An allometric niche model for species interactions in temperate freshwater ecosystems

Trophic interactions are central in understanding ecosystem processes and the management of natural ecosystems but frequently complex to estimate. To address this issue, body size has been shown be a useful trait reconstruct species interactions, particularly aquatic ecosystems. An allometric niche model (aNM) considering as is proposed predict trophic temperate freshwater The aNM calibration was based on 26 ubiquitous with known minimal maximum prey sizes that permitted establishment ranges for vertebrate invertebrate consumers. inferences were validated 13 empirical food webs, applied an extensive inventory 474 (spanning six orders magnitude) from largest French lake (Lake Bourget). This application strengthen validation predator-prey mass ratio comparisons, predicted diet analyses, allowed exploration web structure. provided appreciable intrinsic validity (specificity = 87 ± 12%, sensitivity 59 29%, accuracy 81 10%), departures among inferred explained by foraging specificities or limited sampling stomach contents. In Lake Bourget, 26,037 links inferred. Predator–prey ratios vertebrates invertebrates consistent those empirically established occasionally higher considers small (e.g., bacteria) possible resources invertebrates. diets three selected their well-known ecology also revealed plausible outcomes aNM. nested structure determined highlighting different topologies benthic pelagic sub-webs role top predator fish coupling both sub-webs. Due large number inventories available worldwide anchored ecological monitoring, may represent valuable tool ecologists managers complementary facets biodiversity studies highly resolved pressures important new invasive species).