Collaborative Research: Intergenerational effects of predation risk and resource identity on rocky shores: consequences for populations, communities, and ecosystems

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $400,267 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

Intergenerational plasticity -- when environments experienced by one generation affect traits expressed by later generations -- is increasingly recognized for its ability to impact species’ responses to environmental stress. Predators are one of the most ubiquitous sources of stress in nature, and the effects of predation risk on prey can scale up to have broader impacts on communities and ecosystems. Intergenerational plasticity can also alter prey responses to predators in subtle but important ways, but these effects may vary across different environments, particularly across different resource landscapes. This project uses a rocky shore food chain to examine how parental exposure to predation risk under different resource regimes influences offspring prey fitness and how risk-induced intergenerational effects scale up to alter population dynamics, community structure, and ecosystem function. Because intergenerational plasticity often affects these same traits, it may elicit changes at larger biological scales that are currently unaccounted for. This project engages undergraduate and graduate students in authentic, discovery-driven research. Additional rocky shore exploration activities with K-12 students support discovery-based learning and ocean literacy for all. Organisms often respond to environmental change by altering their phenotype, with consequences that scale beyond individuals to impact populations, communities, and ecosystems. In many systems, prey respond

Key facts

NSF award ID
2507951
Awardee
University of Connecticut (CT)
SAM.gov UEI
WNTPS995QBM7
PI
Catherine M Matassa
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
POPULATION DYNAMICS
Estimated total
$400,267
Funds obligated
$400,267
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
09/01/2025 → 08/31/2028