Zooplankton taxonomic and functional structure is determined by macrophytes and fish predation in a Neotropical river

Abstract

Habitat structure and predation are major factors that influence the distribution of zooplankton species and functional traits. Here, we analyzed how the structure provided by macrophytes (richness, Shannon’s diversity, and biomass) and potential predation by small-bodied fishes (richness and abundance) determine the richness of species and functional traits of zooplankton, as well as the spatial dissimilarity (beta-diversity) of species and traits. Zooplankton, fish, and macrophytes were simultaneously sampled across a gradient of 30 multi-species macrophyte beds. We assessed spatial patterns of zooplankton under taxonomic and functional approaches, using linear regression models, Generalized Dissimilarity Models, a Structural Equation Model, and a Fourth-Corner Analysis. Zooplankton taxonomic beta-diversity was most represented by the turnover component and zooplankton functional beta-diversity by nestedness. Zooplankton taxonomic richness and taxonomic beta-diversity were positively related to macrophyte biomass, richness, and Shannon’s diversity, whereas zooplankton functional richness and functional beta-diversity were positively related to fish richness and abundance. Macrophyte biomass and diversity oppositely influenced fish structure, which had influence on zooplankton structure. Macrophytes also negatively influenced the zooplankton traits such as body size, reproduction type, habitat, lifespan, and predatory escape response and positively influenced the trait feeding type. Fish were negatively related to the trait body size. The spatial structure generated by macrophyte beds and fish community determined the distribution of zooplankton species and functional traits.