What ecological phenomenon can negatively impact the Willow Warbler's breeding success due to timing misalignment?
Answer
Trophic mismatch
Trophic mismatch describes a critical ecological consequence where the reproductive timing of the Willow Warbler does not align perfectly with the peak abundance of its essential prey, such as caterpillars or aphids. Since feeding a nest of chicks requires an enormous biomass of invertebrates daily, even a slight mismatch—where chicks hatch before peak insect availability—can result in immediate, detrimental consequences for the breeding population's success due to insufficient high-protein food.
Related Questions
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