ISSN:
1573-5133
Keywords:
Alewife
;
Alosa pseudoharengus
;
Feeding ecology
;
Nonparametric statistics
;
Predator-prey
;
Zooplankton
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Synopsis Predator-prey data were obtained in a study of feeding ecology of land-locked alewife,Alosa pseudoharengus, in Claytor Lake, Virginia, and subjected to two indices of electivity as well as a nonparametric paired-comparisons statistical test. Values obtained from the two indices were often contradictory with each other and the statistical test. Attributes of the statistical procedure render it more appropriate than electivity indices to describe feeding selectivity in fish populations. Results of the study also demonstrated the importance of considering the size composition of zooplankton populations in prey preference studies; measures of selection were often positive for zooplankters ≥ 1.0 mm while negative for those of the same prey group 〈 1.0 mm length. Because numerous problems are inherent with in situ feeding selectivity studies of planktivorous fishes, selectivity determinations, regardless of methodology, should be construed in a relative rather than absolute context.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00005571
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