Zooplankton functional complementarity between temporary and permanent environments

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.