Ecology of Cladocera species from Central America based on subfossil assemblages

Abstract

<p>Cladocera species composition was analyzed in surface sediments of 29 lakes in Central America (Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras). The material studied was collected with an Ekman grab in autumn 2013 from lakes located in lowland, highland and mountain regions. The study revealed high variability in qualitative and quantitative composition of subfossil Cladocera. A total of 31 Cladocera species (5 planktonic and 26 littoral) were identified, as well as 4 morphotypes that could not be identified (NRR<em> </em>1-4). Planktonic Bosminidae<em> </em>and<em> </em>Daphniidae were the most abundant families. Daphniidae were restricted to water bodies in mountain regions, whereas Bosminidae were widely distributed in lakes with different abiotic conditions. Moreover, Bosminidae species also occurred in highly mineralized waters (> 900 µS cm<sup>-1</sup>). The great majority of the identified Cladocera species belonged to the littoral family Chydoridae. <em>Chydorus </em>cf.<em> sphaericus</em> was the most common species (found in 20 lakes), which probably reflects its tolerance to a wide spectrum of habitat conditions. Cluster analysis discriminated 6 groups of Cladocera species with a high correlation level within groups (≥0.8), which showed different types of correlation with lake characteristics and environmental variables. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) showed that altitude and secondly water electrical conductivity were the most important drivers of Cladocera species composition in the region studied. Furthermore, CCA analysis indicated lowland lakes with low water transparency were also characterized by peculiar species assemblages. <strong></strong></p>

Millennial‐to‐centennial scale lake system development in the mountains of tropical Mexico

“…Overall, the lake was shallow, biological productivity was high, and a dense macrophyte cover was present in the bottom of the lake, maintaining relatively clear waters and probably mesotrophic conditions (Alonso ; Wojewódka et al . ). During this time interval the lake was an optimal scenario for the development of dense communities of littoral and substrate‐associated cladocerans and macrophytes.…”

“…; Wojewódka et al . ), indicating a substantial deepening and enlargement of the lake. This change was also evidenced by the replacement of submerged macrophytes by floating plants such as Nymphae and Polygonaceae (Fig.…”

Cladocera remains and vegetation types to assess the state of oxbows

“…Nevalainen and Luoto (2010) also reported that many Cladocera species are sensitive to seasonal temperature changes. Zawisza et al (2016) and Wojewódka et al (2016) reported that several studies described strong correlations between pH, conductivity and Cladocera taxa. Bjerring et al (2009) found negative correlations between temperature and chlorophyll-a and several Cladocera taxa.…”

First record of the genus Heterotrissocladius (Chironomidae: Orthocladiinae) from the Neotropical region

“…Prior to sampling, the following physical and chemical parameters of the surface water were recorded: max. depth 2.8 m, Secchi depth 2.8 m, surface water temperature 12.5 C, pH 8.8, conductivity 331 µS m -1 and O 2 content 6.2 mg L -1 (for more details see Wojewódka et al 2016).…”