engleski

Zooplankton diversity and traits in shallow waterbodies of temperate and Mediterranean regions of Europe

Zooplankton assemblages (Rotifera, Cladocera, Copepoda) have been assessed in over 30 shallow lakes and ponds, from temperate to Mediterranean regions of Europe (Poland, Croatia, Albania, North Macedonia, Greece). We presumed that zooplankton diversity, ecological and functional trait differences will correspond with environmental specificity more than geographical distance. Thus, the main idea was to compare different latitudinal and climate regions (temperate and Mediterranean), in order to provide insight into the possible future function of shallow lakes in a changing climate. Shallow waterbodies in both regions were selected by different area, depth, macrophyte coverage, phytoplankton biomass and fish stock with the aim to distinguish both climate and environmental specific factors affecting zooplankton. Preliminary results revealed that ecosystem heterogeneity, associated with macrophyte coverage, increased the diversity of zooplankton, irrespective of the climatic region. The opposite effect was observed in the case of fish presence, which in both climates decreased zooplankton diversity. Salinity is indicated as a specific driver in the Mediterranean region and it negatively impacted diversity. Along a latitude, the zooplankton abundance:biomass ratio indicated pronounced deterioration and higher densities of small-sized species in warmer regions in comparison to colder ones. The obtained results suggested a significant contribution of zooplankton to the biodiversity of shallow waterbodies and the pressing need for supporting the protection and sustainability of these vulnerable and valuable aquatic ecosystems.

Rotifera, Cladocera, Copepoda, macrophyte, fish, Eastern Europe

Također je dostupan i sažetak do 500 riječi. Faculty of Biology, Adam Meckiewicz University, Poland ; State Key Laboratory of Hydraulic Engineering Simulation and Safety, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China ; 4Agricultural University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania ; Department of Zooplankton, Hydrobiological Institute, Ohrid, North Macedonia ; Department of Zoology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece