Crustacea Zooplankton Communities in Icelandic Lakes Comparison Over Time

This study examines freshwater Crustacea zooplankton communities in 19 Icelandic lakes, focusing on Copepoda and Cladocera. Zooplankton form a key trophic link in freshwater ecosystems, grazing on phytoplankton and serving as prey for higher trophic levels. Monitoring biodiversity in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions is particularly important given ongoing rapid climate change. Communities were compared using data from two national surveys: the Ecological Survey of Icelandic Lakes (1992–1998) and the Natura Project (2012–2013). Multivariate statistical analyses were applied to assess temporal changes in diversity and composition and to evaluate the influence of environmental variables, including geological variables, spatial gradients, and nutrient concentrations. Mandibular morphology in Cyclops abyssorum G. O. Sars, 1863 was further examined as a case study of intraspecific variation. Species richness showed a slight but significant increase over time, whereas Pielou’s evenness declined marginally. Overall temporal changes were modest compared to spatial variability among lakes. Geological substrate, altitude, and nutrient availability were the strongest predictors of community structure. In addition, distinct mandibular morphology observed in C. abyssorum from Þingvallavatn suggests ecologically relevant intraspecific variation potentially linked to trophic conditions. These findings indicate that Icelandic Crustacea zooplankton communities remain relatively stable over decadal timescales, while subtle shifts reflect environmental gradients and ongoing ecosystem change.

Author dc:creator

• Þóra Atladóttir 1980-

Contributors dc:contributor

• Háskólinn á Hólum

• Sjávar- og vatnalíffræði
• Dýrasvif
• Ferskvatn
• Líffræðileg fjölbreytni
• Vistkerfi

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/1946/53393

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:skemman.is:1946/53393