertebrate Carrion decomposition
Food Webs, 2019Co-Authors: Micky D Eubanks, Constance Lin, Aaron M TaroneAbstract:Abstract We review the relevant literature on ant-Carrion interactions, highlight what is known about ants in decomposition ecology, and present a framework for future studies that aim to quantify the direct and indirect effects of ants on decomposition. One hundred and fifty-four species of ants were documented on Carrion. Ants were associated with Carrion in a wide range of habitats on almost every continent. Ants directly affected decomposition by feeding on carcasses (necrophagy) and by lacerating carcasses. Ants indirectly affected decomposition by predating Carrion-feeding invertebrates and by altering the microhabitat of Carrion via nest and mound construction. Ants may profoundly impact forensic science primarily by altering the colonization or utilization of Carrion by other Carrion feeders. Despite the near ubiquity of ants on Carrion, their role in decomposition ecology is vastly understudied. Future studies need to experimentally assess the direct and indirect effects of ants on decomposition and comparative studies of different ant species in varying environmental conditions would be particularly fruitful.
-
Carrion ecology evolution and their applications
2015Co-Authors: Eric M Benbow, Jeffery K Tomberlin, Aaron M TaroneAbstract:INTRODUCTION TO Carrion DECOMPOSITION Introduction to Carrion, Ecology, Evolution, and Their Applications Eric Benbow, Jeffery K. Tomberlin, and Aaron M. Tarone Processes and Mechanisms of Death and Decomposition of Vertebrate Carrion Shari L. Forbes and David O. Carter Microbial Interactions During Carrion Decomposition Tawni L. Crippen, M. Eric Benbow, and Jennifer L. Pechal Arthropod Communities in Terrestrial Environments Richard W. Merritt and Grant D. De Jong Carrion Effects on Belowground Communities and Consequences for Soil Processes Michael S. Strickland and Kyle Wickings Ecological Role of Vertebrate Scavengers James C. Beasley, Zach H. Olson, and Travis L. DeVault Design and Analysis of Field Studies in Carrion Ecology Kenneth G. Schoenly, J.-P. Michaud, and GaEtan Moreau ECOLOGICAL MECHANISMS OF Carrion DECOMPOSITION Community and Landscape Ecology of Carrion Eric Benbow, Jennifer L. Pechal, Rachel M. Mohr Chemical Ecology of Vertebrate Carrion Jonathan A. Cammack, Meaghan L. Pimsler, Tawni L. Crippen, and Jeffery K. Tomberlin Vertebrate Carrion as a Model for Conducting Behavior Research Jeffery K. Tomberlin, Michelle R. Sanford, Meaghan L. Pimsler, and Sherah L. VanLaerhoven Modeling Species Interactions within Carrion Food Webs Sherah L. VanLaerhoven Aquatic Vertebrate Carrion Decomposition John R. Wallace The Role of Carrion in Ecosystems Philip S. Barton EVOLUTIONARY ECOLOGY OF Carrion DECOMPOSITION Ecological Genetics Aaron M. Tarone Quantitative Genetics of Life-History Traits in Coprophagous and Necrophagous Insects Wolf Blanckenhorn Carrion and Dung Mimicry in Plants Andreas Jurgens and Adam Shuttleworth Population Genetics and Molecular Evolution of Carrion-Associated Arthropods Christine J. Picard, Jonathan J. Parrott, and John W. Whale Microbial Genetics and Systematics Michael S. Allen and Michael G. LaMontagne Microbiome Studies of Carrion Decomposition Jessica L. Metcalf, David O. Carter, and Rob Knight Interkingdom Ecological Interactions of Carrion Decomposition Heather R. Jordan, Jeffery K. Tomberlin, Thomas K. Wood, and M. Eric Benbow Ecology of African Carrion Sarah C. Jones, Eli D. Strauss, and Kay E. Holekamp APPLICATIONS OF Carrion DECOMPOSITION Carrion Communities as Indicators in Fisheries, Wildlife Management, and Conservation .D. Hocking and S.M. O'Regan Composting as a Method for Carrion Disposal in Livestock Production Shanwei Xu, Tim Reuter, Kim Stanford, Francis J. Larney, and Tim A. McAllister Human Decomposition and Forensics Gail S. Anderson Frontiers in Carrion Ecology and Evolution Eric Benbow, Jeffery K. Tomberlin, and Aaron M. Tarone
