Diet and divergence of introduced smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) populations

Dunlop, E.S., Orendorff, J.A., Shuter, B.J., Rodd, F.H., & Ridgway, M.S. (2005). Diet and divergence of introduced smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) populations. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 62 (8) 1720-1732. 10.1139/f05-089.

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Abstract

We examine the degree and causes of divergence in growth and reproduction in two populations of smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) introduced a century ago. Despite a common source, the Provoking Lake population now has a higher population density and slower growing individuals than the Opeongo Lake population. Using this system, we test the predictions of life history theory that delayed maturation and reduced reproductive investment are expected in high density populations with slow individual growth rates. Observations on both populations run directly counter to the aforementioned expectations. Instead, Provoking males have smaller sizes and younger ages at nesting and higher gonad masses than Opeongo males; Provoking females have smaller sizes at maturity, larger egg sizes, and higher ovarian dry masses than Opeongo females. Temperature, food availability, diet ontogeny, young-of-the-year mortality, and adult mortality were examined as plausible contributors to the divergence. Results suggest that low food availability, likely caused or mediated by intraspecific competition for prey, and lack of large prey in the diet are contributing to the slow growth, increased reproductive investment, and higher mortality following reproduction in Provoking. This study provides insight into the processes that produce rapid divergence of life history in a species exhibiting parental care.

Item Type: Article
Research Programs: Adaptive Dynamics Network (ADN)
Depositing User: IIASA Import
Date Deposited: 15 Jan 2016 02:17
Last Modified: 27 Aug 2021 17:18
URI: https://pure.iiasa.ac.at/7517

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