engleski

Nematode feeding-types in a tufa-depositing environment (Plitvice Lakes, Croatia)

Free-living nematodes are an important group in all benthic habitats. They occur in high abundance and due to the feeding guild have strong influence on bacteria, algae, detritus and meiofauna in periphyton and sediments. The main aims were to determine vertical distribution of nematodes and their feeding-types within moss covered tufa barrier over a one year period in Plitvice Lakes National Park. Altogether 23 taxa were identified with a maximum value of 198 individuals/10 cm2 in spring. Stylet bearing suction feeders was dominant nematode feeding type in bryophytes and in deeper layers of the tufa substrates. Domination of Adenophorea and high value of Maturity index (MI) confirmed clean, unpolluted water and oligotrophic state of investigated habitat. The results demonstrated that nematodes, due to their high abundance and biomass, play an important role in karst water sediments.

freshwater nematodes ; trophic structure ; tufa depositing systems ; bryophytes.

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