-
delayed insect access alters Carrion decomposition and necrophagous insect community assembly
Ecosphere, 2014Co-Authors: Jennifer L. Pechal, Eric M Benbow, Aaron M Tarone, Tawni L Crippen, Jeffery K TomberlinAbstract:Vertebrate Carrion in terrestrial ecosystems is an unpredictable, ephemeral resource pulse that contributes to local biodiversity and nutrient transformation dynamics. Carrion ecology is infrequently studied compared to other decomposition systems, such as leaf litter detritus, despite its importance as a resource subsidy in most ecosystems. We hypothesized that delayed insect access to Carrion (insects excluded for five days) would demonstrate marked shifts in necrophagous insect community structure, turnover rates and assembly with overall effects on Carrion decomposition. Despite similarities between taxon arrival patterns, once insects were allowed to colonize Carrion previously excluded from insects there was an increased necrophagous insect taxon richness and increased community turnover rates. Additionally, during the first five days of decomposition, insect exclusion carcasses remained in bloat stage while those naturally colonized were well advanced in active decomposition. This resulted in substantial differences in decomposition and highlighted the importance of insect community assembly in the decomposition process. Carrion decomposition has been a neglected field of study compared to other organic matter processes (e.g., leaf detritus), and these data suggest the ecology of Carrion-arthropod interactions can contribute to a broader understanding of decomposition processes and ecosystem function.
-
The role of spatial aggregation in forensic entomology.
Journal of medical entomology, 2014Co-Authors: Justin G. Fiene, Sherah L. Vanlaerhoven, Gregory A. Sword, Aaron M TaroneAbstract:A central concept in forensic entomology is that arthropod succession on Carrion is predictable and can be used to estimate the postmortem interval (PMI) of human remains. However, most studies have reported significant variation in successional patterns, particularly among replicate carcasses, which has complicated estimates of PMIs. Several forensic entomology researchers have proposed that further integration of ecological and evolutionary theory in forensic entomology could help advance the application of succession data for producing PMI estimates. The purpose of this essay is to draw attention to the role of spatial aggregation of arthropods among Carrion resources as a potentially important aspect to consider for understanding and predicting the assembly of arthropods on Carrion over time. We review ecological literature related to spatial aggregation of arthropods among patchy and ephemeral resources, such as Carrion, and when possible integrate these results with published forensic literature. We show that spatial aggregation of arthropods across resources is commonly reported and has been used to provide fundamental insight for understanding regional and local patterns of arthropod diversity and coexistence. Moreover, two suggestions are made for conducting future research. First, because intraspecific aggregation affects species frequency distributions across carcasses, data from replicate carcasses should not be combined, but rather statistically quantified to generate occurrence probabilities. Second, we identify a need for studies that tease apart the degree to which community assembly on Carrion is spatially versus temporally structured, which will aid in developing mechanistic hypotheses on the ecological factors shaping community assembly on carcasses.
