Comparison of Diets in Predatory Vertebrates

Annika Ponton*, Faith Hysell*, Cassie Tyler* and Jonathan Mitchell, West Virginia University Institute of Technology, Beckley, West Virginia 25801

Field (Broad Category): Biology (Biological & Biochemical Sciences) 

Student’s Major: Biology 

The goal of this research is to determine dietary preferences and selectivity of various species of predatory vertebrates. This is done using a data analysis of vertebrate diets to find noteworthy differences and trends within subgroups by comparing diets of different species. Information for predators and prey are from a collection of over 200 studies on dietary habits for various predatory vertebrates. Each study on predator diets in this database was read and classified according to the mode of observation, and the data on predator-prey interactions was entered in a spreadsheet. Information and data on the spreadsheet includes the classification of a predator including species, genus, subgroup (ex. owl), and major group (ex. bird); as well as the location/region and time of the publication, mass of the predator, species and mass of the prey, number of each prey eaten, and diet observation type. I am analyzing over 170 species of predators from various regions and over 170,000 predator and prey interactions. Analysis will be based on the relationships between predator and prey mass to create slopes for every species; and separately every subgroup to determine variations across species and across subgroups. Analysis will also be conducted for the diversity of diets for different species within subgroups. Comparison between species and subgroups will show preferences of prey size per species and subgroup, and selectivity of diets based on diversity. Understanding dietary preferences and selectivity in predators contributes to understanding prey community dynamics. 

Funding: 

Program/mechanism supporting research/creative efforts: WVU 497-level course