Mutualisms, defined as reciprocal positive interactions between species, are ubiquitous in nature and have large effects on the structure and function of communities. In particular, plant-arthropod mutualisms are extremely diverse and important, including protection, pollination, and seed dispersal interactions. These mutualisms often involve complex exchanges of materials (e.g., nutrients, water) and services (e.g., shelter, defense, transport). Because of their ability to trace the flow of elements among organisms, stable isotope techniques have provided a new avenue for examining these relationships, and are contributing to our ideas about the costs, benefits, variability, and evolutionary trajectories of mutualisms. Using examples and case studies, we provide an assessment of the limitations and potential of stable isotope techniques in the study of mutualism.
Species 1: Hymenoptera Formicidae (ant)
Species 2: Araneae Desidae Phryganoporus candidus
Keywords: Stable isotopes, mutualism
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