Predation by vertebrates and invertebrates on the seeds of five canopy tree species of an Amazonian forest

We studied the pre-germination loss of seeds to invertebrate and vertebrate seed predators of 5 species of Amazonian trees (Astrocaryum macrocalyx—Palmae; Bertholletia excelsa—Lecithydaceae; Calatola venezuelana—Icacinaceae; Dipteryx micrantha—Leguminosae (Papilionoidae); Hymenaea courbaril-Leguminosae (Caesalpinoidae)). These five species were selected from a large tree flora on several criteria. All possess large (3–10 cm) well-protected seeds that might plausibly be attractive to mammalian seed predators. The reproductive biology of three of the species, or close congeners, had been studied elsewhere in the Neotropics (Astrocaryum, Dipteryx, Hymenaea); one is important to the economy of southeastern Peru (Bertholletia); and one, despite large and apparently edible seeds, appeared to suffer no pre-germination loss to predators (Calatola). We conducted the research in mature forests in the Manu National Park of southeastern Peru where mammal densities are unperturbed by human activities. Densities of adult trees of the five species in our area range from very high (>30 per ha: Astrocaryum) to very low (1 per ha: Hymenaea).Loss of seeds to all causes, and to mammalian seed predators in particular, was determined for seeds placed in 2-square meter mammal exclosures and in open controls located at 10 m (near) and 50 m (far) from a large mature individual of the target species (with minor variations in the design for Astrocaryum and Calatola). The exclosures were of two types: impermeable—designed to exclude all mammals, but not invertebrate seed predators, and semipermeable—designed to admit small (<500 g), but not large mammals. Experimental and control plots were stocked with apparently viable seeds during the dry-wet transition period (October–November) and scored one year later.A significant distance effect (higher predation near vs far from a large conspecific adult) was found in only one of the species (Astrocaryum), the only one to be attacked with high frequency by invertebrate seed predators. The absence of any detectable distance effect attributable to mammals suggests that mammals, over the course of a year, thoroughly search the forest floor for seeds. Invertebrates may thus be responsible for most pre-germination distance (density) effects. With respect to the treatments, we found three qualitatively distinct results: seeds of three species (Astrocaryum, Bertholletia, Dipteryx) were significantly protected by the impermeable, but not semipermeable exclosures, implicating small mammals in seed loss; the seeds of one species (Hymenaea) were significantly protected by exclosures of both types, implicating large mammals; and the seeds of one species (Calatola) exhibited 100% survival, whether or not protected by exclosures.The importance of large mammals as seed predators is generally underestimated in these experiments because semipermeable exclosures may serve as foraging reserves for small mammals. Finally, we noted no relationship between the intensity of mammalian seed predation (as suggested by the survival of unprotected seeds) and the abundance of adults of the five species in the environment. The diversity of results obtained for the five species reveals that large-seeded tropical trees may display a wide range of demographic patterns, and points to the likely importance of post-germination bottlenecks in the population biology of many species, even those that may experience severe pre-germination seed loss.     

Winning the biodiversity arms race among freshwater gastropods: competition and coexistence through shell variability and predator avoidance

Explanations for the coexistence of many closely related species in inland waters continue to be generated more than 50 years after Hutchinson’s question: why are there so many kinds of animals? This review focuses on the hypothesis that high species diversity of freshwater gastropods results, in part, from predators maintaining biodiversity across a range of deep- and shallow-water habitats. Invertebrate predators, such as aquatic insects, and leeches consume soft tissue of pulmonate snails by penetrating shells of various shapes and sizes. Crayfish and large prawns chip around the shell aperture to enter thick shells and crush small shells with their mandibles. Crabs use their strong chelae to crush thin and thick shells. Fishes with pharyngeal teeth are major shell-breaking predators that combine with other vertebrate predators such as turtles and wading birds to increase the diversity of gastropod communities by regulating the abundance of dominant species. Although the generalized diets of most freshwater predators preclude tight co-evolutionary patterns of responses, there are combinations of predators that modify gastropod behavior and shell morphology in aquatic assemblages of different ages and depths. This combination of invertebrate and vertebrate predatory impacts led to competitive advantages among individual gastropods with different adaptations: (1) less vulnerable shell morphologies and sizes; (2) predator-avoidance behaviors; or (3) rapid and widespread dispersal with variable life histories. Some individuals develop thicker and/or narrow-opening shells or shells with spines and ridges. Other thin-shelled species crawl out of the water or burrow to lower their risk to shell-breaking or shell-entering predators. Some alter their age at first reproduction and grow rapidly into a size refuge. Fluctuations in water levels and introductions of non-native species can change competitive dominance relationships among gastropods and result in major losses of native species. Many different gastropod predators control species that are human disease vectors. Most snails and their predators provide other ecosystem services such as nutrient cycling and transfer of energy to higher trophic levels. Their persistence and diversity of native species require adaptive management and coordinated study.     

