Selective feeding by Balanion sp. (Ciliata: Balanionidae) on phytoplankton that best support its growth

Stoecker, Diane K.; Cucci, Terry L.; Hulburt, Edward M.; Yentsch, Clarice M.

doi:10.1016/0022-0981(86)90196-6

Cited by 75 publications

(37 citation statements)

References 20 publications

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“…While there might be physiological reasons for different growth efficiencies among groups (Chan 1978), it is less clear why the microzooplankton seem to avoid slow growing groups. Indications have been documented that zooplankton preferentially graze on nutrient-rich phytoplankton because of their higher nutritional value (Stoecker et al 1986;John and Davidson 2001). In our case, the comparison of nutrient-added and nonamended incubations showed that all groups were limited by nutrients at least in terms of pigment synthesis (Table 4).…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 55%

Estimating the carbon flux through main phytoplankton groups in the northwestern Mediterranean

et al. 2005

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We performed dilution experiments and primary production measurements in surface waters during a cruise in the northwestern Mediterranean Sea in June 2000 to quantify the carbon (C) flux through phytoplankton groups that can be distinguished by their pigment markers. Pigments in the dilution experiments were measured by highpressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Pigment per cell and synthesis rates of photoprotectant versus light-harvesting pigments indicated that cells did not undergo photoacclimation during the 24-h dilution experiments. Mean chlorophyll a (Chl a) concentration was 0.128 mg m Ϫ3 , and mean primary production was 4.99 mg of C m Ϫ3 d Ϫ1 . Prymnesiophyceae contributed 51% of the total Chl a, green algae 21%, diatoms 13%, cyanobacteria 6%, and Pelagophyceae and Dinophyceae 4% each. Size fractionation showed that 68% of total phytoplankton were Ͻ5 m. A mean growth rate of 0.89 d Ϫ1 was completely offset by a mean grazing rate of 1.01 d Ϫ1. Growth and mortality were also balanced for the individual phytoplankton groups, with highest rates for diatoms and lowest for green algae. Despite the high growth rates measured, nutrient-amended incubations showed that these rates were nutrient limited, although to a different extent for each group. Green algae experienced the most severe limitation and cyanobacteria the least. The comparison of C incorporation rates and Chl a synthesis rates permitted the estimation of a C : Chl a ratio of 47 (g : g) for newly produced organic matter in the study area. This value, corrected for the different degree of nutrient limitation, was used to estimate the C flow through the different phytoplankton groups. Because of their high growth rates, diatoms played a disproportionate role in the C flux compared to their biomass contribution.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 55%

Estimating the carbon flux through main phytoplankton groups in the northwestern Mediterranean

et al. 2005

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“…Although many protozoans apparently lack elaborate feeding structures, convincing evidence has already been presented for the complexity of protozoan feeding behavior and the significance of chemical cues. Ciliates and flagellates possess chemosensory abilities (Sibbald et al 1987, Bennett et al 1988, Snyder 1991 and have been reported to discriminate between similar-sized prey for some chemical reason (Stoecker et al 1986, Sanders 1988, Landry et al 1991, Verity 1991, Jürgens & De Mott 1995, Christaki et al 1998, Wolfe 2000. This has been confirmed by live video observations, which revealed the assessment and active rejection of captured prey particles (Taniguchi & Takeda 1988, Boenigk & Arndt 2000b.…”

Section: Bacterial Surface Propertiesmentioning

confidence: 91%

Role of bacterial phenotypic traits in selective feeding of the heterotrophic nanoflagellate Spumella sp.

Matz¹,

Boenigk²,

Arndt³

et al. 2002

Aquat. Microb. Ecol.

