ISSN:
1573-5117
Keywords:
Ceratium spp
;
nutrients
;
stability
;
long-term
;
parasites of phytoplankton
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract Changes in the annual population densities of Ceratium spp. in three adjacent English lakes, Windermere, Esthwaite Water and Blelham Tarn, are summarised over the 41 year period 1945–1985. In these lakes the genus is represented by two species, C. hirundinella (O.F. Müll) Bergh. and C. furcoides (Levander) Langhans. Although the species have not been distinguished over the entire study period, they have been shown by examination of preserved samples to undergo marked changes of relative abundance in Esthwaite Water. Both long-term (years) and short-term (within year) changes of populations densities of Ceratium spp. are considered in relation to possible controlling factors including recruitment of the inoculum, nutrient enrichment, physical stability and fungal epidemics. Given an early inoculum, the relative success of Ceratium populations in these lakes decreases along gradients of increasing mixed depths, increasing turbulence and decreasing retention times. The potential for good population growth is regulated by energy inputs, lake bathymetry and hydraulic characteristics. The realisation of such growth is governed by nutrient availability and microbial grazing. The significance of large between-year differences of populations of Ceratium spp. for general lake metabolism is illustrated for summers of contrasting production in Esthwaite Water.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00044106
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