Exploring the role of large predators in marsh food webs: evidence for a behaviorally-mediated trophic cascade

The influence of large predators on lower trophic levels in oligotrophic, structurally complex, and frequently disturbed aquatic environments is generally thought to be limited. We looked for effects of large predators in two semi-permanent, spikerush-dominated marshes by excluding large fish (>12 mm body depth) and similarly sized herpetofauna from 1 m² cages (exclosures) for 2 weeks. The exclosures allowed for colonization by intermediate (in size and trophic position) consumers, such as small fish, shrimp, and crayfish. Exclosures were compared to control cages that allowed large fish to move freely in and out. At the end of the experiment, intermediate-consumer densities were higher in exclosures than in controls at both sites. Decapod crustaceans, especially the riverine grass shrimp (Palaemonetes paludosus), accounted for the majority of the response. Effects of large fish on shrimp were generally consistent across sites, but per capita effects were sensitive to estimates of predator density. Densities of intermediate consumers in our exclosures were similar to marsh densities, while the open controls had lower densities. This suggests that these animals avoided our experimental controls because they were risky relative to the surrounding environment, while the exclosures were neither avoided nor preferred. Although illuminating about the dynamics of open-cage experiments, this finding does not influence the main results of the study. Small primary consumers (mostly small snails, amphipods, and midges) living on floating periphyton mats and in flocculent detritus (“floc”) were less abundant in the exclosures, indicative of a trophic cascade. Periphyton mat characteristics (i.e., biomass, chlorophyll a, TP) were not clearly or consistently affected by the exclosure, but TP in the floc was lower in exclosures. The collective cascading effects of large predators were consistent at both sites despite differences in drought frequency, stem density, and productivity.     

Invasion of ancient Lake Titicaca by the globally invasive Physa acuta (Gastropoda: Pulmonata: Hygrophila)

A vital population of Physa acuta, a globally invasive species of freshwater gastropods was dicovered in ancient Lake Titicaca in April 2007. The population was found near Chucuito (Bahia de Puno) on the Peruvian side in close proximity to a boat landing of the aquaculture facility of the University of Puno. Physids occured in great abundances at this site on macrophytes in depths from 0 to 2 m. Physa acuta was associated with members of the Heleobia andicola species complex as well as with Heleobia otorni, Biomphalaria andecola, and Uncancylus crequi. Species identity was confirmed by morphological and molecular methods. We discuss the mode of introduction and raise a cautionary note on the potential impact of this global invader on the endemic gastropod fauna of ancient Lake Titicaca.     

Impact of invasive apple snails in Hong Kong on wetland macrophytes,nutrients, phytoplankton and filamentous algae

