ISSN:
1365-2427
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
1. Three series of field experiments with different zooplankton species composition and biomass were performed in a small lake in the south Andes. We attempted to measure the responses of phytoplankton species resulting from grazing mortality and stimulation of growth by nutrient recycling.2. Nanoflagellates contributed substantially to total phytoplankton cell abundance. Chrysochromulina parva represented 93.4%, 92.2% and 95.9% of total phytoplankton density in December, January and February, respectively. This fraction was reduced in all treatments with increasing zooplankton biomass.3. A negative relationship was obtained between C. parva cell numbers and increase in dissolved P. On the other hand, a significant positive relationship between the abundance of the diatom Aulacoseira granulata and P concentration was observed. These results indicate that the ungrazed diatom was able to capitalise on the increase in nutrient availability.4. As a net result of the increase or decrease of algal species we observed a change in the nano:net phytoplankton relationship. The outcome of three-day incubations with increased zooplankton biomass was an increasing importance of net phytoplankton.5. The results indicate the importance of the indirect effects of zooplankton (through nutrient recycling) in the increase in diatoms, and the role of grazing as a growth-limiting factor for the flagellate C. parva.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2427.1998.00326.x
