The jellification of north temperate lakes.
Proc Biol Sci
; 282(1798): 20142449, 2015 Jan 07.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-25411451
ABSTRACT
Calcium (Ca) concentrations are decreasing in softwater lakes across eastern North America and western Europe. Using long-term contemporary and palaeo-environmental field data, we show that this is precipitating a dramatic change in Canadian lakes the replacement of previously dominant pelagic herbivores (Ca-rich Daphnia species) by Holopedium glacialis, a jelly-clad, Ca-poor competitor. In some lakes, this transformation is being facilitated by increases in macro-invertebrate predation, both from native (Chaoborus spp.) and introduced (Bythotrephes longimanus) zooplanktivores, to which Holopedium, with its jelly coat, is relatively invulnerable. Greater representation by Holopedium within cladoceran zooplankton communities will reduce nutrient transfer through food webs, given their lower phosphorus content relative to daphniids, and greater absolute abundances may pose long-term problems to water users. The dominance of jelly-clad zooplankton will likely persist while lakewater Ca levels remain low.
Key words
Full text:
1
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Zooplankton
/
Lakes
/
Calcium
/
Food Chain
/
Cladocera
Type of study:
Prognostic_studies
Limits:
Animals
Country/Region as subject:
America do norte
Language:
En
Year:
2015
Type:
Article