1. Grazing by invasive species can affect many aspects of an aquatic system, but most studies have focused on the direct effects on plants. We conducted mesocosm and laboratory experiments to examine the impact of the invasive apple snail Pomacea canaliculata on macrophytes, filamentous algae, nutrients and phytoplankton. 2. In a freshwater pond, we confined 500 g of Myriophyllum aquaticum or Eichhornia crassipes with 0, 2, 4 or 8 apple snails in 1 m × 1 m × 1 m enclosures for approximately 1 month. Apple snails grazed heavily on both species of macrophytes, with higher overall weight losses at higher snail densities. The damage patterns differed between the two macrophytes. In M. aquaticum, both leaves and stems suffered from substantial herbivory, whereas in E. crassipes, only the roots suffered significant weight reduction. 3. In addition to grazing on macrophytes, apple snails appeared to have controlled the growth of filamentous algae, as these did not develop in the snail treatments. The ability of P. canaliculata to control filamentous algae was supported by a laboratory experiment where the consumption was as high as 0.25 g g⁻¹ snail DW d⁻¹. Because of a lack of native herbivorous snails in the pond, the growth of filamentous algae (mainly Spirogyra sp.) reached 80.3 g m⁻², forming a spongy pond scum in the no‐apple snail control. Together with previous reports that apple snails could eat the juveniles and eggs of other freshwater snails, our results indicated that P. canaliculata could have out‐competed native herbivorous snails from the pond by predation on their juveniles or eggs. Alternatively, P. canaliculata might have out‐competed them by monopolisation of food resources. 4. Nitrogen and phosphorous concentrations remained low throughout both experiments and were not correlated with apple snail density. The treatment effects on chlorophyll a (Chl a) and phytoplankton composition varied in the two experiments. In the M. aquaticum experiment, with increasing snail density, Chl a increased, and the phytoplankton community became dominated by Cryptophyceae. In the E. crassipes experiment, Chl a level was independent of snail density, but with increasing snail density, the phytoplankton community became co‐dominated by Cryptophyceae, Chlorophyceae and Bacillariophyceae. 5. Given the multiple effects of P. canaliculata on wetland biodiversity and function, management strategies should be developed to prevent its further spread. In invaded wetlands, strategies should be developed to eradicate the apple snail and re‐introduce native snails which can control the development of filamentous algae.     

Effect of fragmentation on predation pressure of insect herbivores in a north temperate deciduous forest ecosystem

1. Forest fragmentation affects many ecosystem processes by spatially altering relationships among organisms. Herbivory by arthropods is an important ecosystem processes in forests that fragmentation alters by changing relationships among herbivores, their predators, and their hosts. The relative importance of these factors remains unclear. 2. It was tested whether the exclusion of vertebrate predators affected the arthropod abundance or amounts of herbivory in a fragmented, deciduous forest landscape in southern Quebec. Differences in the abundance of arthropod herbivores and amounts of herbivory in forest patches with different landscape characteristics (small isolated patches versus large connected ones), on sugar maple saplings with or without exclosures that restricted access by large vertebrate predators were measured. 3. Saplings protected from predators with exclosures had greater abundances of all arthropods (herbivores and invertebrate predators) than those without, indicating potential top‐down effects of vertebrate predators on arthropods. Analysis of effect sizes between exclosure treatments and controls suggests the magnitude of predation effects may be affected by fragmentation. 4. Strong top‐down effects of predators on arthropods, and weak effects of fragmentation on predation or amounts of herbivory were found. As a result, herbivory may be regulated by factors other than vertebrate predation in this system.     

The effect of epibenthic predators and macroalgal cover on the benthic macroinvertebrate community of a shallow lagoon in the Bay of Cádiz (SW Spain)

Three field predator exclusion experiments were conducted in 1992 on a lagoonal muddy pan of the Bay of Cádiz to measure the effects of large epibenthic predators (fish and crustacean decapods) on the benthic macroinvertebrate community at different periods of the year (May–June, August–September, November–December). At the end of each field experiment (30–31 days), benthic macrofaunal communities within exclosures and control plots (three replicates for each treatment) were compared. There were no considerable exclosure artifacts in all three experiments, but a great heterogenity in the spatial macrofaunal distribution was observed especially in the late autumn experiment. No systematic change in overall faunal characteristics was observed with the exclusion of epibenthic predators, except significantly greater mean individual sizes (all experiments) and lower total densities (June and December) within exclosures. For several benthic species, a statistically detectable increased density and larger mean individual size were also observed within exclosures in May–June and August–September experiments but not in December, probably related to the higher predatory activity during the warm season. Conversely, the amphipod Microdeutopus gryllotalpa showed lower density but also larger mean size when epibenthic predators were excluded. An algal cover (Ulva) was present at three field experiments and had a mixed effect on the density of benthic macrofauna. Some epifaunal species (or epifaunal stages) were positively affected by the algal biomass, while some infaunal species were negatively affected.     

