0 a tool or machine that is used for cutting things into very small pieces: --
1 a machine used for cutting things into very small pieces --
2 a machine for cutting documents into small pieces so that they cannot be read: --
Leaf preferences were similar for all shredder species, suggesting that preferences for different leaf species do not provide a mechanism for resource partitioning among the shredders.
When offered a choice between different combinations of leaf species and conditioning stage, all shredders actively sought leaves at advanced stages of conditioning, largely avoiding less conditioned or unconditioned leaves.
Both species constructed their cases from leaf species that were not preferred for feeding, possibly as a behavioural adaptation to prevent attacks from other shredders.
Only shredders that were firmly attached to leaves were included; typically, these leaves showed signs of shredding at the point of the animal's attachment.
After 2 d, a single shredder was introduced into each container.
Removal of fungal and organic matter from decaying cordgrass leaves by shredder snails.
Shredders were distributed across a broad range of leaf species in the stream, with no leaf species being preferentially colonized by shredders.
Containers with leaf discs but no shredders served as controls and provided estimates of weight loss resulting from leaching and microbial processing.
