The Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Epipelic Algae in a Shallow Eutrophic Prairie-parkland Lake,Alberta, Canada

Investigations were conducted upon the epipelic algal community of a shallow eutrophic lake in central Alberta, Canada. The lake was Hastings Lake (longitudes 112° 50′ and 113° 00′ W; latitudes 53° 15′ and 53° 50′ N). The epipelic algae displayed both spatial and temporal distributions for species composition, standing crop as well as productivity. In situ cross incubation experiments showed the potential photosynthetic viability of epipelic algae living below the 1% irradiance level.     

Primary production of aquatic macrophytes and their epiphytes in two shallow lakes (Peipsi and Võrtsjärv) in Estonia

In shallow lakes with large littoral zones, epiphytes and submerged macrophytes can make an important contribution to the total annual primary production. We investigated the primary production (PP) of phytoplankton, submerged macrophytes, and their epiphytes, from June to August 2005, in two large shallow lakes. The production of pelagic and littoral phytoplankton and of the dominant submerged macrophytes in the littoral zone (Potamogeton perfoliatus in Lake Peipsi and P. perfoliatus and Myriopyllum spicatum in Lake Võrtsjärv) and of their epiphytes was measured using a modified ¹⁴C method. The total PP of the submerged macrophyte area was similar in both lakes: 12.4 g C m^?2 day^?1 in Peipsi and 12.0 g C m^?2 day^?1 in Võrtsjärv. In Peipsi, 84.2% of this production was accounted for by macrophytes, while the shares of phytoplankton and epiphytes were low (15.6 and 0.16%, respectively). In Võrtsjärv, macrophytes contributed 58%, phytoplankton 41.9% and epiphytes 0.1% of the PP in the submerged macrophyte area. Epiphyte production in both lakes was very low in comparison with that of phytoplankton and macrophytes: 0.01, 5.04, and 6.97 g C m^?2 day^?1, respectively, in Võrtsjärv, and 0.02, 1.93, and 10.5 g C m^?2 day^?1, respectively, in Peipsi. The PP of the littoral area contributed 10% of the total summer PP of Lake Peipsi sensu stricto and 35.5% of the total summer PP of Lake Võrtsjärv.     

Relationships between vegetation and climate on the Loess Plateau in China

The Loess Plateau is one of the most environmentally sensitive regions in China. This study addresses the relationships between vegetation and climate of this area quantitatively at a large-scale, in order to determine the factors that control vegetation distribution. The Loess Plateau, located at 101°01′–155°10′ E and 34°02′–40°40′ N, covers an area of 52 million hectares. Vegetation data were collected from the vegetation map (1:500,000) and the Landsat Thematic Mapper scenes of the Loess Plateau. The Loess Plateau was divided into small districts of 30′ latitude by 30′ longitude on the vegetation map. In each district, areas with different vegetation were measured and used as vegetation data. The climatic data were average values of county meteorological records in each district in the past 25 years. GIS, TWINSPAN and canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) were employed for analysis. 257 small districts were clustered into 7 groups using TWINSPAN, representing 7 vegetation regions or subregions. The first three CCA axes had significant correlations with climate. The first CCA axis represented the variation of vegetation and climate along the latitude gradient, while the second CCA axis the variation along the longitude gradient. The distribution pattern of 171 vegetation formations on the CCA plot is identical to that of vegetation regions (districts). The spatial distribution of vegetation is closely related to climate variables on the Loess Plateau. Water variables and temperature are important in both latitude and longitude gradients, while the sunshine hours, accumulated temperature and wind speed are more important than water variables and temperature in longitude gradients.     

Contribution of different groups of autotrophs to the primary production of the mountain Lake Oiskoe

Productivity characteristics of phytoplankton, phytoperiphyton, and five species of macrophytes in the mountain oligotrophic Lake Oiskoe (Ergaky Mountain Range, West Sayan) have been studied. High primary productivity has been noted for phytoperiphyton and macrophyte communities. Photosynthetic parameters of the macrophyte leaves have been compared using a PAM fluorimeter.     