Small‐stature emergent macrophytes and crepuscular sprinkler disturbance reduce mosquito abundance in wetland mesocosms

The impact of emergent macrophyte species and crepuscular sprinkler disturbance on mosquito abundance over a 2‐year period was measured in wetland mesocosms. Mosquito oviposition and abundance of immature mosquitoes and aquatic invertebrates were monitored in monotypic plots of small‐stature (height of mature stands <1.5 m) alkali bulrush (Schoenoplectus maritimus) and large‐stature (height of mature stands > 2 m) California bulrush (Schoenoplectus californicus) without or with daily sprinkler showers to deter mosquito egg laying. Relative to wetlands without operational sprinklers, oviposition by culicine mosquitoes was reduced by > 99% and immature mosquito abundance was reduced by > 90% by crepuscular sprinkler applications. Mosquito abundance or distribution in wetlands did not differ between the two bulrush species subjected to the sprinkler treatment. Alkali bulrush wetlands without daily sprinkler treatments contained more egg rafts but significantly fewer mosquito larvae than did California bulrush wetlands. Predaceous damselfly naiads were 3–5 times more abundant in alkali bulrush than in California bulrush. Stem density, rate of spread, and autumnal mortality of alkali bulrush were higher than for California bulrush. Replacement of large emergent macrophytes by smaller species may enhance the efficacy of integrated mosquito management programs to reduce mosquito‐transmitted disease cycles associated with multipurpose constructed wetlands used worldwide for water reclamation and habitat restoration.     

Introduction,distribution, spread,and impacts of exotic freshwater gastropods in Texas

We examined the patterns of distribution, vectors of introduction, and potential ecological impacts of freshwater exotic species in Texas over the last 45 years. Currently, five species of exotic gastropods are established: channeled-type applesnail (Pomacea insularum), red-rim melania (Melanoides tuberculatus), quilted melania (Tarebia granifera), giant rams-horn snail (Marisa cornuarietis), and Chinese mysterysnail (Cipangopaludina chinensis). In contrast to the northern part of the US, where shipping appears to be the most important vector for the introduction of aquatic invasive species, aquarium and ornamental trade dominated among unintentional vectors of introduction of all freshwater exotics in Texas, resulting in different patterns of distribution, spread, and ecological impacts. The rate of spread of exotic gastropods in Texas varied from 39 waterbodies colonized over 18 years for P. insularum to only three waterbodies during last 45 years for C. chinensis. Four of five exotic gastropods were found in highly vulnerable aquifer-fed springs and rivers, which contain numerous endemic and endangered species. The fifth species, Pomacea insularum, is an agricultural pest. Potential negative ecological effects of exotic gastropods include impacts on wetlands and wetland restoration, competitive exclusion of native snails, and the introduction of exotic parasites, trematodes, which could infect fish and waterfowl, including federally protected species. Aquifer springs with stable temperature regimes are refuges for both cold and warm intolerant species. Handling editor: D. Dudgeon     

Habitat characteristics contributing to local occupancy and habitat use in rock pool <Emphasis Type="Italic">Daphnia</Emphasis> metapopulations

