Grazing by Zooplankton and Its Relationship to Community Structure

1992 ◽  
Vol 49 (7) ◽  
pp. 1455-1465 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hélène Cyr ◽  
Michael L. Pace
Keyword(s):  
Community Structure ◽  
Water Temperature ◽  
Size Distribution ◽  
Grazing Rate ◽  
Food Concentration ◽  
Taxonomic Composition ◽  
Zooplankton Biomass ◽  
Substantial Portion ◽  
Zooplankton Size ◽  
Zooplankton Communities

Zooplankton can consume a substantial portion of the phytoplankton, but grazing rates are notoriously variable seasonally and among sites. We developed models relating grazing rates to characteristics of Zooplankton communities, food concentration, and water temperature. Grazing rates were measured in 30 Zooplankton communities that differed in biomass, size distribution, and taxonomic composition. Crustaceans grazed per day 2–21% of the chlorophyll in algae <35 μm, which is within the range of most grazing rates measured in other studies. Grazing rates were positively related to Zooplankton biomass and negatively related to food concentration, although much variation among communities remains unexplained (R2 = 0.19–0.35). Surprisingly, we could not detect a general relationship between Zooplankton size distribution and grazing rate. Communities dominated by large Zooplankton (mostly Daphnia and Diaphanosoma) did not tend to have higher grazing rates than communities dominated by small Zooplankton. Zooplankton taxonomic composition was significantly related to grazing rates but explained little variation among communities. Grazing rates calculated from published allometric equations were biased, usually overestimating phytoplankton removal by Zooplankton.

Cladoceran- and copepod-dominated zooplankton communities graze at similar rates in low-productivity lakes

1998 ◽  
Vol 55 (2) ◽  
pp. 414-422 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hélène Cyr
Keyword(s):  
Zooplankton Community ◽  
Grazing Rate ◽  
Taxonomic Composition ◽  
Zooplankton Biomass ◽  
Phytoplankton Assemblage ◽  
Different Types ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Zooplankton Communities ◽  
Copepod Biomass

Many studies suggest that the taxonomic composition of a zooplankton community should determine its grazing rate and selectivity for different types of particles. It is generally believed that copepod-dominated communities should (i) have lower grazing rates and (ii) consume larger particles than communities dominated by large cladocerans. I tested these hypotheses in situ by comparing zooplankton grazing in 19 communities from low-productivity lakes where the zooplankton ranged from >99% copepod biomass to >90% large cladoceran biomass (Holopedium gibberum, Daphnia spp.). The zooplankton grazed 1-14% of total chlorophyll per day and 0-17% of the chlorophyll in algae <35 µm per day. Grazing rates increased with increasing zooplankton biomass (r2 = 0.34, P < 0.01), but once the effect of zooplankton biomass was accounted for, similar grazing rates were found in copepod- and in cladoceran-dominated communities. The difference in grazing rates on small algae and on the whole phytoplankton assemblage, on the other hand, varied systematically with zooplankton taxonomic composition. Holopedium-dominated communities were most efficient at grazing algae <35 µm, Bosmina-dominated communities had similar grazing rates on algae <35 µm and on the whole phytoplankton assemblage, and copepod-dominated communities had similar or slightly higher grazing rates on the whole phytoplankton assemblage. Qualitative differences in grazing selectivity of different zooplankton taxa are observed in complex natural communities.

scholarly journals Short Communication: Zooplankton as indicator of trophic status of lakes in Ilmen State Reserve, Russia

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Irina V. Mashkova ◽  
Anastasiya Kostryukova ◽  
Elena Shchelkanova ◽  
Viktor Trofimenko
Keyword(s):  
Trophic Status ◽  
Short Communication ◽  
Ecological Status ◽  
Taxonomic Composition ◽  
Zooplankton Biomass ◽  
Taxonomic Structure ◽  
The Status ◽  
Ilmen State Reserve ◽  
Chelyabinsk Region ◽  
Zooplankton Communities