-
microbial community functional change during vertebrate Carrion decomposition
PLOS ONE, 2013Co-Authors: Andrew Joseph Lewis, Jennifer L. Pechal, Aaron M Tarone, Tawni L Crippen, Jeffery K Tomberlin, Eric M BenbowAbstract:Microorganisms play a critical role in the decomposition of organic matter, which contributes to energy and nutrient transformation in every ecosystem. Yet, little is known about the functional activity of epinecrotic microbial communities associated with Carrion. The objective of this study was to provide a description of the Carrion associated microbial community functional activity using differential carbon source use throughout decomposition over seasons, between years and when microbial communities were isolated from eukaryotic colonizers (e.g., necrophagous insects). Additionally, microbial communities were identified at the phyletic level using high throughput sequencing during a single study. We hypothesized that Carrion microbial community functional profiles would change over the duration of decomposition, and that this change would depend on season, year and presence of necrophagous insect colonization. Biolog EcoPlates™ were used to measure the variation in epinecrotic microbial community function by the differential use of 29 carbon sources throughout vertebrate Carrion decomposition. Pyrosequencing was used to describe the bacterial community composition in one experiment to identify key phyla associated with community functional changes. Overall, microbial functional activity increased throughout decomposition in spring, summer and winter while it decreased in autumn. Additionally, microbial functional activity was higher in 2011 when necrophagous arthropod colonizer effects were tested. There were inconsistent trends in the microbial function of communities isolated from remains colonized by necrophagous insects between 2010 and 2011, suggesting a greater need for a mechanistic understanding of the process. These data indicate that functional analyses can be implemented in Carrion studies and will be important in understanding the influence of microbial communities on an essential ecosystem process, Carrion decomposition.
Jennifer L. Pechal - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
towards quantifying Carrion biomass in ecosystems
Trends in Ecology and Evolution, 2019Co-Authors: Philip S. Barton, Jennifer L. Pechal, Mariamartina Quaggiotto, Maldwyn J Evans, Claire N Foster, Joseph K Bump, Eric M BenbowAbstract:The decomposition of animal biomass (Carrion) contributes to the recycling of energy and nutrients through ecosystems. Whereas the role of plant decomposition in ecosystems is broadly recognised, the significance of Carrion to ecosystem functioning remains poorly understood. Quantitative data on Carrion biomass are lacking and there is no clear pathway towards improved knowledge in this area. Here, we present a framework to show how quantities derived from individual carcasses can be scaled up using population metrics, allowing for comparisons among ecosystems and other forms of biomass. Our framework facilitates the generation of new data that is critical to building a quantitative understanding of the contribution of Carrion to trophic processes and ecosystem stocks and flows.
-
delayed insect access alters Carrion decomposition and necrophagous insect community assembly
Ecosphere, 2014Co-Authors: Jennifer L. Pechal, Eric M Benbow, Aaron M Tarone, Tawni L Crippen, Jeffery K TomberlinAbstract:Vertebrate Carrion in terrestrial ecosystems is an unpredictable, ephemeral resource pulse that contributes to local biodiversity and nutrient transformation dynamics. Carrion ecology is infrequently studied compared to other decomposition systems, such as leaf litter detritus, despite its importance as a resource subsidy in most ecosystems. We hypothesized that delayed insect access to Carrion (insects excluded for five days) would demonstrate marked shifts in necrophagous insect community structure, turnover rates and assembly with overall effects on Carrion decomposition. Despite similarities between taxon arrival patterns, once insects were allowed to colonize Carrion previously excluded from insects there was an increased necrophagous insect taxon richness and increased community turnover rates. Additionally, during the first five days of decomposition, insect exclusion carcasses remained in bloat stage while those naturally colonized were well advanced in active decomposition. This resulted in substantial differences in decomposition and highlighted the importance of insect community assembly in the decomposition process. Carrion decomposition has been a neglected field of study compared to other organic matter processes (e.g., leaf detritus), and these data suggest the ecology of Carrion-arthropod interactions can contribute to a broader understanding of decomposition processes and ecosystem function.
