Life history, aspects of reproductive biology and production of Corophium orientale (Crustacea: Amphipoda) in Monolimni lagoon (Evros Delta, North Aegean Sea)

Monthly samples of Corophium orientale were collected during February 1998–February 1999 in both parts of Monolimni lagoon (0.3 < Sal. < 6 psu, 2 < Temp. < 28.5 °C). Corophium orientaleshowed a semiannual life cycle. In the southern part, breeding occurred from early spring to mid autumn having three peaks, in early spring, early summer and early autumn, and three cohorts were produced, a spring cohort, a summer cohort and an overwintering one. In the shallower innermost northern part of Monolimni lagoon, breeding peaked in mid-spring and, also, in early autumn, and two discrete cohorts, a spring and an overwintering one, were produced. A lack of large individuals, attributed to a temporary size – selective predation by migrating shorebirds, was observed during summer. That lack possibly contributed to the hiatus in reproduction. Photoperiod seemed to be a more important cue than temperature in the initiation of the reproductive cycle, while extremely low salinities (<1 psu) did not deter breeding. Females attained maturity at a smaller size in late spring and, especially, in summer than in early spring at lower temperatures. Brood size was a function of females body size. Females, matured during summer at high temperatures, showed the lowest brood size, body length ratio. Mean brood size was small (12–13 early embryos) and embryo loss during development high (54%), possibly due to a negative effect of low salinities. A 1:1 sex ratio existed in the small body length classes, but females preponderated in the large ones. The spring cohort in the southern part, which developed at moderate temperatures, showed the highest growth rate (40 m day^–1). Secondary production of C. orientalecalculated by Hyness method gave a mean annual density of 4562.5 and 9327.6 ind. m^–2, a mean annual crop (B) of 1.03 and 2.67 g DW m^–2, an annual production (P) of 6.91 and 22.54 g DW m^–2 and a P/B ratio of 6.7 and 8.4 in the northern and southern part of the lagoon, respectively.     

Population Dynamics,Reproductive Biology and Productivity of Streblospio shrubsolii (Polychaeta: Spionidae) in Different Sediments at Low Salinities in a Mediterranean Lagoon (Monolimni Lagoon,Northern Aegean)

Monthly samples of Streblospio shrubsolii were collected from February 1998 to February 1999 at both parts of Monolimni Lagoon (0.3 psu < Sal. < 6 psu). Streblospio shrubsolii displayed a life cycle of about one year. Reproductive activity occurred from February to October. The worms showed a mean of 14 or 16 gametogenic segments. Reproductive activity, growth and density increased during spring despite the low salinities (∼0.3 psu). Streblospio shrubsolii showed faster growth, larger body size during autumn–winter, more reproductive peaks, a relatively higher mean annual density, mean anual biomass (B) and annual production (P) at the innermost part of the lagoon, in organically richer very fine sand, than those at the outer part in fine sand. Mean annual density was 1,320 individuals m^–2 at the outer part and 1,745 individuals m^–2 at the innermost. Production calculated by Hynes' s method gave a B of 0.20 g DW m^–2 y^–1 and P of 0.45 g DW m^–2 y^–1 at the outer part; the respective values at the innermost part were 0.29 g DW m^–2 y^–1 and 0.61 g DW m^–2 y^–1. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Life history,secondary production and population dynamics of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Gammarus fossarum</Emphasis> (Koch, 1836) in a constant temperature stream

Population of the freshwater amphipod Gammarus fossarum was investigated in a calcareous stream with almost constant temperature (7–8°C) in the Chočské Vrchy Mts (West Carpathians, Slovakia). Quantitative samples of G. fossarum taken during 2005 showed population densities varying from 100 m⁻² in August to 585 m⁻² in late November. The population was split into juveniles, mature males, mature females without eggs and females with eggs. The percentage of juveniles (40–64%) was always the highest of any of the categories. Ovigerous females occurred throughout the year. The mean sex ratio was 1: 2.4 (male: female), although its values varied considerably with the time of year. Breeding was continuous, although juvenile recruitment peaked in early spring, summer and early winter. Three discrete cohorts were distinguished from the size frequency distributions. The life span was 6–7 months and the individuals matured approximately in the half of life cycle. The mean fecundity was 9.6 embryos per brood. Variation in fecundity was mostly explained by size of the incubating females. The absolute growth of this species was best described by the Gompertz growth function. Relative growth rates (% body DM day⁻¹) fluctuated in a nonlinear manner with size and age. The highest values of daily growth (2–4% of dry mass per day) were noted approximately in the half of life cycle. Annual production, estimated by the size-frequency method, was 1618.9 g dry mass m⁻² and P/B ratio was 5.15.     

