Patterns in the composition of the rotifer communities from high mountain lakes and ponds in Sierra Nevada (Spain)

On the basis of periodic collections of rotifers from 29 lakes and ponds over 2500 m above sea level in the Sierra Nevada (Southern Spain), patterns of species richness, distribution and community composition were evaluated. Results allow us to distinguish communities which fall into two major lake types. One is defined by the presence of typically planktonic species as well as lower specific richness whereas the other includes communities of mainly benthic and periphytic species. Both lake types seem to be related to small differences in their physical and chemical characteristics. These relationships and the influence of littoral vegetation are discussed.Research supported by CAICYT Project n° 3069/83