The effects of invasive macrophytes, water level fluctuations and predation on freshwater unionids Pyganodon grandis and Utterbackia imbecillis were studied in three small impoundments in Northeastern Texas in 2003–2005. Mussel density was sampled with quadrats. Mortality, associated with the water level fluctuations and predation, was estimated by collecting dead shells on the shore at about two month intervals. In two ponds, horizontal distribution of unionids was limited by dense beds of invasive and noxious macrophytes (mainly Eurasian watermilfoil Myriophyllum spicatum and American lotus Nelumbo lutea): mussel densities were significantly lower in these macrophyte beds (P < 0.001). In the third pond with the lowest density of macrophytes (stonewort Chara sp.), unionids were distributed more evenly, and the average unionid biomass was the highest among all ponds studied. Vertical distribution of unionids in all ponds was likely limited by low oxygen at depth >2 m. The total amount of shells found on the shore per year varied from 0.1% to 28% of the total population in the pond and was negatively correlated with water level (r = −0.72 to −0.81, P < 0.005). Mammalian predators consumed up to 19% of the total unionid population and predation was facilitated by water level fluctuations. Handling editor: K. Martens     

Habitat-specific predation susceptibilities of a littoral rotifer to two invertebrate predators

The rotifer Euchlanis dilatata lives associated with submerged vegetation in the littoral zone of freshwater lakes and ponds. I assessed habitat-specific predation susceptibilities for this rotifer in the presence of three aquatic macrophytes (Myriophyllum exalbescens, Elodea canadensis, and Ceratophyllum demersum) and two predators (damselfly nymphs — Enallagma carunculata; and cnidarians — Hydra). Rotifer survival was greatest on Myriophyllum in the presence of both predators. Conversely, the presence of the other macrophyte species actually increase rotifer suspectibility to predation by damselfly nymphs. I also manipulated plant structural complexity. As predicted, decreasing the relative complexity of each plant resulted in lower rotifer survival.     

Effects of leaping grey mullet Liza saliens (Osteichthyes, Mugilidae) in the macrophyte beds of oligohaline Mediterranean coastal lagoons

Some mugilid fish are known to enhance small phytoplankton in freshwater macrophyte-free environments due to zooplankton depletion. This suggests that they may have negative effects on natural macrophyte beds of freshwater and oligohaline lagoons due to phytoplantkon enhancement. To test this hypothesis, we compared the ecosystems of control enclosures that contained no fish with those of enclosures stocked with Liza saliens at two different densities. The occurrence of L. saliens at a density of 321±92.42 kg ha^–1 reduced cladoceran density, depleted epiphytic chironomid larvae, enhanced mayfly nymphs and cyclopoid copepods and reduced the organic matter content of sediment, all in comparison with control enclosures. At a density of 673±42.04 kg ha^–1, L. saliens reduced total zooplankton density, depleted epiphytic and sediment dwelling chironomid larvae and enhanced mayfly nymphs. The organic matter contents of sediment was not affected. These results showed that L. saliens was very effective in reducing zooplankton density even when macrophyte biomass was high. However, these effects do not affect phytoplankton density, probably because zooplankton was dominated by species with low filter-feeding rates and macrophytes depleted nutrients.     

Habitat structural complexity mediates the foraging success of multiple predator species

We investigated the role of freshwater macrophytes as refuge by testing the hypothesis that predators capture fewer prey in more dense and structurally complex habitats. We also tested the hypothesis that habitat structure not only affects the prey-capture success of a single predator in isolation, but also the effectiveness of two predators combined, particularly if it mediates interactions between the predators. We conducted a fully crossed four-factorial laboratory experiment using artificial plants to determine the separate quantitative (density) and qualitative (shape) components of macrophyte structure on the prey-capture success of a predatory damselfly, Ischnura heterosticta tasmanica, and the southern pygmy perch, Nannoperca australis. Contrary to our expectations, macrophyte density had no effect on the prey-capture success of either predator, but both predators were significantly less effective in the structurally complex Myriophyllum analogue than in the structurally simpler Triglochin and Eleocharis analogues. Furthermore, the greater structural complexity of Myriophyllum amplified the impact of the negative interaction between the predators on prey numbers; the habitat use by damselfly larvae in response to the presence of southern pygmy perch meant they captured less prey in Myriophyllum. These results demonstrate habitat structure can influence multiple predator effects, and support the mechanism of increased prey refuge in more structurally complex macrophytes.     