Production of Gammarus pulex L. (Amphipoda) in a small Danish stream

Quantitative samples of Gammarus pulex L. taken from a small Danish stream during 1975 showed mean annual population densities varying from 500 m^–2 in early May to 5 500 m^–2 in late September. The mean annual biomass was 1.5 g dry weight m^–2. No discrete cohorts could be distinguished from the size frequency distributions. Annual production, estimated by the size-frequency method, was 3.9 g dry weight M^-2 and P/B ratio was 2.6. The contribution to trout energetics may have been as much as 17%.     

Seasonal emission of monoterpenes by the Mediterranean tree Quercus ilex in field conditions: Relations with photosynthetic rates, temperature and volatility

The relationships of monoterpene emission with temperature, light, photosynthesis and stomatal conductance (g_s) were studied in Quercus ilex L. trees throughout the four annual seasons under field conditions. The highest monoterpene emission was measured in spring and summer (midday average of 11 μg [g DW]^?1 h^?1), whereas the lowest rates were found in autumn and winter (midday averages of 0.51 and 0.23 μg [g DW]^?1 h^?1, respectively). In spring and summer, limonene was the monoterpene emitted at highest rate (midday averages of 5.27–6.69 μg [g DW]^?1 h^?1), whereas α-pinene was emitted the most in autumn and winter (midday averages of 0.31 μg [g DW]^?1 h^?1). The monoterpenes limonene, α-pinene and β-pinene represented about 75–95% of total detected monoterpenes. The total monoterpene emission rates represented about 0.04% of carbon fixed in autumn, 0.17% in winter, 0.84–2.51% in spring and 1.22–5.13% in summer. Significant correlations of total monoterpene emission with temperature were found when considering either summer emission or the emission over the entire year, whereas significant correlations with net photosynthetic rates were only found when considering summer season. Among individual terpenes, the most volatile, α-pinene and β-pinene, were more correlated with temperature than with net photosynthetic rates whereas the less volatile limonene was more correlated with net photosynthetic rate. Thus, under field conditions it seems that dependency of monoterpene emission on photosynthetic rate or temperature is partly related with volatility of the compounds. Influences of seasonality, temperature, photosynthetic rates and volatility should be considered in inventories and models of emission rates in Mediterranean ecosystems.     

Breeding biology of Tenagomysis tasmaniae Fenton,Anisomysis mixta australis (Zimmer) and Paramesopodopsis rufa Fenton from south-eastern Tasmania (Crustacea: Mysidacea)

The number, size and developmental stage of young in the brood pouch of female Tenagomysis tasmaniae, Anisomysis mixta australis and Paramesopodopsis rufa was recorded throughout the year. Breeding was intensive from spring till the end of autumn for the three species. Calculation of the egg ratio for each species showed that their major reproductive peaks occurred during spring and summer. A winter depression in the breeding cycle was observed for T. tasmaniae and P. rufa, but A. mixta australis ceased breeding during winter. Seasonal variation in the length of gravid females and number of young carried was evident for these three species. Females were longer in spring and summer and carried more young than in autumn and winter. A linear relationship between female length and brood size was demonstrated for each species; annual and seasonal equations were calculated for females carrying each developmental stage. The seasonal equations showed that for a female of given length fecundity was greater during spring than any other season. Natality was estimated to be highest during late spring, summer and early autumn for the three species. No seasonal variation in the size of eggs was evident for the three species. The reproduction pattern of T. tasmaniae, A. mixta australis and P. rufa appears to be very similar to that reported for the majority of iteroparous coastal temperate mysids throughout the world.     

