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Degree

Master of Science, University of Akron, Biology, 2006.

Abstract

Microzooplankton composition and dynamics (growth and grazing rates) was examined in coastal and offshore Lake Erie including sites within Old Woman Creek (OWC) National Estuarine Research Reserve from May, 2003 to September, 2005. The microzooplankton community was composed primarily of ciliates and rotifers in the coastal sites, while a shift from rotifers to dynoflagellates was observed in the offshore sites. Choreotrichs and oligotrichs were the most commonly encountered ciliates, exhibited the highest growth rates, and were responsible for a large portion of microzooplankton-secondary production (ca. 30%) on average. Microzooplankton community growth rates ranged from 0.12 to 1.02 d-1 and 0.1 to 0.95 d-1 in coastal and offshore sites, respectively, and their growth was a prerequisite for measurable herbivory rates at the community level. Grazing rates measured via serial dilution revealed microzooplankton consumed 81% of phytoplankton primary production on average as well as portions of phytoplankton standing stock. Overall, microzooplankton herbivory is a major factor in controlling phytoplankton primary production in coastal and offshore Lake Erie and their contribution to secondary production is equal to that of meso- and macrozooplankton.

Subject Headings

Biology, Ecology

Keywords

Microzooplankton; Ciliates; Dilution; Lake Erie; Grazing

Advisor

Peter L Lavrentyev

Pages

68p.

Document number: akron1145290028
Permalink: http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1145290028

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