ISSN:
1432-1939
Keywords:
Grazing
;
Phosphorus limitation
;
Daphnia
;
Selective digestibility
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract Grazing experiments were performed with the zooplankters Daphnia pulex and Daphnia magna, feeding on phosphorus-saturated and phosphorus-limited cells of two green algae (Scenedesmus subspicatus and Selenastrum capricornutum). P-limited algal cells passed largely intact through the gut and were thus spared from heavy grazing pressure. P-saturated algal cells, in contrast, were efficiently assimilated. Structural and morphological changes in the P-limited cells most probably reduced their digestibility. This phenomenon may be an important factor in zooplankton production and competition, and may serve as an example of a highly efficient strategy of P-limited algae to resist heavy grazing pressure.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00328958
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