Abundance and life history ofNeomysis intermedia Czerniawsky in Lake Kasumigaura

Weekly observations ofNeomysis intermedia in Lake Kasumigaura showed two major peaks in abundance during spring and autumn (more than 10⁴ individuals m^–2) and minimum levels in summer and winter (less than 10³ individuals m^–2). Their increase in abundance followed a high egg ratio, suggesting that the increase in abundance was caused by a high reproductive rate. Major contributors to mysid population decreases include fish predation and commercial fisheries, and possible horizontal migration of the mysids. N. intermedia showed two types of life history in the lake. One type (overwintering generation) has a life span of about 6–7 months and produces about 27 eggs per brood. Another, appearing from spring to autumn, matures in 3–6 weeks at a smaller size, and produces 12 eggs per brood. The reproductive season ofN. intermedia was continuous from March through November.     

Life History of a Population of Protonemura intricata (Ris, 1902) (Insecta,Plecoptera) in a Constant Temperature Stream in Central Europe

The nymphal biology (life cycle, secondary production and feeding) of a population of Protonemura intricata was studied in a calcareous stream with almost constant temperature (7–8 °C) through the year at Prosiek valley (Chočské Vrchy Mts., West Carpathians, Slovakia). The results were compared with those previously known for this species in other areas. According to our data, the species has a complicated life cycle consisting of two cohorts with different duration (probably a cohort splitting). This life cycle seems to be uncommon among the Plecoptera, which usually has simple univoltine or semivoltine life cycles, and could be probably attributed to the constant temperature regime similar to that of tropical environments. One factor, the photoperiod length, was positively correlated with monthly growth rates. The nymphal growth varied throughout the year, but the highest growth was in late spring and summer, and the lowest was in winter. The annual secondary production was very high (909.4 mg · m^–2) despite not being the most frequent taxon in the stream. The highest monthly production values were observed in the autumnal‐winter period (November–December) due to massive hatching of nymphs. The lowest production values were observed in late summer and early autumn. Analyses of gut contents showed that this species behaves mainly as gatherer‐collector, but also as shredder and, occasionally, as scraper. Changes in the gut content composition were detected in relation to the size. Comparing our results with those of the literature, it can be inferred that different populations of P. intricata can show notable differences in their life history when inhabiting places with different thermal conditions. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Life cycle,population dynamics,growth and production of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Abra segmentum</Emphasis> (Mollusca,Bivalvia) at low salinities in a Mediterranean lagoon

Aspects of the biology of Abra segmentum were investigated at low salinities in a Mediterranean coastal lagoon (Monolimni Lagoon, Northern Aegean Sea). Monthly samples were collected during the period from February 1998 to January 1999. Recruitment occurred from mid-spring to early autumn (0.3–5.7 psu) and recruits grew during summer and autumn (1.2–5.7 psu), while a major part vanished during next autumn, displaying a maximum life span of about 20 months. A positive correlation was found between the percentage of individuals having a shell length of ≤3.5 mm and temperature; age group 0 showed a growth rate of 0.97 mm per month, and the largest individual collected had a 19.76 mm shell length. The population density sharply increased during late spring (0.3–1.2 psu); this increase was followed by a decline during summer and, afterwards, a gradual increase up to late autumn. Secondary production calculated by the size–frequency method gave a mean annual density (n) of 3,357 individuals m⁻², a mean annual biomass (B) of 21.98 g DW m⁻², an annual production (P) of 73.72 g DW m⁻² and a P:B ratio of 3.35. A comparison of the present data with available data of A. segmentum populations from higher salinity habitats revealed that this bivalve in the study area showed a life history pattern similar to that of other populations of the species and a comparatively high growth rate, maximum body size, n, B, P and P:B ratio. Our findings suggest that the studied aspects of A. segmentum biology could not be markedly affected by low salinities.     