Improved recruitment of a lemur-dispersed tree in Malagasy dry forests after the demise of vertebrates in forest fragments

The objective of this study was to examine how the processes of seed dispersal and seed predation were altered in forest fragments of the dry forest of Madagascar, where the usual seed dispersers and vertebrate seed predators were absent, using a lemur-dispersed tree species (Strychnos madagascariensis; Loganiaceae) as an example. We then assessed how the changes in vertebrate community composition alter the regeneration pattern and establishment of this tree species and thus, ultimately, the species composition of the forest fragments. By using size-selective exclosures, data from forest fragments were compared with results from continuous forest where vertebrate dispersers and predators were abundant. Visits to the exclosures by mammalian seed predators were monitored with hair traps. In the continuous forest up to 100% of the seeds were removed within the 7 days of the experiments. A substantial proportion of them was lost to seed predation by native rodents. In contrast, practically no predation took place in the forest fragments and almost all seeds removed were dispersed into the safety of ant nests by Aphaenogaster swammerdami, which improves chances of seedling establishment. In congruence with these findings, the abundance of S. madagascariensis in the forest fragments exceeded that of the continuous forest. Thus, the lack of vertebrate seed dispersers in these forest fragments did not lead to a decline in regeneration of this animal-dispersed tree species as would have been expected, but rather was counterbalanced by the concomitant demise of vertebrate seed predators and an increased activity of ants taking over the role of seed dispersers, and possibly even out-doing the original candidates. This study provides an example of a native vertebrate-dispersed species apparently profiting from fragmentation due to flexible animal-plant interactions in different facets, possibly resulting in an impoverished tree species community.     

What can aquatic gastropods tell us about phenotypic plasticity? A review and meta-analysis

There have been few attempts to synthesise the growing body of literature on phenotypic plasticity to reveal patterns and generalities about the extent and magnitude of plastic responses. Here, we conduct a review and meta-analysis of published literature on phenotypic plasticity in aquatic (marine and freshwater) gastropods, a common system for studying plasticity. We identified 96 studies, using pre-determined search terms, published between 1985 and November 2013. The literature was dominated by studies of predator-induced shell form, snail growth rates and life history parameters of a few model taxa, accounting for 67% of all studies reviewed. Meta-analyses indicated average plastic responses in shell thickness, shell shape, and growth and fecundity of freshwater species was at least three times larger than in marine species. Within marine gastropods, species with planktonic development had similar average plastic responses to species with benthic development. We discuss these findings in the context of the role of costs and limits of phenotypic plasticity and environmental heterogeneity as important constraints on the evolution of plasticity. We also consider potential publication biases and discuss areas for future research, indicating well-studied areas and important knowledge gaps.     

Manipulating carabid beetle abundance alters prey removal rates in corn fields

Generalist natural enemies such as carabid beetles have the potential to maintain a variety of pests below outbreak levels in annual crops. To assess the relationship between carabid beetle abundance and field rates of prey removal, we created plots surrounded by different boundaries that selectively affected dispersal of edaphic arthropods, primarily carabids. Three treatments were established: (1) naturally occurring communities, (2) augmented communities using ingress boundaries, and (3) reduced communities using egress boundaries. Selective boundaries altered carabid communities with minimal habitat alteration and without use of insecticides. Three times during the growing season, a fixed number of onion fly pupae were placed in plots to evaluate the impact of carabid abundance on predation rates. A combination of vertebrate and invertebrate exclosures allowed us to evaluate prey removal by invertebrates alone. In comparison to the no boundary treatment, carabids increased 54.2% and decreased 83.1% in plots surrounded by ingress and egress boundaries respectively. Predation rates were positively correlated with carabid abundance (r² = 0.70, p < 0.0001). Significantly more pupae were removed from exclosures allowing access to invertebrates alone than from total exclosures, suggesting that invertebrates represented an important group of predators. Laboratory trials tested the feeding potential of the four most abundant carabid species and showed that they readily consumed onion fly pupae, supporting our hypothesis that carabids were the main predators in field tests. This study corroborates and extends previous observations of the importance of carabid beetles as generalist predators of insect pests in agricultural fields.     

