Community structure and concordance patterns among zooplankton life stages in subtropical temporary ponds

Abstract

In this study, we assessed the community structure (species richness and composition) and examined concordance patterns between the active and dormant life stages of the zooplankton (Rotifera, Cladocera and Copepoda) in Southern Brazilian temporary ponds. We also examined pairwise concordance patterns in the species richness and composition between each taxonomic group. We recorded 77 species in the study area. Active communities had higher species richness and a higher number of exclusive species compared to the dormant community. Low concordance was observed in the species richness and composition of the active and dormant communities. Significant patterns were detected between similar life stages of zooplankton taxonomic groups. We found significant concordance between the species richness of dormant stages of Cladocera and Rotifera, and between the active stages of Cladocera and Copepoda. We also detected significant concordant patterns in the similarity for composition of the active stages of Cladocera and Copepoda, and of Rotifera and Copepoda. The lack of concordance between life stages indicates that the dormant communities are not adequate surrogates of the overall diversity of the zooplankton in Southern Brazilian temporary wetlands, at least under similar experimental incubation conditions. However, there is initial evidence that cladocerans and copepods can be employed as surrogates of other zooplankton groups, if the conclusions are strictly limited to active stages of the community.