Growth, production and mortality of two species of Agapetus (Trichoptera: Glossosomatidae) in the Acheron River, south-east Australia

1. Quantitative samples of Agapetus pontona and Agapetus monticolus larvae were taken at two sites on each of three rivers in the catchment of the Acheron River (i.e. Little River, Steavenson River and Acheron River). Both species were univoltine with A. pontona having a 5–6-month life cycle (spring to late summer) and A. monticolus a 10-month life cycle (autumn to early summer). 2. Population densities, biomass (B), growth rates and mortality patterns derived from these field data were used to calculate secondary production (P) and turnover (P/B). At each site, these features were measured for the whole of the A. pontona life cycle, but only for the last 3 months of the A. monticolus life cycle. 3. Growth rates were highest at the sites on the Little River during summer for both species: 1.8–1.9% dry weight day^?1 for A. pontona and 2.0–2.2% dry weight day^?1 for A. monticolus. Turnover ratios (P/B) were also highest at the Little River sites: 3.2–6.3 for A. pontona and 1.6–1.9 for A. monticolus. Production was variable and was not significantly different among rivers for A. pontona (28.4–222.1 mg m^?2 per 6 months) but was for A. monticolus (70.5–123.8 mg m^?2 per 3 months for the Little River compared with 14.8–23.3 mg m^?2 at the other sites). 4. Two of the rivers were subject to higher levels of rock movement during summer than the third (Little River). It was suggested that the higher growth rates (and turnover ratios) in the Little River were caused by the lower levels of rock movement causing less disruption to the feeding of the larvae. 5. Little or no larval mortality of A. pontona was observed at any site. However, mortality occurred between instar 5 and the pupal stage. This varied in a density dependent fashion, suggesting population regulation occurred: the higher the larval density the greater the mortality suffered by the pupae. No such density dependent pattern occurred for the mortality between instar 5 and the pupal stage of A. monticolus. 6. The population of A. pontona was not food limited and larval densities were low. Competition appeared to occur for pupation sites. Low and relatively constant discharges during the late summer when A. pontona pupated appeared to provide more predictable conditions than those experienced by A. monticolus in the spring when discharge was very variable resulting in the stranding (and thus death) of pupae above the water line. Such unpredictable conditions would not foster density dependent population regulation via pupal mortality.     

Population dynamics and production of Daphnia hyalina and Bosmina longirostris in a shallow, eutrophic reservoir

SUMMARY. 1. The population densities, dynamics and production of Daphnia hyalina and Bosmina longirostris were studied over a 2-year period in a shallow eutrophic reservoir in eastern England. The diet of the two species was assessed and their ecology was compared in relation to environmental factors. 2. Daphnia hyalina was characterized by small overall body size, probably due to heavy size-selective predation by fish. The first generation produced from the overwintering population appeared in April and Depopulation peaked in late spring and early summer. Adult survival was poor. Peak egg production varied between years, while mean brood size fell in summer probably due to food limitation during the cyanobacterial bloom. At this time selection for individual algal species was high and many guts were empty. Reproductive ratios were inversely related to population density. Bosmina longirostris exhibited a similar annual cycle. 3. Patterns of production were very different in the 2 years in D. hyalina. In 1981 production was high from August to early October, but in 1982 the peak was in spring. Annual production was 32.4 g C m^?2 in 1981 and 13.3 g C m^?2 in 1982. In 1981 B. longirostris production peaked in spring and late summer; in 1982 there was a high production in summer only. Annual production was 3.2 g C m^?2 in 1981 and 2.2 g Cm^?2 in 1982. 4. The number of adult D. hyalina was highly correlated with water temperature and total phytoplankton biomass, but these were negatively correlated with the number of eggs, mean brood size and instantaneous birth rate. In contrast, clutch size of B. longirostris was positively correlated with water temperature while birth rate was positively correlated with both temperature and phytoplankton biomass. The biomass of both species was positively related to total phytoplankton biomass, but neither relationship explained much of the variation in zooplankton biomass. 5. The significance of the observations on plankton in terms of managing the water quality in eutrophic reservoirs is discussed.     

