ISSN:
1365-2427
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
1. Several models predict that elevated levels of zooplanktivory will promote increases in phytoplankton abundance and corresponding decreases in water clarity. Because estimates of zooplanktivorous fish abundance are logistically difficult, empirical testing of these models has been limited. Our goal was to examine whether the impact of mysids and larval chaoborids on their herbivorous zooplankton prey is either transmitted to, or becomes uncoupled at, the phytoplankton and water quality levels.2. A secondary analysis of ninety-eight correlation coefficients from twenty-five published and unpublished data sets indicated that on average 71% of all correlations agreed with the predictions of top-down trophic interactions, although most did so with only marginal or weak support.3. Potential confounding by variable nutrient concentrations, alternative determinants of water clarity and omnivory may complicate simple interpretation of the influence of pelagic invertebrates on zooplankton in lakes.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2427.1995.tb00885.x
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