Abstract
The distribution and abundance of protozoa in two chalk streams were studied. Particular attention was given to the ciliates and amoebae associated with the dominant submerged macrophyte, Ranunculus penicillatus. Highest numbers of protozoa occurred in habitats in the stream where the current velocity was reduced. Mean standing crops of ciliates, flagellates and amoebae were 32.5, 2.9 and 2.0 mg dry wt m−2 of stream bed respectively. Estimates of production and respiration rates by field populations of ciliates and amoebae were made for one type of habitat within the streams. The results are compared with published data on the productivity of protozoa in other habitats and of other invertebrates within the chalk stream ecosystem. The limitations of such productivity estimates are discussed.
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