ISSN:
1573-5117
Keywords:
Rotifera
;
Keratella cochlearis
;
morphological variation
;
food resources
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract Morphological variation of Keratella cochlearis was studied during a spring-summer period in a small Andean lake. Morphometry was studied in relation to temperature, food resources, cladoceran competitors and invertebrate predators. Three different morphs were recorded. We observed lack of allometric growth of the posterior spine. Absence of allometric growth could be related with the low density of a predaceous water mite and the small size of the cladocerans present in the lake. Fluctuations in lorica length and width were negatively correlated with temperature and algal biovolume. We discuss the benefits of this morphological response of Keratella in relation to environmental conditions.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1017003029568
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