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The influence of different bacterial phenotypic traits on the feeding selectivity of a bacterivorous nanoflagellate was investigated in laboratory experiments. Twelve bacterial isolates from freshwater habitats were characterized in terms of cell size, morphology, capsule formation, surface hydrophobicity and charge, and swimming behavior. Mechanisms of differential flagellate feeding on these isolates were studied in short-term grazing experiments by high-resolution video microscopy using the nanoflagellate Spumella sp. as a model interception-feeding predator. The differentiation into distinct stages of the feeding process (contact, capture, ingestion) revealed a complex selection behavior illustrated by the relatively small proportion of ingested bacteria over cell contacts. We found that bacterial swimming speed increased contact rates but also decreased flagellate capture efficiency, which had a compensating effect on overall ingestion rates. Bacterial cell size revealed no correlation with flagellate contact rates but an effective inhibition of ingestion rates when exceeding a critical size limit. Correlation analysis presented no bacterial property to account for the residual variability of flagellate ingestion efficiencies. Experiments with specifically coated artificial particles provided evidence for the relative importance of the biochemical surface composition in flagellate food selection compared to physicochemical interaction forces. Only extreme charges beyond -45 mV reduced flagellate ingestion rates. Our results reinforce the idea that bacterial cell size strongly affects the feeding success of bacterivorous flagellates, and further implicates size-independent bacterial traits such as swimming speed and biochemical surface composition in this feeding success.

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“…A logical expectation is that pelagic food web structure has shifted in response to reductions in the abundances of bivalves (Newell 1988). Nano-, micro-and mesozooplankton species (which should be more abundant with reduced bivalve populations) display considerable feeding selectivity, consuming preferred species of algae and rejecting less desirable species (Stoecker et al 1986, Burkill et al 1987, Wiadnyana & Rassoulzadegan 1989, Jürgens & Demott 1995, Flynn et al 1996, Strom & Loukos 1998, Griffin & Rippingale 2001. Thus, less desirable species of phytoplankton may experience lower predation rates and these phytoplankton may be assumed to include less nutritious, noxious or toxic algal taxa.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effect of the northern quahog Mercenaria mercenaria on the development of blooms of the brown tide alga Aureococcus anophagefferens

Cerrato¹,

Caron²,

Lonsdale³

et al. 2004

Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser.

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Three experiments were carried out in 300 l mesocosms using natural seawater from the Peconic Bays ecosystem, Long Island, New York, to examine the ability of the northern quahog Mercenaria mercenaria to prevent blooms of the brown tide alga Aureococcus anophagefferens. Nutrient enrichment and mixing of the mesocosms was conducted according to previous methods that we have employed to induce brown tides. Treatments with and without clams were examined. Abundances of A. anophagefferens increased dramatically during 8 to 9 d experiments in mesocosms without bivalves (average peak abundances > 600 000 cells ml -1). The brown tide alga constituted > 50% of the total phytoplankton biomass in these mesocosms by the end of the experiment. In contrast, algae in mesocosms with high abundances of clams did not develop brown tides and A. anophagefferens abundances in these mesocosms were 2 orders of magnitude lower. Bivalves not only prevented a buildup of total phytoplankton biomass but also prevented the shift in phytoplankton species composition to dominance by A. anophagefferens observed in treatments without clams. Experiments to test the efficacy of different abundances of clams for preventing blooms of A. anophagefferens demonstrated that population clearance rates by clams of approximately 40% of the mesocosm volume d -1 were sufficient to prevent the buildup of phytoplankton biomass and net population growth of the brown tide alga under the environmental conditions and nutrient enrichment that we employed. This turnover rate by suspension-feeding bivalves is similar to the same magnitude of bivalve filtration pressure estimated for Great South Bay, Long Island more than 2 decades ago, prior to the outbreak of brown tides. We conclude that the feeding activities of northern quahogs in shallow bays can exert considerable control on total phytoplankton biomass in the overlying water column, and specifically on the ability of A. anophagefferens to dominate the phytoplankton assemblage and form brown tides.

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Selective feeding by Balanion sp. (Ciliata: Balanionidae) on phytoplankton that best support its growth

Cited by 75 publications

References 20 publications

Estimating the carbon flux through main phytoplankton groups in the northwestern Mediterranean

Estimating the carbon flux through main phytoplankton groups in the northwestern Mediterranean

Role of bacterial phenotypic traits in selective feeding of the heterotrophic nanoflagellate Spumella sp.

Effect of the northern quahog Mercenaria mercenaria on the development of blooms of the brown tide alga Aureococcus anophagefferens

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