ASPECTS OF LIFE CYCLE, POPULATION DYNAMICS, GROWTH AND SECONDARY PRODUCTION OF THE PULMONATE SNAIL CEPAEA VINDOBONENSIS (FERUSSAC, 1821) IN NORTHERN GREECE

The life cycle, population dynamics, growth and secondary productionof the land snail C. vindobonensis were studied in northernGreece. Demographic analysis of the populations of C. vindobonensisrevealed that a) three cohorts were present in the field throughoutthe year, b) the reproductive period started in late April-Mayand the newly hatched snails appeared in the beginning of June,and c) increased growth rates were observed during spring andearly summer, but also during autumn for the newly hatched snails. According to von Bertalanffy's method C. vindobonensis needs7 years to attain its maximum size measured in the field. Mortalityrate is very high during the first year of life, while lifeexpectancy is higher during the second year of life and decreasesafterwards. Net reproductive rate (R_o) was equal to 3.1 andthe finite capacity for increase (antilog_er_c) was equal to 1. Estimated annual secondary production with Hynes' frequencymethod revealed a mean standing crop (B) of 0.99 g/m²/year anda production (P) of 1.3 ± 0.11 g/m²/year. Annual turnoverratio (P/B) was equal to 1.31. (Received 7 April 1997; accepted 2 October 1997)     

SEASONAL CHANGE IN THE DISTRIBUTION OF CELL SIZE OF COCCONEIS SCUTELLUM VAR. ORNATA (BACILLARIOPHYCEAE) IN RELATION TO GROWTH AND SEXUAL REPRODUCTION1

Growth and sexual reproduction of the marine littoral diatom Cocconeis scutellum Ehrenb. var. ornata Grun. were investigated at 30 different combinations of temperature (5, 10, 14, 18, 22° C), irradiance (20, 60, 100 μE·m^?2·s^?1) and daylength (14:10 and 10:14 h LD cycle). Growth occurred at all combinations. The optimal growth was observed at 14–18° C, long daylength and highest-to-moderate irradiance, and at 18° C, short daylength and highest irradiance. Sexual reproduction on the other hand occurred between 5 and 18° C, and the optimal condition was 10–14° C and short daylength. Annual cyclic, and sesonal changes in the distribution of cell size (valve length) were observed in a field population. These changes were characterized by an annual minimum in mean cell size in autumn, an annual maximum in winter, a slight decrease from the mean in spring–middle summer, a rapid decrease from the mean in late summer–early autumn, and appearance of bimodal distribution of cell size in winter. These changes were caused by sexual reproduction in autumn, rapid growth in late summer–early autumn and slow growth in other seasons, and poor viability of small cells near the lower end of the size range.     

Population dynamics of the cattle tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus in a subtropical subhumid region of Argentina for use in the design of control strategies

The population dynamics of Rhipicephalus microplus (Ixodida: Ixodidae) in northwest Argentina was analysed to support the design of strategic methods for its control. Both parasitic and non‐parasitic phases were studied. The seasonal activity of R. microplus in its parasitic phase was characterized by three peaks in abundance: the first in mid–late spring; the second in summer, and the third in autumn. The non‐parasitic phase of R. microplus was characterized by a long total non‐parasitic period observed after exposures of females from mid‐summer to early autumn, a short total non‐parasitic period observed after exposures of females from late winter to late spring, a short period of larval longevity in early and mid‐summer, and no hatch of the eggs produced by females exposed in mid‐ and late autumn and winter. Treatments of cattle administered during the period from late winter to late spring will act on small cohorts of R. microplus, preventing the emergence of larger generations in summer and autumn. A 17‐week spelling period starting in late spring and early summer will be necessary to achieve optimal control of R. microplus free‐living larvae. If spelling begins in mid‐ or late summer or in autumn, the required period will be 26–27 weeks.     

