articleScienceMay 18, 2017GREEN OA

Higher predation risk for insect prey at low latitudes and elevations

TRTomas RoslinBHBess HardwickVNVojtêch NovotnýWKWilliam K. PetryNRNigel R. Andrew

University of Helsinki · Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences · +32 more institutions

PubMed
Indexed incrossrefpubmed

Abstract

Biotic interactions underlie ecosystem structure and function, but predicting interaction outcomes is difficult. We tested the hypothesis that biotic interaction strength increases toward the equator, using a global experiment with model caterpillars to measure predation risk. Across an 11,660-kilometer latitudinal gradient spanning six continents, we found increasing predation toward the equator, with a parallel pattern of increasing predation toward lower elevations. Patterns across both latitude and elevation were driven by arthropod predators, with no systematic trend in attack rates by birds or mammals. These matching gradients at global and regional scales suggest consistent drivers of biotic interaction…

Citation impact

520
total citations
FWCI
42.73
Percentile
100%
References
75
Citations per year

Authors

40

Topics & keywords

Topics
Keywords
  • Predation
  • Insect
  • Latitude
  • Biology
  • Ecology
  • Zoology
  • Geography
  • Geodesy
UN Sustainable Development Goals
  • Life below water
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