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Disturbance alters phytoplankton functional traits and consequently drives changes in zooplankton life-history traits and lipid composition

Authors :
Titocci, Jessica
Fink, Patrick
Titocci, Jessica
Fink, Patrick
Source :
ISSN: 0018-8158
Publication Year :
2023

Abstract

In the light of the current biodiversity crisis that affects in particular freshwater ecosystems, it is crucial to understand the effects of functional diversity loss on phytoplankton-zooplankton interactions in freshwater food webs. Here, we simulated the loss of phytoplankton trait diversity by applying different intensities of mechanical disturbance to a natural phytoplankton community in a laboratory experiment. Different disturbance regimes clearly affected the trait distribution and functional diversity of these phytoplankton communities. In the experiment’s second phase, these altered communities were provided as a food source to the zooplankton grazers Daphnia longispina and Eudiaptomus graciloides and their life-history traits and lipid compositions were investigated. Both zooplankton fitness and reproductive success were affected differently, depending on the grazers’ feeding modes. Phytoplankton fatty acid composition was generally reflected in the consumers’ tissue. Nevertheless, some selective PUFAs accumulation occurred and mismatches in some fatty acids suggested a possible enzymatic modification of dietary fatty acids adopted to face biochemical deficiencies of the diets. Overall, this study highlights how a loss of specific traits in resource communities could impact consumer communities, and shows how these altered community traits may affect food web dynamics.

Details

Database :
OAIster
Journal :
ISSN: 0018-8158
Notes :
ISSN: 0018-8158, Hydrobiologia 851 (1);; 161 - 180, English
Publication Type :
Electronic Resource
Accession number :
edsoai.on1406016490
Document Type :
Electronic Resource