Diversity matters: how bees benefit from different resin sources

Nora Drescher; Helen M Wallace; Mohammad Katouli; Carmelina F Massaro; Sara Leonhardt

doi:10.1007/s00442-014-3070-z

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Diversity matters: how bees benefit from different resin sources

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Diversity matters: how bees benefit from different resin sources

Nora Drescher, Helen M Wallace, Mohammad Katouli, Carmelina F Massaro and Sara Leonhardt

Oecologia, Vol.176(4), pp.943-953

2014

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00442-014-3070-z

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Abstract

complementary effect

functional properties

plant resin

resource use

stingless bees

Biodiverse environments provide a variety of resources that can be exploited by consumers. While many studies revealed a positive correlation between biodiversity and consumer biomass and richness, only few studies have investigated how resource diversity affects single consumers. To better understand whether a single consumer species benefits from diverse resources, we tested how the protective function of a defensive plant resource (i.e. resin exploited by social bees) varied among different sources and target organisms (predators, parasites and pathogens). To assess synergistic effects, resins from different plant genera were tested separately and in combination. We found that resin diversity is beneficial for bees, with its functional properties depending on the target organisms, type and composition of resin. Different resins showed different effects, and mixtures were more effective than some of the single resins (functional complementarity). We conclude that resins of different plant species target different organisms and act synergistically where combined. Bees that rely on resin for protection benefit more when they have access to diverse resin sources. Loss of biodiversity may in turn destabilize consumer populations due to restricted access to a variety of resources.

Details

Title: Diversity matters: how bees benefit from different resin sources
Authors: Nora Drescher (Author) - Leuphana University of Luneburg, Germany
Helen M Wallace (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Mohammad Katouli (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Carmelina F Massaro (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Sara Leonhardt (Author) - Leuphana University of Luneburg, Germany
Publication details: Oecologia, Vol.176(4), pp.943-953
Publisher: Springer
Date published: 2014
DOI: 10.1007/s00442-014-3070-z
ISSN: 0029-8549
Organisation Unit: School of Science and Engineering - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; GeneCology Research Centre - Legacy; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; School of Science, Technology and Engineering; Centre for Bioinnovation
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99448968302621
Output Type: Journal article

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