Abstract
Reports on the Kinneret zooplankton in general and particularly on copepods are dealing recently with numerical densities of feeding habit classes. Nevertheless, for the evaluation of the integrated role of copepod assemblages in the entire lake ecosystem, their life cycle stages fluctuations are essential. It was not done in previous reports. Therefore, long term analysis of the cyclopoid copepods life stages dynamics in Lake Kinneret was carried out. Due to information availability, two complementary methods of density concentrations were evaluated for two consecutive data sets: 1) 1969-1985 numerical (No/L) documentation of life cycle stages of nauplii (I - III and III - V), copepodites (I, II, III, IV, V) and adults; 2) 1969-2002 monthly averages of wet biomass density (g/m2) of zooplankton major groups combined with metabolic rates. nauplii densities represent June-August peaks and older stages spring decline and high levels during summer-early winter. Polynomial Regressions between Numerical annual averages of predator and Herbivore stages as well as young vs. older life stages indicate significant relations. During winter-spring season, temperatures are optimal for cyclopoid growth as a result of the high efficiency of metabolic activity and the low pressure of fish predation. The high rate of metabolism and intensive fish predation in summer enhance low densities of adult cyclopoids.
Highlights
In 1968 the Kinneret Limnological Laboratory initiated a multidisciplinary survey of Lake Kinneret of which the author was responsible for the research and monitoring of the Kinneret Zooplankton
Two complementary methods of density concentrations were evaluated for two consecutive data sets: 1) 1969-1985 numerical (No/L) documentation of life cycle stages of nauplii (I - III and III - V), copepodites (I, II, III, IV, V) and adults; 2) 1969-2002 monthly averages of wet biomass density (g/m2) of zooplankton major groups combined with metabolic rates. nauplii densities represent June-August peaks and older stages spring decline and high levels during summer-early winter
The innovative approach to the evaluation of Cyclopoida population dynamics presented in this paper refers to life cycle stages densities and specific biomass increment
Summary
In 1968 the Kinneret Limnological Laboratory initiated a multidisciplinary survey of Lake Kinneret of which the author was responsible for the research and monitoring of the Kinneret Zooplankton. The total number of zooplankton species documented in Lake Kinneret is 34 of which 19 are the most common. Multiannual and seasonal fluctuations of the biomass and ecophysiological trait of the Kinneret Cyclopoida were previously published [1]-[8]. In the present paper indications are given to life cycle stages of cyclopoids: young (small) and older (large) nauplius, copepodite stages of I, II, III, IV, V, VI and VII and adults which were counted (monitored) separately. The innovative approach to the evaluation of Cyclopoida population dynamics presented in this paper refers to life cycle stages densities and specific biomass increment
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