小瓣金花茶生物学特性观察

小瓣金花茶是８０年代发现的新种,原产广西热带季风气候区,引种至２５°１１′Ｎ、１１０°１２′Ｅ的桂林雁山已１０ａ,生长发育正常。本文对小瓣金花茶的物候期、植株生长、开花结实特性及适应性等作了报道     

The annual patterns of photosynthesis in two large, freshwater, ultra-oligotrophic Antarctic lakes

The phytoplankton productivity and biomass of two large, freshwater Antarctic lakes (Vestfold Hills, eastern Antarctica) were investigated over a 12-month period. Crooked Lake was sampled at one site, while Lake Druzhby, a complex lake with two shallow and one deep basin, was subject to a more detailed investigation. Concentrations of chlorophyll a were usually below 1 µg l^-1, indicating ultra-oligotrophic conditions. Despite periodic low nutrient levels, low temperatures (range 0.4-2.8°C) and periodic poor light climate, some degree of photosynthesis was measurable throughout the year, including the dark winter phase. Snow cover had a pronounced impact on the light climate of the water column and inhibited photosynthesis. Mean rates of carbon fixation in the 0- to 15-m water column varied between 0 and 38.47 µg C l^-1 day^-1 in Crooked Lake and 0.24 and 37.68 µg C l^-1 day^-1 in Lake Druzhby. There were significant differences in the seasonal patterns of primary production between the basins of Lake Druzhby. The shallow basins had highest productivity in August, whereas the deep basin had highest rates in summer. Chlorophyll specific rates of photosynthesis or assimilation numbers [µg C (chl. a)^-1 h^-1] varied between 0.05 and 44.9, and photosynthetic efficiency [µg C (chl. a)^-1 h^-1 µmol m^-2 s^-1] between 0.02 and 5.19. The data suggest that the phytoplankton of these lakes is adapted to low irradiance levels, low temperatures and nutrient limitation.     

Plant community dynamics in a chain of lakes: principal factors in the decline of rooted macrophytes with eutrophication

Shoe Lake and East Graham Lake, part of a small chain of lakes in southeastern Michigan, USA, differ in nutrient loading and in the structure and productivity of their aquatic plant communities. A comparative study of species frequency and biomass distributions, nutrient contents, and responses to experimental nutrient enrichment and shading, was conducted to determine the principal factors controlling the macrophyte dynamics. A central objective was to address the question of why rooted macrophyte growth declines with eutrophication, and to test existing models designed to explain this phenomenon. In the more eutrophic Shoe Lake, diversity and productivity of rooted macrophytes were relatively low, restricted primarily by combined shading of phytoplankton, periphyton, and non-rooted macrophytes (principally Ceratophyllum demersum, along with Utricularia vulgaris and Cladophora fracta). In the less eutrophic East Graham Lake, lower nitrogen availability restricted the growth of all of these shading components, resulting in clearer water and higher productivity and diversity of rooted macrophytes. The macrophytes did not allelopathically suppress the phytoplankton in East Graham Lake. The results supported a direct relationship between nutrient loading, increasing growth of phytoplankton, periphyton and non-rooted macrophytes, and decline of rooted macrophytes.     

Productivity of high-latitude lakes: climate effect inferred from altitude gradient

Climate change is predicted to be dramatic at high latitudes. Still, climate impact on high latitude lake ecosystems is poorly understood. We studied 15 subarctic lakes located in a climate gradient comprising an air temperature difference of about 6°C. We show that lake water productivity varied by one order of magnitude along the temperature gradient. This variation was mainly caused by variations in the length of the ice‐free period and, more importantly, in the supply of organic carbon and inorganic nutrients, which followed differences in terrestrial vegetation cover along the gradient. The results imply that warming will have rapid effects on the productivity of high latitude lakes, by prolongation of ice‐free periods. However, a more pronounced consequence will be a delayed stimulation of the productivity following upon changes of the lakes terrestrial surroundings and subsequent increasing input of elements that stimulate the production of lake biota.     

