Journal article

Publication year: 2024

Journal: Marine Environmental Research

Volume number: 199

ISSN: 0141-1136

eISSN: 1879-0291

Open access status: Hybrid

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106627

Publisher: Elsevier

Abstract: 
DNA metabarcoding and stable isotope analysis have significantly advanced our understanding of marine trophic ecology, aiding systematic research on foraging habits and species conservation. In this study, we employed these methods to analyse faecal and blood samples, respectively, to compare the trophic ecology of two Red-billed Tropicbird (Phaethon aethereus; Linnaeus, 1758) colonies on Mexican islands in the Pacific. Trophic patterns among different breeding stages were also examined at both colonies. Dietary analysis reveals a preference for epipelagic fish, cephalopods, and small crustaceans, with variations between colonies and breeding stages. Isotopic values (delta 15N and delta 13C) align with DNA metabarcoding results, with wider niches during incubation stages. Differences in diet are linked to environmental conditions and trophic plasticity among breeding stages, influenced by changing physiological requirements and prey availability. Variations in dietary profiles reflect contrasting environmental conditions affecting local prey availability.

Harvard Citation style: Marcuk, V., Pina-Ortiz, A., Castillo-Guerrero, J., Masello, J., Bustamante, P., Griep, S., et al. (2024) Trophic plasticity of a tropical seabird revealed through DNA metabarcoding and stable isotope analyses, Marine Environmental Research, 199, Article 106627. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106627

APA Citation style: Marcuk, V., Pina-Ortiz, A., Castillo-Guerrero, J., Masello, J., Bustamante, P., Griep, S., & Quillfeldt, P. (2024). Trophic plasticity of a tropical seabird revealed through DNA metabarcoding and stable isotope analyses. Marine Environmental Research. 199, Article 106627. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106627