Allelopathic interactions between the predator (Asplanchna brightwellii) and prey (Brachionus calyciflorus) for coexistence
Por:
Sarma, SSS, Sagrario, MH, Nandini, S
Publicada:
1 jul 2010
Resumen:
An allelopathic interaction between the predators and prey is an important mechanism to structure the zooplankton in freshwater ecosystems. Invertebrate predation on planktonic communities depends on several factors (but major ones are defences and reproductive capacity of prey organisms). We evaluated the effects of different densities of herbivorous prey B. calyciflorus on the population growth of its predator A. brightwellii. Prey at four initial densities (1.25, 2.5, 5 and 10.0 ind. mL(-1)) and predators at one density (0.05 ind. mL(-1)) were grown together using the single-celled alga Chlorella vulgaris at two concentrations (0.5 X 10(6) and 2.0 X 10(6) cells mL(-1)). In the absence of predators (regardless of initial density), increase in algal food concentration promoted the population abundances of B. calyciflorus. In the presence of allelochemicals from predators, the population of B. calveiflorus was decreased at all initial densities (except at inoculation density of 10 ind.
Filiaciones:
Sarma, SSS:
Univ Nacl Autonoma Mexico, Lab Zool Acuat, Div Invest & Posgrad, Tlalnepantla 54090, Edo De Mexico, Mexico
Sagrario, MH:
Univ Nacl Autonoma Mexico, Lab Zool Acuat, Div Invest & Posgrad, Tlalnepantla 54090, Edo De Mexico, Mexico
Nandini, S:
Univ Nacl Autonoma Mexico, Lab Zool Acuat, Div Invest & Posgrad, Tlalnepantla 54090, Edo De Mexico, Mexico
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