ISSN:
1432-0789
Keywords:
Key words Terrestrial isopods
;
Porcellio scaber
;
Decomposition
;
Microorganisms
;
Cellulase activity
;
Acidification
;
Population dynamics
;
Leaf litter
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Geosciences
,
Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
Notes:
Abstract Population parameters (mortality of females, reproductive success, longevity of juveniles) of the common woodlouse, Porcellio scaber (Isopoda, Oniscidea), were examined with respect to the influence of varying leaf litter attributes: pH level, microbial cellulase activity, microbial dehydrogenase activity, protein content, nitrogen content, water content, tannin content, total phenol content and toughness of the leaves. These attributes were combined by using Principal Component Analysis. We obtained three Principal Components (PC) that were defined as “acidification,”“microorganisms” and “tree species.” The PCs explained 85% of the variance of leaf litter attributes. The PC “acidification” mainly influenced the mortality of females (P〈0.001), while the longevity of juveniles showed significant correlation to the PC “microorganisms” (P〈0.05). The PC “tree species” showed no influence on the observed population parameters, indicating that the leaf litter species itself had no direct influence on the population parameters of P. scaber. The reproductive success of females could not be explained by either of the PCs, but was influenced by cellulolytically active microorganisms (P〈0.01). From these results, we conclude that acidification and reduced microbial activity in the field will cause a decrease in population density of P. scaber.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s003740050269
Permalink