Swamps,springs and diatoms: wetlands of the semi-arid Bogoria-Baringo Rift,Kenya

Lakes Bogoria and Baringo lie in a semi-arid part of the Kenya Rift Valley between 0° 15′–0° 30'N and 36° 02′–36° 05′E. Nevertheless, the area around these lakes contains numerous wetland systems that have been formed: along lake shorelines; along faults where hot, warm and cold springs have developed; and along river systems that cross the rift floor. Six major types of wetland are recognized: Proximal Hot Springs; Hot Spring Marshes; Blister Wetlands; Typha and Cyperus papyrus Swamps; Floodplain Marshes; Hypersaline Lake Littoral Wetlands; and Freshwater Lake Littoral Wetlands. These show significant variability in terms of geomorphic setting, water chemistry, temperature, plant communities and diatom floras. They are variously dominated by macrophytes, such as Cyperus laevigatus, Typha domingensis and Cyperus papyrus. In some cases macrophytes are absent. In hot spring settings and in hypersaline lake littoral zones bacterial mats are common. Although absent in some samples, diatoms occur in at least parts of all of the wetlands, varying in diversity, abundance and species composition. Canonical correspondence analysis indicates that diatom floras show a close relationship with pH, temperature, and specific conductivity, with other environmental variables such as Si and nitrate being of secondary importance. Common diatoms include: Anomoeoneis sphaerophora var. guntheri, Navicula tenella, N. cuspidata, and Nitzschia invisitata in hot springs, where diversity is generally low and abundance is variable. Other wetland types contain distinctive diatom floras that variously include: Fragilaria brevistriata, Gomphonema parvulum, Navicula tenelloides, Nitzschia communis, N. latens, N. sigma, Rhopalodia gibberula, and Stauroneis anceps.     

Recreational boats as a vector of secondary spread for aquatic invasive species and native crustacean zooplankton

Recreational boats in tow between lakes are a known vector of the spread of aquatic invading species (AIS), but we have no test of the hypothesis that recreational boats are also a vector of secondary spread of AIS among freshwater ecosystems via in-water transport i.e., while boating between interconnected waterways. In this study, we surveyed recreational boaters travelling into Lake Simcoe (44°25′N, 79°20′W), Ontario, Canada, on their recreational activities, boat maintenance, and travel destinations, measured the degree of vessel fouling, and sampled all standing water and attached macrophytes associated with their vessels. A total of 321 zooplankton individuals comprising 15 different species were collected from the standing water in vessels, including veligers of the invasive zebra mussel Dreissena. The volume of water collected within the vessels significantly increased the number of zooplankton transported. Zooplankton species from pelagic habitats or with planktonic life stages were collected more frequently than species that occupy littoral or benthic habitats, likely reflecting the recreational activities of boaters. Patterns of boater activities, movements and hygiene habits, suggest recreational boating in the Lake Simcoe region is contributing to the spread of native and invasive species into nearby waterways. Our study validates the widespread assumption that recreational boats are an important in-water vector for the secondary spread of both native and invasive zooplankton species. Future management strategies to reduce the spread of AIS should be aimed at increasing awareness of boater hygiene practices, particularly the frequent draining of standing water.     

Subterranean rodents of the genus Ctenomys (Caviomorpha, Ctenomyidae) follow the converse to Bergmann's rule

Aim We analysed body‐size variation in relation to latitude, longitude, elevation and environmental variables in Ctenomys (tuco‐tucos), subterranean rodents in the Ctenomyidae (Caviomorpha). We tested the existence of inter‐ and intraspecific size clines to determine if these rodents follow Bergmann's rule, to compare intra‐ and interspecific size trends and to assess the relevance of the subterranean lifestyle on these trends. Location South America, south of 15° latitude. Methods This paper is based on 719 specimens of tuco‐tucos from 133 localities of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay, representing 47 named species and 32 undescribed forms. Intraspecific analyses were performed for Ctenomys talarum Thomas, 1898 and the Ctenomys perrensi Thomas, 1896 species complex. Head and body length and weight were used for estimating body size. Geographical independent variables included latitude, longitude and altitude. Environmental independent variables were mean minimal and maximal monthly temperature, mean annual temperature, mean minimal and maximal precipitation, and total annual precipitation. To estimate seasonality, the annual variability of the climatic factors was calculated as their coefficients of variation and the difference between maximum and minimum values. Mean annual actual evapotranspiration (AET), and mean annual, January (summer) and July (winter) potential evapotranspiration (PET) values were also calculated for each locality, as well as annual, summer and winter water balance (WB). Statistical analyses consisted of simple and multiple regression and nonparametric correlation. Results Body size of Ctenomys decreases interspecifically from 15°00′ S to 48°15′ S and from 56°33′ W to 71°46′ W, and is positively correlated with ambient temperature and precipitation. The best predictors of body size according to multiple regression analyses were mean annual temperature, the difference between mean maximum and minimum annual temperatures, annual PET, the difference between summer and winter PET, and annual and winter water balance. These patterns are repeated, but not identically, at a smaller geographical scale within the species C. talarum and the superspecies C. perrensi. Main conclusions Tuco‐tucos follow the converse to Bergmann's rule at the interspecific level. At the intraspecific level some parallel trends were observed, but the smaller scale of these analyses, involving a very reduced variation of environmental factors, necessitates caution in interpreting results. The subterranean lifestyle probably insulates these rodents from the external temperature. The observed latitudinal body‐size gradients are more probably related to seasonality, ambient energy, primary productivity and/or intensity of predation.     