Abstract. Mashkova IV, Kostryukova AM, Shchelkanova EE, Trofimenko VV. 2021. Short Communication: Zooplankton as indicator of trophic status of lakes in Ilmen State Reserve, Russia. Biodiversitas 22: 1448-1455. Zooplankton is a potentially powerful tool for assessing the trophic state of aquatic ecosystems. The current paper studied taxonomic composition and biomass of zooplankton communities in ten lakes within Ilmen State Reserve, Chelyabinsk region, Russia and identified the influence of trophic status on its formation. Integrated samples were taken from epilimnion in the summer of 2016-2019. Several criteria were used to determine trophic status: the taxonomic structure and biomass of zooplankton; some hydroecological indicators some hydroecological indicators and the Carlson index. The trophic status of the studied lakes, determined based on the zooplankton biomass, revealed that most of the lakes were in the status of mesotrophic. The number of zooplankton species in the lakes was 44 with Pleuroxus laevis, Bosmina longirostris, Simocephalus vetulus were the most numerous species in mesotrophic lakes; while Chaetonotus ploenensis, Keratella quadrata frenzeli, Leptodora kindti are rare. Zooplankton communities of Bolshoye Miassovo and Maloye Miassovo Lakes were characterized by high species diversity and considered as one of the most significant among the foothill lakes of the eastern slope of South Ural. The study reveals that hydroecological assessment of the ecological status is not exactly precise, as values are not stable and can change not only under the anthropogenic influence but also due to many natural abiotic environmental factors. The research shows that species composition and biomass of zooplankton communities could provide a more accurate assessment of the trophic status of water-bodies.

scholarly journals Effects of thermocline deepening on lake plankton communities

2011 ◽  
Vol 68 (2) ◽  
pp. 260-276 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ariane Cantin ◽  
Beatrix E. Beisner ◽  
John M. Gunn ◽  
Yves T. Prairie ◽  
Jennifer G. Winter
Keyword(s):  
Taxonomic Composition ◽  
Zooplankton Biomass ◽  
Phytoplankton Production ◽  
Thermocline Depth ◽  
Turbulent Environments ◽  
Planktonic Food ◽  
Basin Scale ◽  
Zooplankton Communities ◽  
The Vertical Distribution ◽  
Plankton Communities

Theory predicts, and some evidence demonstrates that in lakes, the depth of the thermocline can have a large structural influence on the spatial distribution, and strongly influences the composition of plankton communities. However, experimental assessments of responses of the planktonic food web to thermocline depth have not yet been done at the whole-basin scale. We conducted an experiment wherein we artificially lowered the thermocline in an isolated basin of a three-basin lake, maintaining another isolated basin as a control. The vertical distribution and taxonomic composition of both phytoplankton and zooplankton were monitored throughout the summer months. Greater phytoplankton production, especially in the epilimnion, attributable mainly to increases in the chlorophytes was observed with thermocline deepening, but at the deepest thermoclines, production was limited. Total zooplankton biomass was unaffected by thermocline depth, suggesting top-down control by predators. Zooplankton biomass peaks were less pronounced in the manipulated basin, but tended to follow the thermocline whether at its normal position or as it was deepened. Zooplankton composition was significantly altered by large increases in densities of predatory cyclopoid copepods and rotifers; taxa commonly found in turbulent environments. Overall, both phytoplankton and zooplankton communities demonstrated important shifts in structure and composition in response to thermocline deepening.

