A shallow scattering layer structures the energy seascape of an open ocean predator.
Sci Adv
; 9(40): eadi8200, 2023 10 04.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-37792940
ABSTRACT
Large predators frequent the open ocean where subsurface light drives visually based trophic interactions. However, we lack knowledge on how predators achieve energy balance in the unproductive open ocean where prey biomass is minimal in well-lit surface waters but high in dim midwaters in the form of scattering layers. We use an interdisciplinary approach to assess how the bioenergetics of scattering layer forays by a model predator vary across biomes. We show that the mean metabolic cost rate of daytime deep foraging dives to scattering layers decreases as much as 26% from coastal to pelagic biomes. The more favorable energetics offshore are enabled by the addition of a shallow scattering layer that, if not present, would otherwise necessitate costlier dives to deeper layers. The unprecedented importance of this shallow scattering layer challenges assumptions that the globally ubiquitous primary deep scattering layer constitutes the only mesopelagic resource regularly targeted by apex predators.
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Comportamento Predatório
/
Ecossistema
Limite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Sci Adv
Ano de publicação:
2023
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Estados Unidos