西太湖水生植物时空变化

水生植物在浅水湖泊生态系统中具有十分重要的作用。根据中国科学院太湖湖泊生态系统研究站1989年以来的常规监测资料,将西太湖（除东太湖以外的湖区）划分为9个区,采用点截法（point intercept method）,于2002～2005年对各区水生植物的种类、生物量和空间分布情况进行了6次调查。结果表明：西太湖现有水生植物16种,分属于11科12属;水生植物总面积约10220hm^2,其中沉水植物分布面积约占64．58％;挺水植物约占0．29％;漂浮植物约占38．16％。各个种之间生物量差异显著,马来眼子菜、荇菜、芦苇的生物量在所有水生植物中居前3位。多样性分析表明,水生植物种类4a来未发生明显变化,但种类和生物量季节性差异较大。水生植物呈环状分布在距湖岸5km以内的水域和部分岛屿周围,东岸和南岸为水生植物的主要集中分布区域,分布区连续性好,且水草种类齐全。挺水植物种类单一,仅有芦苇（Phragmites communis）一种,分布区域多限于水深小于1．6m的湖岸;沉水植物共有8种,为水生植物的主要组成部分,马来眼子菜（Potamogeton malaianus）的分布频度最高,在西山岛周围水域逐年扩张,成为该区域的先锋种;漂浮植物3种,主要以荇菜（Nymphoides peltata）为主,在七都水域有逐渐扩张的趋势。马来眼子菜、芦苇、荇菜表现出对水环境较强的适应能力,目前为西太湖的3个优势种。20世纪50年代以来,西太湖水生植物种类减少了50种,其中水质下降是导致水生植物种类不断减少甚至消失的一个重要原因。围网养殖和不合理的捕捞方式也对局部水域的植物造成极大的破坏。水生植物生存环境日益严峻,种群单一化趋势日益明显。     

Plankton secondary productivity and biomass: Their relation to lake trophic state

The biomass and production of the most important zooplankton species were followed for two years in three lakes of varying trophic status in the Lake Washington watershed. Cladocerans and copepods were of equal importance in the biomass of lakes Findley and Chester Morse (both oligotrophic), whereas, copepods were the main biomass component in Lake Sammamish (mesotrophic). Cladocerans dominated production in lakes Sammamish and Chester Morse, while in Findley Lake their productive role, like that of biomass, was equal to that of the copepods. Rotifers contributed a relatively small biomass and production.Data from this study supported Hillbricht-Ilkowska's postulate that the energy transfer efficiency between the primary and secondary trophic levels decreases with increasing trophic state. Energy transfer efficiencies for the lakes of this study expressed as a two year mean of the ratio-secondary: primary production, were as follows: Findley Lake-0.13; Chester Morse Lake-0.08; and Lake Sammanish-0.04.On the other hand, the hypothesis of Patalas that the secondary productivity: biomass ratio (P/B) tended to increase in proportion to the productivity of a lake, could not be supported. Lake Sammamish, the most productive of the lakes studied, had a P/B ratio of 0.03 while lakes Findley and Chester Morse had P/B ratios of 0.04.     