Linking fish and crustacean taxonomic composition with seasonal contrasts in the soft-bottom intertidal zone

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. A. Gondal ◽  
S. Iqbal ◽  
U. Atique ◽  
N. U. Saher ◽  
N. A. Qureshi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Water Temperature ◽  
Fish Species ◽  
Diversity Index ◽  
Taxonomic Composition ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Fish Species Composition ◽  
One Year ◽  
Sw Monsoon

Abstract The primary objective of this study was to investigate the seasonal fish and crustacean variations concerning taxonomic composition, species richness, and diversity in sandy beach habitat. For this purpose, we investigated the Sonmiani Hor lagoon area during four distinct seasons, i.e., northeast (NE) monsoon, pre-monsoon, south-west (SW) monsoon, and post-monsoon for one year. During each haul, the net was pulled about 100m along the beach in 0.5m depth. The results showed a strong linear correlation between the diversity index and equitability in fishes (r = 0.978). The diversity index was strong negatively correlated with the abundance and biomass (r = -0.978, -0.972, respectively). The physical attributes like sea surface water temperature and salinity showed a strong negative effect on species assemblages (r = -0.981 and -0.943, respectively). The mean air and water temperature illustrated approximately 3°C difference during NE and pre-monsoon seasons. However, salinity, pH, and electrical conductivity did not show any significant seasonal variabilities. Under the ecological indices, the fish species displayed higher diversity (H’ = 3.19) during SW monsoon, whereas the lowest diversity was observed during pre-monsoon (H’ = 1.58). The equitability and species richness, however, remained more noticeable during SW monsoon (J’ = 0.81). The total number of individuals of fish and crustaceans reached 4799 with 3813 fish individuals and 986 individuals of crustaceans. A total of 27 families of fish while five crustacean families comprising of 30 genera and 38 fish species while ten genera and 17 species of crustaceans were recorded. Liza subviridis displayed the highest abundance among the sampled fish species. In conclusion, fish species constituted a significant part of the coastal fauna in the study area. The seasonal variations displayed distinct variations in fish species composition and diversity.

scholarly journals Community structure of aquatic insects (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera) in Cerrado streams of Paraguay, Paraná, and São Francisco river basins

2013 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 97-107 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renato de Mei Romero ◽  
Mônica Ceneviva-Bastos ◽  
Gustavo Henrique Baviera ◽  
Lilian Casatti
Keyword(s):  
Community Structure ◽  
Aquatic Insects ◽  
Regional Differences ◽  
River Basins ◽  
Taxonomic Composition ◽  
Taxonomic Resolution ◽  
Sao Francisco River ◽  
Original Distribution ◽  
São Francisco River

We evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively the community structure of aquatic insects (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera) in 19 streams in areas of Cerrado in the Paraguay, Paraná, and São Francisco river basins. The number of genera and taxonomic composition were compared at spatial (at the hydrographic basins level) and conservation levels (more preserved and less preserved areas). The influence of spatial and environmental factors in richness and abundance was also evaluated. The geographical distribution of Grumicha, Coryphorus, and Austrotinodes was expanded. The highest Trichoptera richness was found in the São Francisco river basin (F = 5,602, p = 0,004) and a higher number of Ephemeroptera genera occurred in the relatively less preserved sites (F = 6,835, p = 0,009). The pattern of genera distribution was different among basins (R = 0,0336, p = 0,001), but it was similar among relatively less and more preserved areas (R = -0,039, p = 0,737). These findings can be explained by the low impact level in these streams and also by the taxonomic resolution used in this study. Latitude and instream diversity were the most important factors to explain the variation in genera richness and abundance (p = 0.004 and p = 0.026, respectively). Hence, the regional differences can be attributed to spatial influences, quantity or quality of habitats and the original distribution of taxa within each basin.

Zooplankton in a Danube River Arm near Rusovce (Slovakia)

Biologia ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 63 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta Illyová ◽  
Katarína Bukvayová ◽  
Danka Némethová
Keyword(s):  
Water Temperature ◽  
Zooplankton Biomass ◽  
Danube River ◽  
Total Abundance ◽  
Small Species ◽  
Annual Average ◽  
Keratella Cochlearis ◽  
Chydorus Sphaericus ◽  
Cyclops Vicinus ◽  
The Right

