| Virginia
Journal of Science.
2002. Vol 53 (4) : 199-206 |
| Environmental
Factors Contributing to the Disaggregation of a Colonial
Cyanoprokaryote and Its Influence on Picoplankton Abundance within Lake
Joyce, Virginia. Lewis F. Affronti Jr. and B. Thomas Duquette, Departments of Science and Math, Norfolk Academy, Norfolk, Virginia 234502-5591 ABSTRACT
A colonial cyanoprokaryote, Aphanocapsa holsatica and autotrophic
picoplankton abundance were monitored weekly over a two year period in
Lake Joyce, Virginia. Significant differences were observed in
both the cyanoprokaryote and picoplankton abundance over the study
period and an inverse relationship was observed between these two
plankton groups. Disaggregation of colonies was shown to
contribute to picoplankton populations where water temperature and
precipitation input apparently trigger colony dispersion. This
relationship is suggested to occur in other aquatic habitats.
Results of this work and its implications for ecosystem dynamics are
discussed. |