-
microbial community functional change during vertebrate Carrion decomposition
PLOS ONE, 2013Co-Authors: Andrew Joseph Lewis, Jennifer L. Pechal, Aaron M Tarone, Tawni L Crippen, Jeffery K Tomberlin, Eric M BenbowAbstract:Microorganisms play a critical role in the decomposition of organic matter, which contributes to energy and nutrient transformation in every ecosystem. Yet, little is known about the functional activity of epinecrotic microbial communities associated with Carrion. The objective of this study was to provide a description of the Carrion associated microbial community functional activity using differential carbon source use throughout decomposition over seasons, between years and when microbial communities were isolated from eukaryotic colonizers (e.g., necrophagous insects). Additionally, microbial communities were identified at the phyletic level using high throughput sequencing during a single study. We hypothesized that Carrion microbial community functional profiles would change over the duration of decomposition, and that this change would depend on season, year and presence of necrophagous insect colonization. Biolog EcoPlates™ were used to measure the variation in epinecrotic microbial community function by the differential use of 29 carbon sources throughout vertebrate Carrion decomposition. Pyrosequencing was used to describe the bacterial community composition in one experiment to identify key phyla associated with community functional changes. Overall, microbial functional activity increased throughout decomposition in spring, summer and winter while it decreased in autumn. Additionally, microbial functional activity was higher in 2011 when necrophagous arthropod colonizer effects were tested. There were inconsistent trends in the microbial function of communities isolated from remains colonized by necrophagous insects between 2010 and 2011, suggesting a greater need for a mechanistic understanding of the process. These data indicate that functional analyses can be implemented in Carrion studies and will be important in understanding the influence of microbial communities on an essential ecosystem process, Carrion decomposition.
Torrey W Rodgers - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Carrion fly derived dna metabarcoding is an effective tool for mammal surveys evidence from a known tropical mammal community
Molecular Ecology Resources, 2017Co-Authors: Torrey W Rodgers, Jacalyn Giacalone, Karen M Kapheim, Kristin Saltonstall, Marta Vargas, Panu Somervuo, Owen W Mcmillan, Patrick A JansenAbstract:Metabarcoding of vertebrate DNA derived from Carrion flies has been proposed as a promising tool for biodiversity monitoring. To evaluate its efficacy, we conducted metabarcoding surveys of Carrion flies on Barro Colorado Island (BCI), Panama, which has a well-known mammal community, and compared our results against diurnal transect counts and camera trapping. We collected 1,084 flies in 29 sampling days, conducted metabarcoding with mammal-specific (16S) and vertebrate-specific (12S) primers, and sequenced amplicons on Illumina MiSeq. For taxonomic assignment, we compared blast with the new program protax, and we found that protax improved species identifications. We detected 20 mammal, four bird, and one lizard species from Carrion fly metabarcoding, all but one of which are known from BCI. Fly metabarcoding detected more mammal species than concurrent transect counts (29 sampling days, 13 species) and concurrent camera trapping (84 sampling days, 17 species), and detected 67% of the number of mammal species documented by 8 years of transect counts and camera trapping combined, although fly metabarcoding missed several abundant species. This study demonstrates that Carrion fly metabarcoding is a powerful tool for mammal biodiversity surveys and has the potential to detect a broader range of species than more commonly used methods.
-
Carrion fly derived dna metabarcoding is an effective tool for mammal surveys evidence from a known tropical mammal community
bioRxiv, 2017Co-Authors: Torrey W Rodgers, Jacalyn Giacalone, Karen M Kapheim, Kristin Saltonstall, Marta Vargas, Panu Somervuo, Owen W Mcmillan, Patrick A JansenAbstract:Metabarcoding of vertebrate DNA derived from Carrion flies has been proposed as a promising tool for biodiversity monitoring. To evaluate its efficacy, we conducted metabarcoding surveys of Carrion flies on Barro Colorado Island (BCI), Panama, which has a well-known mammal community, and compared our results against diurnal transect counts and camera-trapping. We collected 1084 flies in 29 sampling days, which were pooled into 102 DNA extractions. We then conducted metabarcoding with mammal-specific (16S) and vertebrate-specific (12S) primers targeting mtDNA, and sequenced these amplicons on Illumina MiSeq. For taxonomic assignment, we compared BLAST with the new program PROTAX, and we found PROTAX significantly improved species identifications. We detected 20 mammal, four bird, and one lizard species from Carrion fly metabarcoding, all but one of which were previously known from BCI. Fly metabarcoding detected more mammal species than concurrent transect counts (29 sampling days, 13 species) and concurrent camera-trapping (84 sampling days, 17 species), and detected 67% of the number of mammal species documented by 8 years of transect counts and camera-trapping combined, although fly metabarcoding missed several abundant species. This study demonstrates that Carrion fly metabarcoding is a powerful tool for mammal biodiversity surveys, and has the potential to detect a broader range of species than more commonly used methods.