Naslov
The importance of microphytic composition on coarse woody debris for nematode colonization – a case study in a fluvial floodplain environment

Autori
Mihaljević, Melita ; Žuna Pfeiffer, Tanja ; Vidaković, Jasna ; Špoljarić, Dubravka ; Stević, Filip

Izvornik
Biodiversity and conservation (0960-3115) 24 (2015), 7; 1711-1727

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

Ključne riječi
microphytes; floodplain; woody debris; periphyton; nematode

Sažetak
Coarse woody debris (CWD) are an important structural feature of many aquatic ecosystems. This study focused on the relationships between nematode colonization and microphytic community structure on CWD. In situ investigations were performed using white willow branches introduced into the floodplain lake, a part of the large natural floodplain in the middle section of the Danube River (Europe) impacted by strong sandy and silt accumulations. Our results showed that CWD support rapid colonization and high species richness of microphytes, regardless of seasonality and flood-induced environmental changes. Successional stages during the accrual of microphytic communities were expressed. Nematode functional feeding group compositions closely followed microphytic composition. The epistrate feeder Chromadorina bioculata over- dominated in diatom-dominated communities with adnate/prostrate and stalk-forming species in spring and autumn. The complex structure of cyanobacterial mats associated with green algae and diatom assemblages in summer attracted suction feeders, represented by the Dorylaimidae family. The obtained results indicated that nematodes are involved in strong trophic coupling with a microbial habitat on CWD. The retention of CWD in aquatic environments or addition of CWD to systems with little or no wood may have important implications for the primary and secondary production in these ecosystems.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Biologija

POVEZANOST RADA