Ecological role of predacious cladoceran Leptodora kindtii in a lake food web: A review
2007
Chang, K.H.(Ehime Univ., Matsuyama (Japan). Center for Marine Environmental Studies) | Hanazato, T.
Zooplankton studies are one of the major research themes in limnological studies since they play an important role as secondary producers in freshwater ecosystems. In particular, studies on environmental factors governing seasonal dynamics and spatial distribution of zooplankton communities being conducted actively. Predation by invertebrate predators is considered to be an important factor controlling the population dynamics of zooplankton in lake ecosystems. Leptodora kindtii is a large cladoceran with a body size often exceeding 10 mm, and is a typical invertebrate predator in eutrophic lakes. However, its feeding behavior is affected by prey body size and morphology, and consequently, Leptodora shows strong prey selectivity. Selective predation is considered to be factor structuring the zooplankton community. On the other hand, Leptodora itself is a preferred prey item for many fish species, and supports their growth. Leptodora is a typical summer species that builds up high abundances during summer and is adapted to a eutrophic environment. In the present study, we summarized the ecological characteristics of Leptodora as predator and a prey, and discussed its role in lake ecosystems. We also discuss the environmental factors controlling temporal and spatial distribution of Leptodora in these habitats.
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