Herbivores and Algae: Food Utilization, Growth and Reproduction in Generalist Filter Feeders
In a biogeographic perspective, almost all lakes can be considered ephemeral environments. The constraints of using resting stages for dispersal and risk avoidance in such an environment is probably a major reason why only the Rotifera and a few orders of Arthropoda (mainly Cladocera, Calanoida, and Cyclopoida) have been successful in exploiting the pelagic zone of lakes, while marine zooplankton also have representatives from at least six other phyla (Lehman 1988). When compared to the multitude of species commonly found in the phytoplankton of fresh waters, the zooplankton of lakes generally appear to be species-poor communities (Pennak 1957).
KeywordsFood Level Food Utilization Assimilation Efficiency Reproductive Investment Daphnia Population
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