Naslov
Structure of rotifer assemblages in shallow water bodies of semi-arid northwest Iran differing in salinity and vegetation cover

Autori
Malekzadeh Viayeh, Reza ; Špoljar, Maria

Izvornik
Hydrobiologia (0018-8158) 686 (2012), 1; 73-89

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
Rotifer; Environmental variables; Diversity; Abundance

Sažetak
Rotifers are important components of freshwater ecosystems and sensitive indicators of environmental changes. This study was carried out to test the hypothesis that among environmental variables salinity and aquatic vegetation have significant effects on rotifer diversity and abundance. We analyzed rotifer assemblages in littoral zone of 22 hydromorphologically-different shallow water-bodies in West Azarbaijan, Iran. Rotifer diversity and abundance were not significantly associated with basins morphology, but were positively correlated with the percentage of vegetation cover. Salinity and electroconductivity positively influenced rotifer abundance, while had significantly negative effects on the rotifer diversity. Halobiont species from the genera Brachionus, Hexarthra, Synchaeta and Notholca reached highest abundances in the water bodies with pronouncedly higher salinities. Our findings are in concordance with recent records showing that distinct rotifer assemblages occur in saline and non-saline water bodies. The role of salinity and aquatic vegetation as the most important environmental drivers in shaping rotifer communities is confirmed. Results of this study suggested that environmental changes could be significant on micro-biogeographical level and interaction of salinity and observed human impact, i.e., trophic level, promote rotifer abundance as sensitive indicator of environmental changes.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Biologija

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