The probable response of Cladocera to selected biotic factors (after Whiteside & Swindoll (1988) and with reference to Whiteside (1970)).

BIOTIC FACTOR RESPONSE
   
Intense predation by:  

-Invertebrates

Predominance of large Cladocera e.g. Eurycercus sp., large Daphnia; morphological adaptation to invertebrate predation.

- Vertebrates

 

Zooplanktivores

Predominance of small or adapted Cladocera; possibly an increased abundance of cladoceran remains in the sediment.

Piscivores

A response similar to that of intense invertebrate predation, because of reduced number of zooplanktivores.
   
Increase in algal biomass caused by:  
- Increased nutrients Lower species diversity of chydorids; increased abundance of planktonic Bosmina and Chydorus sphaericus and other species favouring turbid water conditions.
- Slower water renewal Maintenance of species diversity, with increased abundance of sedimentary remains.
   
Increase in macrophytes caused by:  
- Increased water transparency Increased diversity and abundance of chydorids; possibly the loss of larger Cladocera because of increased visibility to vertebrate predators
- Change in water level Increased diversity and abundance of chydorids if area of littoral region is increased.

TAXONOMY | MORPHOLOGY | LIFECYCLE

WATER CHEMISTRY | HABITATS | PREDATION

PALAEOLIMNOLOGY

INDEX