ISSN:
1573-5117
Keywords:
zooplankton
;
rotifers
;
colonization history
;
disturbance
;
nutrient enrichment
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract We compared the relative importance of colonization history to other known regulators of freshwater zooplankton assemblages (i.e. disturbance and nutrient enrichment) during this six-month study of initial colonization in artificial freshwater pools. We experimentally manipulated 16 small (1.5 m diameter) pools for permanence (permanent vs. temporary) and resource availability (± nitrogen & phosphorus). Nitrogen and phosphorus were added to high resource level pools in concentrations typical of eutrophic waters, while low resource level pools did not receive added nutrients. Permanent pools were maintained with added tap water and temporary pools dried out naturally for one month. Zooplankton colonization was limited to only 10 rotifers (species of Brachionus, Cephalodella, Lecane, Lepadella, Rotaria, and Trichocerca) and 2 crustaceans. Treatments significantly affected physical-chemical variables, colonization curves (species richness through time), and mean cumulative species number. Results indicate that local conditions (habitat permanence and resource availability) had the greatest effect on zooplankton species richness. However, low species diversity and little treatment effect on species relative abundance patterns suggest that colonization history (dispersal) was also important. Therefore, colonization history and local conditions were jointly responsible for structuring zooplankton assemblages in this study. Colonization history may have lasting effects on zooplankton composition in older, natural systems as well, but may be overlooked at some scales of measurement.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1017093810178
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