Predatory and toxic effects of the turbellarian (Stenostomum cf leucops) on the population dynamics of Euchlanis dilatata, Plationus patulus (Rotifera) and Moina macrocopa (Clad
Por:
Nandini S., Sarma, SSS, Dumont H.J.
Publicada:
1 mar 2011
Categoría:
Aquatic Science
Resumen:
Catenulid turbellarians, common in shallow, tropical ponds, affect their rotifer prey via the production of toxins. There is, however, no quantitative information on their effect on the demography of their prey. Here, we test the impact of Stenostomum cf leucops on the population dynamics of the rotifers Euchlanis dilatata and Plationus patulus, and the cladoceran Moina macrocopa. Experiments were initiated with rotifers at 0.5 ind. ml(-1) and the cladoceran at 0.2 ind. ml(-1); growth patterns were compared in the absence and presence of worms (2 Stenostomum ind. per 50 ml). Results revealed that brachionids were most adversely affected: there was a lower growth rate of the rotifers in the presence of worms (P < 0.01, repeated measures ANOVA), although at the densities applied, the predator did not wipe out its prey. These littoral predators may therefore regulate rotifer prey in natural conditions. In Moina, the population evolved differently; initially, we found no difference between
Filiaciones:
Nandini S.:
Univ Nacl Autonoma Mexico, Lab Zool Acuat, Div Invest & Posgrad, Edificio UMF, Tlalnepantla 54090, Estado Mexico, Mexico
Sarma, SSS:
Univ Nacl Autonoma Mexico, Lab Zool Acuat, Div Invest & Posgrad, Edificio UMF, Tlalnepantla 54090, Estado Mexico, Mexico
Dumont H.J.:
Department of Biology, University of Gent, Ledeganckstraat, 35, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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