Seasonality,Population Dynamics and Production of Daphnia longispina in the Subtropical Lake Bhimtal (U.P.), India

Seasonal variation in population density, birth rate, mortality and production of a daphnid was studied in a high, altitude sub-tropical lake. A bimodal growth curve with maxima during summer and autumn was observed. A positive correlation was reported between fecundity and death rate, probably due to a difference in age specific death rate combined with a high relative frequency of juveniles in a growing population. The production of Daphnia longispina correlates better with temperature than with food. The P/B ratio was higher during summer and autumn months.