ISSN:
1432-1793
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract Taxonomic composition, biomass as organic carbon, numerical abundance, and size distribution of the microplankton were determined at 6 Southern California nearshore locations in late May–early June, 1970. Samples were taken at approximately 5 m (10 m at one station) intervals through the upper 40 to 50 m to reveal some of the small-scale differences and levels of variability in the populations. Total microplankton biomass over all euphotic zone samples varied by more than two orders of magnitude (7.6 to 1,200 μg C l-1). Average biomass at comparable sites (n=5) ranged from 48 to 240 μg C l-1; biomass range within stations varied from about 5-fold to 120-fold. Total microplankton numbers varied approximately 22-fold (4.3×105 to 9.5×106 organisms l-1) over all euphotic zone samples, but the range within stations was always less than an order of magnitude. At comparable stations, nanoplankton biomass had ranges extending from 3.7-fold to 12-fold; its average percentage contribution (±1 SD) to the total microplankton biomass varied from 39±5% to 54±13%. Netplankton biomass showed a similar minimal range, but its greatest range was more than two orders of magnitude. Ranges of abundance of major taxonomic groups within stations varied considerably from about 2-fold to more than three orders of magnitude. The small-scale variability of the populations probably affects the reliability of the microplankton as a food source for pelagic consumers.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00389164
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