The Aquatic Trophic Ecology of Suisun Marsh, San Francisco Estuary, California, During Autumn in a Wet Year
General Material Designation
[Article]
First Statement of Responsibility
Schroeter, Robert E.; O'Rear, Teejay A.; Young, Matthew J.; Moyle, Peter B.
SUMMARY OR ABSTRACT
Text of Note
Using stable isotopes of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) and mixing models, we investigated the trophic levels and carbon sources of invertebrates and fishes of a large tidal marsh in the San Francisco Estuary. Our goal was to better understand an estuarine food web comprised of native and alien species. We found the following: (1) the food web was based largely on carbon from phytoplankton and emergent-aquatic and terrestrial vegetation, but carbon from submerged aquatic vegetation and phytobenthos was also used; (2) alien species increased the complexity of the food web by altering carbon-flow pathways and by occupying trophic positions different from native species; and (3) most consumers were dietary generalists.
SET
Date of Publication
2015
Title
San Francisco Estuary and Watershed Science
Volume Number
13/3
PERSONAL NAME - PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY
Entry Element
Schroeter, Robert E.; O'Rear, Teejay A.; Young, Matthew J.; Moyle, Peter B.