Population responses of plant-associated invertebrates to foraging by largemouth bass fry (Micropterus salmoides)

The effect of foraging by largemouth bass fry (Micropterus salmoides) upon invertebrates associated with aquatic macrophytes was determined using six 4 m² exclosures in Cochran Lake, Michigan during June 1978. The cladoceranSida crystallina rapidly declined in exclosures with fry, but increased in control exclosures without fry. Chironomids and chydorids showed little change in the exclosures.Invertebrate populations and foraging by fry were also monitored in the lake during 1976 and 1979.Sida declined rapidly in June of both years. In 1979, a decline from 2.2 × 10³ to 0.3 × 10³ individuals per m² and a sharp drop in the proportion of adults between 19 and 22 June coincided with the entry of a large school of fry into the study site on 19 June. Chironomids also declined during June of both years, while chydorids became increasingly abundant in mid-summer and showed no evidence of depletion by the fish.These results suggest that populations of certain prey, which are found locally in high densities in the littoral zone, may be highly susceptible to brief episodes of intense predation by fish fry.     

Factors affecting the structure of epiphytic gastropod communities in the St. Lawrence River (Quebec,Canada)

A study of epiphytic gastropods associated with two submerged macrophytes (Myriophyllum spicatum and Vallisneria americana) was conducted at a soft and at a hard water site in the St. Lawrence River during two non-consecutive years in order to compare effects of macrophyte species and biomass, site and year in gastropod community structure. There was no effect of macrophyte species on total gastropod abundance nor on gastropod diversity, and few gastropod species showed a marked preference for either macrophyte species. Inter-site and inter-annual variations in diversity, total gastropod abundance and gastropod community structure were greater than variations among macrophytes. However, analysis of variations of epiphytic gastropod communities in one of the two sites shows that abiotic factors are important in explaining epiphytic gastropod distribution. Our results and results of other studies on gastropod population dynamics in the St. Lawrence River indicate that intra- and interspecific competition between gastropods is important on macrophytes and that they must be carefully considered in order to understand epiphytic community structure and population dynamics.     

On body size and habitat selection in rotifers in a macrophye-dominated lake Budzyńskie,Poland

Lake Budzyńskie is shallow, freshwater lake with a well-developed and differentiated macrophytic vegetation. Zooplankton samples were collected from five stations: two of them in submerged macrophytes (Chara and Myriophyllum), one in the zone of floating leaves (Potamogeton), a rush station (Typha) and one in the open water surrounding the vegetation beds. The mean Rotifera densities differed significantly between the lake parts. Furthermore, different habitats were characterised by differences in body size with the exception of the middle body size group (Keratella cochlearis, Polyarthra vulgaris and Trichocerca similis), which was dominated by limnetic representatives. However, in all the other size-dependent groups both stands of submerged macrophytes were characterised by much higher densities than other zones. Additionally, body size within the examined habitats significantly differed. Thus, the size structure of Rotifera communities was directly related to morphological and spatial structures of the substrata. Two groups of habitats were distinguished: the first one consisting of open water and two vegetated zones of less complicated structure (Potamogeton and Typha), and the second of more complex submerged macrophyte species (Chara and Myriophyllum). The differentiation of the architecture of macrophytes affected the nutritional conditions and refuge effectiveness of these habitats.     

Effects of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) on macrophytes and invertebrate communities in a shallow lake

1. We performed two field experiments using different cage sizes to determine the direct and indirect effects of carp on macrophytes and invertebrate community composition in a shallow lake. 2. The presence of carp produced a significant decrease in macrophyte abundance, changes in species composition and decreased abundance and diversity of invertebrates in small (2.5 × 2.5 × 2.0 m) cages. In large exclosures (15 × 5 m), only macrophyte stem length was significantly affected by carp. 3. There was considerable variation in the macrophyte and invertebrate responses to carp on different sides of the lake in the large exclosures, suggesting that wind and wave action are also important variables affecting macrophyte growth and persistence. 4. The data suggest that carp can significantly affect species abundance and diversity of macrophytes and some macroinvertebrates.