Dynamics of Chlorophyll <Emphasis Type="Italic">a</Emphasis> Content in the Ob River and its Relationship with Abiotic Factors

Seasonal and interannual dynamics of phytoplankton content (chlorophyll a), organic matter, and nutrients, as well as water temperature and water transparency, have been analyzed for the weekly observations performed in the Ob River from February to November, 2012–2015. The period of intensive phytoplankton growth (>10 mg/m³ Chl. a) lasts 70–90 days at a long spring flood in average and high-water years; in the absence of flooding during a dry year it exceeds 110 days. Seasonal phytoplankton dynamics is characterized by two summer maxima in July–August and in September (Chl. a content ~25 mg/m³); during a dry year, there is also a peak in June (up to 37.3 mg/m³). Seasonal dynamics of Chl. a in summer–autumn low water is closely related to the water temperature; in high water and autumn low water it is closely related to water transparency; in summer it is closely related to BOD5; and, in the summer–autumn period, it is closely related with nitrate content. According to the annual average (5.7–11.1 mg/m³) and maximum (19.2–35.0 mg/m³) concentrations of chlorophyll a, the trophic status of the river corresponds to mesotrophic–eutrophic water and the water quality corresponds to the second class, i.e., “clean water.”     

SPECIES COMPOSITION,BIOMASS, AND NUTRIENT CONTENT OF PERIPHYTON IN THE FLORIDA EVERGLADES1

Periphyton biomass, nutrient dynamics in the biomass, and species composition were studied in two Florida Everglades sloughs from August 1991 to August 1992. Periphyton biomass on macrophytes was strongly season-dependent. Maximum biomasses, 1180, 161, and 59 g dry mass.m^?2 on Eleocharis vivipara, E. cellulosa, and Nymphaea odorata, respectively, occurred in summer and early autumn; winter and spring periphyton biomass was very low (practically not measurable). Periphyton was dominated by blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) during the summer and autumn; diatoms dominated during the winter and spring. Green algae occurred mostly during the summer and autumn, but their growth was sparse and did not contribute significantly to periphyton biomass. Nitrogen-to-phosphorus ratios in the periphyton were very high (59–121:1), suggesting phosphorus limitation of periphyton growth. The periphyton contained large concentrations of calcium (up to 22.3% on dry mass basis) especially in late summer and autumn.     

Zooplankton abundance and composition in the hypertrophic Rietvlei Dam,South Africa,negate prospects for its remedial ‘top-down’ biomanipulation

Crustacean zooplankton abundance and composition were determined at one offshore and three nearshore sites in the hypertrophic Rietvlei Dam on 19 dates between July 2009 and December 2011. Total biomass fluctuated seasonally, generally declining from spring to winter through the annual cycle, but also appeared to decline progressively through the study. On overall average, total biomass was high (0.51 mg l^–1 or 2.39 g m^–2 DW), with Daphnia accounting for ～40%. Total volumetric biomass was invariably higher in shallow nearshore than offshore locations (average time-paired ratio = 8.1), with comparably large-bodied Daphnia (geometric mean ～1.2 mm, largest individuals ～1.75 mm) in both habitats, contra-indicating substantive opportunistic zooplanktivory by juvenile fish. Zooplankton was dominated numerically (ind. l^–1, overall average values) by cyclopoid copepods, mostly Thermocyclops (47.1 nauplii and 86.5 copepodites), plausibly favoured by their selective raptorial feeding mode. Cladoceran densities were lower — Daphnia (25.0), Bosmina (7.1), Ceriodaphnia (2.9) and sporadically occurring Moina and Chydorus (<0.5). Seasonal replacement of Daphnia by small-bodied cladocerans during late summer and into autumn was evident in near-monthly samples between July 2009 and June 2010. The findings reflect negligible zooplanktivory in Rietvlei, ruling out top-down biomanipulation prospects for its remedial management.     