Bacterial community structure in a latitudinal gradient of lakes: the roles of spatial versus environmental factors

1. We analysed the latitudinal variation of bacterioplankton in 45 freshwater environments (lakes, shallow lakes and ponds) across a transect of more than 2100 km stretching from Argentinean Patagonia (45°S) to Maritime Antarctica (63°S), to determine the factors that mainly determine bacterioplankton community structure. 2. Bacterioplankton community composition (BCC) was assessed by a fingerprinting method (denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis) followed by band sequencing, whereas the abundances of total bacteria and picocyanobacteria were estimated by epifluorescence microscopy. 3. Bacterioplankton community composition was controlled by a combination of spatial (latitude and longitude) and environmental [e.g. phosphate, light diffuse attenuation coefficient (K_d) and dissolved organic carbon] factors. Total bacterioplankton abundance declined with latitude. A multiple regression analysis showed that phosphate, K_d and latitude had significant effects on total bacterioplankton abundance. 4. Of 76 operational taxonomic units identified in the studied lakes, 45 were shared between Patagonian and Antarctic water bodies, 28 were present only in Patagonian lakes and three were restricted to the Antarctic lakes. Significant differences were found in BCC between Patagonia and Antarctica. Among the sequences, 54% were similar (>97% sequence similarity) to others reported from cold habitats elsewhere on the planet (glaciers, high mountain lakes, Arctic). 5. Our results provide new evidence that supports the hypotheses of biogeographic patterns of bacterial assemblages and suggest that both spatial and environmental factors control bacterioplankton community structure.     

Responses to food web manipulation in a shallow waterfowl lake

The effects of fish stock reduction have been studies in 3 Dutch lakes (Lake Zwemlust, Lake Bleiswijkse Zoom and Lake Noorddiep) and 1 Danish lake (Lake Væng) during 4–5 years. A general response id described. The fish stock reduction led in general to a low fish stock, low chlorophyii-a, high transparency and high abunuance of macrophytes. Large Daphnia became abundant, but their density decreased, due to food limitation and predation by fish. The total nitrogen concentration became low due to N-uptake by macrophytes and enhanced denitrification. In Lake Bleiswijkse Zoom the water transparency deteriorated and the clear water state was not stable. The fish stock increased and the production of young fish in summer was high. lear water occurred only in spring. Large daphnids were absent in summer and the macrophytes decreased.In Lake Zwemlust, Lake Væng and Lake Noorddiep the water remained clear during the first five years. In summer of the sixth year (1992) transparency decreased in Lake Zwemlust (with high P-concentration of 1.0 mg P l^-1). Also in Lake Væng (with a low nutrient concentration of 0.15 mg P.^-1) a short term turbid stage (1.5 month) occurred in summer 1992 after a sudden collapse of the macrophytes. Deterioration of the water quality seems to start in summer and seems related to a collapse in macrophytes. At a low planktivorous fishstock (e.g. Lake Væng)thhe duration of the turbid state is shorter. than in presence of a high planktivorous fish biomass (e.g. Lake Zwemlust, and later years of Lake Bleiswijkse Zoom).     

Links between Terrestrial Primary Production and Bacterial Production and Respiration in Lakes in a Climate Gradient in Subarctic Sweden

We compared terrestrial net primary production (NPP) and terrestrial export of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) with lake water heterotrophic bacterial activity in 12 headwater lake catchments along an altitude gradient in subarctic Sweden. Modelled NPP declined strongly with altitude and annual air temperature decreases along the altitude gradient (6°C between the warmest and the coldest catchment). Estimated terrestrial DOC export to the lakes was closely correlated to NPP. Heterotrophic bacterial production (BP) and respiration (BR) were mainly based on terrestrial organic carbon and strongly correlated with the terrestrial DOC export. Excess respiration over PP of the pelagic system was similar to net emission of CO₂ in the lakes. BR and CO₂ emission made up considerably higher shares of the terrestrial DOC input in warm lakes than in cold lakes, implying that respiration and the degree of net heterotrophy in the lakes were dependant not only on terrestrial export of DOC, but also on characteristics in the lakes which changed along the gradient and affected the bacterial metabolization of allochthonous DOC. The study showed close links between terrestrial primary production, terrestrial DOC export and bacterial activity in lakes and how these relationships were dependant on air temperature. Increases in air temperature in high latitude unproductive systems might have considerable consequences for lake water productivity and release of CO₂ to the atmosphere, which are ultimately determined by terrestrial primary production.     

