Multi-locus DNA metabarcoding of zooplankton communities and scat reveal trophic interactions of a generalist predator
Date
2019-01-22
Authors
Carroll, E. L.
Gallego, R.
Sewell, M. A.
Zeldis, J.
Ranjard, Louis
Ross, H. A.
Tooman, L. K.
O’Rorke, R.
Newcomb, R. D.
Constantine, R.
Journal Title
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Volume Title
Publisher
Nature Publishing Group UK
Abstract
To understand the ecosystem dynamics that underpin the year-round presence of a large generalist
consumer, the Bryde’s whale (Balaenoptera edeni brydei), we use a DNA metabarcoding approach
and systematic zooplankton surveys to investigate seasonal and regional changes in zooplankton
communities and if whale diet reflects such changes. Twenty-four zooplankton community samples
were collected from three regions throughout the Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand, over two temperature
regimes (warm and cool seasons), as well as 20 samples of opportunistically collected Bryde’s
whale scat. Multi-locus DNA barcode libraries were constructed from 18S and COI gene fragments,
representing a trade-of between identifcation and resolution of metazoan taxa. Zooplankton
community OTU occurrence and relative read abundance showed regional and seasonal diferences
based on permutational analyses of variance in both DNA barcodes, with signifcant changes in
biodiversity indices linked to season in COI only. In contrast, we did not fnd evidence that Bryde’s
whale diet shows seasonal or regional trends, but instead indicated clear prey preferences for krill-like
crustaceans, copepods, salps and ray-fnned fshes independent of prey availability. The year-round
presence of Bryde’s whales in the Hauraki Gulf is likely associated with the patterns of distribution and
abundance of these key prey items.
Description
Keywords
Bryde’s whale (Balaenoptera edeni brydei), DNA metabarcoding, zooplankton surveys
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Scientific Reports
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Journal article
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Open Access
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