Life cycle and production of Skwala parallela (Frison) (Plecoptera: Perlodidae) in a Colorado montane stream

The life cycle and production of Skwala parallela, a perlodid stonefly, was investigated in a third-order Colorado montane stream. The species exhibited a univoltine life cycle with a distinct cohort. Small nymphs appeared in May. Rapid growth was exhibited throughout summer and autumn. During winter, growth slowed somewhat but was continuous until April. Maximum density of 34 nymphs/m² occurred in July. Based upon the instantaneous growth method, annual production was 395.3 mg/m² or 3.95 kg/ha dry weight with a P/B ratio of 4.4     

Life history and production of the predatory caddisfly Rhyacophila vao Milne in a spring-fed stream

1. The predatory caddisfly Rhyacophila vao Milne (Rhyacophilidae) displayed a 2-year, semivoltine life cycle in a small, spring-fed stream in southern Alberta, Canada. Three overlapping cohorts were identified throughout the 2-year sampling program, with five larval instars recognized. Larvae overwintered in instars I —ELI, developed to instar IV by summer and instar V by autumn. The second winter was spent in instar V, Pupation occurred from late May to August and did not commence until stream temperature exceeded 3°C. Adults were collected from mid-June to early September. 2. Larvae displayed a diphasic growth pattern: Phase I, a positive, non-linear growth rate for instars I-IV; Phase II, a constant growth rate during instar V. Phase I coincided with increasing stream temperatures in late winter and spring, where mean instantaneous growth rates (maximum of 2.78% dry wt day^?1) were significantly correlated with stream temperatures. Although the duration of Phase II spanned a temperature range similar to that in Phase I, the instantaneous growth rate remained temperature-independent at 0.87% dry wt day^?1. 3. Larvae exhibited a type III survivorship curve (i.e. an exponential decrease on an arithmetic scale), with the finite rate of mortality averaging 0.80% larvae day^?1. 4. Cohort 1 (later part of 1983 year class) displayed lower total production compared with the equivalent growth phase in the 1984 year class (Cohort 2). In contrast, production of the non-linear and linear growth phases of Cohort 2 was similar. Periods of similar growth characteristics for Cohorts 1 and 2 had comparable P/B ratios for both the unadjusted and time-adjusted annual estimates, although higher ratios were observed for the non-linear growth phase of Cohort 2. Total cohort production (linear + non-linear growth phases) could only be calculated for Cohort 2, and was 870.2 ± 1011.4 mg dry wt m^?2. The corresponding cohort P/B ratio was 5.01 and the adjusted annual P/B, 3.01. 5. Annual larval production (±SE) for the first and second years of the study was similar (Year 1, 480.0 ± 387.5mg dry wt m^?2; Year 2, 526.9 ± 967.5mg dry wt m^?2) as were unadjusted and annual P/B ratios.     

Seasonal controls on interannual variability in carbon dioxide exchange of a near-end-of rotation Douglas-fir stand in the Pacific Northwest, 1997–2006

This study analyzes 9 years of eddy‐covariance (EC) data carried out in a Pacific Northwest Douglas‐fir (Pseudotsuga menzesii) forest (58‐year old in 2007) on the east coast of Vancouver Island, Canada, and characterizes the seasonal and interannual variability in net ecosystem productivity (NEP), gross primary productivity (GPP), and ecosystem respiration (R_e) and primary climatic controls on these fluxes. The annual values (± SD) of NEP, GPP and R_e were 357 ± 51, 2124 ± 125, and 1767 ± 146 g C m^?2 yr^?1, respectively, with ranges of 267–410, 1592–2338, and 1642–2071 g C m^?2 yr^?1, respectively. Spring to early summer (March–June) accounted for more than 80% of annual NEP while late spring to early autumn (May–August) was mainly responsible for its interannual variability (～80%). The major drivers of interannual variability in annual carbon (C) fluxes were annual and spring mean air temperatures (T_a) and water deficiency during late summer and autumn (July–October) when this Douglas‐fir forest growth was often water‐limited. Photosynthetically active radiation (Q), and the combination of Q and soil water content (θ) explained 85% and 91% of the variance of monthly GPP, respectively; and 91% and 96% of the variance of monthly R_e was explained by T_a and the combination of T_a and θ, respectively. Annual net C sequestration was high during optimally warm and normal precipitation years, but low in unusually warm or severely dry years. Excluding 1998 and 1999, the 2 years strongly affected by an El Niño/La Niña cycle, annual NEP significantly decreased with increasing annual mean T_a. Annual NEP will likely decrease whereas both annual GPP and R_e will likely increase if the future climate at the site follows a trend similar to that of the past 40 years.