Comparing global models of terrestrial net primary productivity (NPP): the importance of water availability

Given that neither absolute measures nor direct model validations of global terrestrial net primary productivity (NPP) are feasible, intercomparison of global NPP models provides an effective tool to check model consistency. For this study, we tested the assumption that water availability is the primary limiting factor of NPP in global terrestrial biospheric models. We compared a water balance coefficient (WBC), calculated as the difference of mean annual precipitation and potential evapotranspiration to NPP for each grid cell (0.5° × 0.5° longitude/latitude) in each of 14 models. We also evaluated different approaches used for introducing water budget limitations on NPP: (1) direct physiological control on evapotranspiration through canopy conductance; (2) climatological computation of constraints from supply/demand for ecosystem productivity; and (3) water limitation inferred from satellite data alone. Plots of NPP vs. WBC showed comparable patterns for the models using the same method for water balance limitation on NPP. While correlation plots revealed similar patterns for most global models, other environmental controls on NPP introduced substantial variability.     

Germination Requirement of Vallisneria natans Seeds: Implications for Restoration in Chinese Lakes

Due to eutrophication submerged macrophytes have disappeared from many Chinese lakes. This is unfortunate as submerged macrophytes are important to improve water quality, and its re-establishment is therefore desirable. For this purpose a potential method to use is re-seeding, this being particularly attractive due to the high seed productivity of V. natans. We conducted laboratory studies to investigate the effects of five environmental variables (temperature, substratum, oxygen, light availability, and burial depth) on the seed germination of V. natans. Our results showed that a wide temperature range (25–35 °C) was favorable for germination; that seeds germinated well under both gravel and silt; that anaerobic condition proved to accelerate seed germination although the final germination percentage did not rise; and that light and burial acted as limiting factors. These results suggest that V. natans is a potential candidate for successful restoration of vegetation in lakes recovering from eutrophication.     

Effects of macrophytes on lake‐water quality across latitudes: a meta‐analysis

Macrophytes are widely recognized for improving water quality and stabilizing the desirable clear‐water state in lakes. The positive effects of macrophytes on water quality have been noted to be weaker in the (sub)tropics compared to those of temperate regions. We conducted a global meta‐analysis using 47 studies that met our set criteria to assess the overall effects of macrophytes on water quality (measured by phytoplankton chlorophyll a concentration, total nitrogen concentration, total phosphorus concentration, Secchi depth and the trophic state index) and to investigate how these effects correlate with latitude using meta‐regressions. We also examined if the effects of macrophytes on lake‐water quality differ with growth form and study design in (sub)tropical and temperate areas by grouping the data and then comparing the effect sizes. We found that macrophytes significantly reduced phytoplankton chlorophyll a concentration, total nitrogen concentration, total phosphorus concentration, as well as the trophic state index, but they did not have a significant overall effect on Secchi depth. The effects of macrophytes on reducing phytoplankton chlorophyll a concentration, total nitrogen concentration and the trophic state index did not differ with latitude. However, the reduction of total phosphorus concentration was greater at lower latitudes. We showed that at lower latitudes, the positive effects of macrophytes on water quality are similar to or greater than those at higher latitudes, thus challenging the prevailing paradigm of macrophytes being less effective at enhancing lake‐water quality in the (sub)tropics. Furthermore, our data showed that the macrophyte effects vary by growth forms, and the growth forms that positively affect water quality differ between the (sub)tropical and temperate areas. We showed a lack of significant macrophyte effects in surveys within and outside macrophyte stands, suggesting difference in the sensitivities of study designs or possibly weaker effects of macrophytes in lakes compared to experimental settings.     

粤北大东山种子植物区系研究

大东山位于广东北部,地理位置约为２４°５０′～２５°００′Ｎ,１１２°３７′～１１２°４７′Ｅ。大东山有种子植物１６１科,５６０属,１１２４种。其中裸子植物６科,１０属,１４种;被子植物１５５科,５５０属,１１１０种。大东山区系的表征科是蔷薇科、樟科、茶科、壳斗科、山矾科、冬青科、木兰科、安息香科和金缕梅科。属的地理成分组成为热带分布属占５４．３４％,温带分布属占４５．６６％。本区系与江西九连山及福建武夷山区系有密切的联系,与黑石顶、大瑶山和花坪区系的联系也较紧密。大东山区系属华南地区的一部分。