Publication details
Effects of spatial versus seasonal sources of environmental variability in springs: a case study of microcrustaceans (Ostracoda, Harpacticoida) in a calcareous helocrene
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2024 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | Inland Waters |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| web | https://doi.org/10.1080/20442041.2024.2398856 |
| Doi | http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/20442041.2024.2398856 |
| Keywords | groundwater buffering; mesohabitat; microdistribution; temporal stability; water temperature; within-site variation |
| Description | Cold temperate helocrenes are usually attributed to have high biodiversity because of environmental heterogeneity. Their temporal stability of environmental conditions reduces seasonal changes in assemblage composition. However, the within-site patterns and processes have rarely been studied in these springs, and thus our knowledge remains limited. In this study, we investigated a microcrustacean assemblage of a helocrenic calcareous spring at a high spatial resolution. We tested differences among visually distinct mesohabitats and related the assemblage composition variation to environmental variables and seasonal changes by a repeated sampling in spring, summer, and autumn. At this single site, we recorded 26 species of ostracods and harpacticoids, accounting for almost 50% of the whole known regional species pool. Species richness and composition varied significantly between the mesohabitats, the latter mainly because of differences in environmental variables (mainly water depth and temperature). The occurrence of cold-adapted species was restricted to the spring source, while species inhabiting other mesohabitats had clearly broader ecological niches. Despite significant temporal changes in water temperature, microcrustaceans showed almost negligible seasonal changes in species composition, suggesting that their microdistribution remains stable throughout the year. Our findings have important implications for sampling design of large-scale ecological studies and spring conservation. |
| Related projects: |