engleski

Distribution of rotifers and other meiofauna in the bryophytes and hyporheic zone of a karst hydrosystem – an example of nested community

The meiofauna assemblages inhabiting the bryophyte-covered tufa barriers have been investigated in the barrage system of Plitvice Lakes (Croatia). The main aims of the present study were: (i) to analyze the structure of rotifers and other meiofaunal community in the bryophytes and hyporheic tufa zone ; (ii) to determine the influence of food sources on the meiofauna. Our results indicate that meiofauna were constant and abundant component in bryophytes and tufa. Of the nine identified groups (Catenulida, Gastrotricha, Nematoda, Rotifera, Hydrachnidia, Oligochaeta, Copepoda, Tardigrada and Diptera: Chironomidae), rotifers (50%) and nematodes (40%) dominated in abundance. Rotifers were the most diverse meiofaunal group and achieved the highest amount in the bryophytes. Also, highest amount of UPOM, as a potential food source for rotifers, was recorded in this layer. Nematodes were the dominant meiofauna in deeper tufa layers. They are an omnivorous trophic group and in tufa layers they had available different food sources, such as phytal remains or other meiofauna. Meiofaunal assemblages were significantly nested and its composition was under the impact of community established in surface bryophytes mats. Information on these often overlooked faunal groups is essential for estimates of overall abundance, species richness and productivity in the freshwater ecosystems.

karst lakes ; tufa ; Bdelloidea ; Monogononta ; Nematoda ; particulate organic matter ; trophic group

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