Abstract
Abstract: Aims This study aims to evaluate the functional complementarity of the zooplankton community between temporary ponds and permanent lagoons. We hypothesize that temporary environments will be functionally more diverse than permanent environments and will have different functional composition. Methods Five temporary ponds and five permanent lagoons were compared regarding their limnological characteristics, species richness, functional diversity indices and functional trait composition. Results No differences between ponds and lagoons were found regarding mean species richness and functional diversity. However, a larger number of species was found in the set of temporary environments i.e., although the mean richness was the same, the species' identity varied from one pond to another. Ponds showed greater variability in functional trait composition, resulting in significant differences in zooplankton functional dispersion. Ponds also presented a greater range of limnological characteristics. Conclusions Temporary and permanent environments present high limnological and functional complementarity, which make them important for maintaining biodiversity on a regional scale. Temporary environments seem to be refugees for species that do not settle in more stable environments because these species are more likely to colonize environments that periodically restart their successional trajectory. Therefore, actions that seek to preserve complementary environments are essential and urgent, especially those related to small and temporary environments.
Highlights
Continental aquatic environments occupy about 6.5% of the Earth surface, their importance in economic and social terms transcend their geographical boundaries (Russi et al, 2013)
Aims: This study aims to evaluate the functional complementarity of the zooplankton community between temporary ponds and permanent lagoons
Temporary ponds were characterized by depths less than 0.6 m, low salinity and pH values and high values of total phosphorus (TP), total nitrogen (TN), chlorophyll a (ChloA) and temperature (Table 2)
Summary
Continental aquatic environments occupy about 6.5% of the Earth surface, their importance in economic and social terms transcend their geographical boundaries (Russi et al, 2013). Understanding the functioning of these environments is essential for the maintenance of the well-being of human societies and to support life on general (Humbert & Dorigo, 2005; Gessner et al, 2004; Esteves et al, 2008). Despite their recognized importance, continental aquatic environments are among the most threatened ecosystems worldwide. In the decades a large part of aquatic environments will be drastically modified by anthropic activities in many countries around the world (Scarano, 2019; Day & Rybczyk, 2019; Gozlan et al, 2019) and the impacts generated by emerging pollutants that are still poorly studied, such as microplastics, artificial hormones and organic nanoparticles comprise a new challenge for the conservation of continental aquatic environments (Oskarsson & Wright, 2019; Al-Thawadi, 2020)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