AbstractPoor quantity of zooplankton was recorded in a Danube arm situated on the right side of the Danube River in Slovakia (river km 1857) in 2002 and 2003. All over the year the arm is significantly influenced by groundwater by reason of seepage. Because of low mean water temperature (12°C) and poorly developed macrovegetation in particular, the arm reminds gravel pit-like. The annual average of zooplankton biomass was low and ranged from 0.35 g m−3 (2002) to 1.28 g m−3 (2003), because of low crustacean abundance. Total cladoceran abundance was excessively low in both years and ranged from 3.5 N L−1 (2002) to 16.6 N L−1 (2003). Small species, Bosmina longirostris and Chydorus sphaericus were dominant. Only four adult Copepoda — Cyclops vicinus, Thermocyclops crassus, Eurytemora velox and Eudiaptomus gracilis — were recorded in quantitative samples of both years. In the zooplankton assemblage dominated rotifers (Synchaeta pectinata, Synchaeta oblonga, Polyarthra dolichoptera and Keratella cochlearis) which represented 78% and 67% of total abundance respectively. The total of 19 species of rotifers, 34 Cladocera species and 16 taxa of Copepoda were found.

Epiphyton of oligotrophic lakes of Leningrad region

2021 ◽  
pp. 71-79
Author(s):  
Elena V. Stanislavskaya
Keyword(s):  
Community Structure ◽  
Dominant Species ◽  
Taxonomic Composition ◽  
Species Level ◽  
Taxonomic Structure ◽  
Leningrad Region ◽  
Oligotrophic Lakes ◽  
Epiphytic Algae ◽  
Lake Ecosystems ◽  
Epiphytic Communities

Here are results of investigation of taxonomic composition, community structure and dominant species of epiphytic algae in 12 oligotrophic lakes located in different geomorphic regions of Leningrad region. In summer epiphytic communities there were 385 algal taxa, they belonged to 6 taxonomic divisions: Cyanophyta (Cyanoprokaryota) – 50 (13%), Bacillaryophyta – 175 (45%), Chlorophyta – 37 (10%), Charophyta – 118 (30%), Xanthophyta – 4 (1,55%), Rhodophyta – 1 (0,45%). The taxonomic structure of each lake was predominant diatoms and desmids, but the biomass was dominated by zygnems and green algae. In total, the taxonomic composition of the epiphyton in the studied lakes is similar, the differences are revealed at the species level. The structure of dominanting epiphyton complex was rather constant and composed by a small number of species. The greatest contribution to the epiphyton was made by Tabellaria flocculosa and species of the genus Bulbochaete. The structure of the epiphyton reflects the undisturbed nature of lake ecosystems, as well as their northern location.

scholarly journals Zooplankton of a stressed area in the Damietta coast of the Mediterranean Sea

2017 ◽  
Vol 58 (2) ◽  
pp. 245-260 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wael S. Eltohamy ◽  
Ahmad Alzeny ◽  
Yasmine A. M. Azab
Keyword(s):  
Community Structure ◽  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Ballast Water ◽  
Environmental Variables ◽  
Species Invasions ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
June July ◽  
Zooplankton Communities ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Univariate Analyses

The spatial pattern of zooplankton communities at Damietta coast, southeastern Mediterranean was studied to assess the impact of human activities on the abundance and community structure. Twenty-five stations from five different stressed sites were sampled in June-July 2014. Thirty-four zooplankton taxa were recorded, in addition to the larvae of copepods and meroplankton. Copepoda was the most abundant group among which, Oithona nana, Euterpina acutifrons, and Parvocalanus cirrostratus were the most frequent. The calanoid copepod Pseudodiaptomus trihamatus is a new record for the Mediterranean Sea that may have been introduced via ballast water. Multivariate/Univariate analyses demonstrated that 1) the environmental variables and zooplankton communities represented significant differences among five sites; 2) the spatial variations of community structure were undoubtedly due to land-based effluents; and 3) among all environmental variables, salinity and phytoplankton biomass had the major determining effects on the spatial patterns of zooplankton categories. The results indicates that not only the discharged water makes the Damietta coast at risk, but also the ballast water is not less dangerous. Hence, we emphasize the need for activation of the ballast water management to reduce the risk of future species invasions.

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