Original paper
Phytoplankton-zooplankton feedback effects on the food-chain
Wynne, D.; Gophen, M.
Archiv für Hydrobiologie Volume 106 Number 2 (1986), p. 145 - 154
23 references
published: Mar 24, 1986
DOI: 10.1127/archiv-hydrobiol/106/1986/145
ArtNo. ESP141010602000, Price: 29.00 €
Abstract
The ability of zooplankton to effect phytoplankton growth was studied directly by incubating cultures of Chlorella sp. in the presence of the cyclopoid Mesocyclops leuckarti. The zooplankter was able to stimulate algal growth, even in nutrient sufficient medium as measured by both chlorophyll content and cell numbers. Factor (s) responsible for growth stimulation of the algae were shown to be of relatively low molecular weight since they passed through dialysis tubing. The effect of M. leuckarti was more marked on phosphorus or nitrogen limited Chlorella. The importance of zooplankton to algal nutrition is discussed.
Keywords
phytoplankton • zooplankton • algal growth • chlorophyll