The Effects of Potamogeton crispus Senescence on Zooplankton Populations and Planktivorous Fish Diets in Shallow Southern Minnesota Lakes
Location
CSU 202
Start Date
21-4-2008 10:00 AM
End Date
21-4-2008 12:00 PM
Student's Major
Biological Sciences
Student's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Mentor's Name
Shannon Fisher
Mentor's Department
Biological Sciences
Mentor's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Description
During the winter months and early spring, curly-leaf pondweed (Potamogeton crispus) provides habitat for fish, zooplankton, and macroinvertebrates. After senescence in early July, the plant refuge is lost and replaced with turbid algae-rich water in most southern Minnesota shallow systems. Our objective was to assess the influence of curly-leaf pondweed senescence on zooplankton community structure and the subsequent impacts on planktivorous fish diets. As part of our investigation, we assessed fish stomach contents, zooplankton samples, and water quality data before and after curly leaf pondweed senescence. Our research hypothesis was that the zooplankton refuge changes caused by the senescence of curly-leaf pondweed would cause a significant change in the zooplankton community and planktivorous fish diets. This research will support future evaluations on the system effects of curly-leaf pondweed and the influence of changing vegetation parameters on seasonal community dynamics.
The Effects of Potamogeton crispus Senescence on Zooplankton Populations and Planktivorous Fish Diets in Shallow Southern Minnesota Lakes
CSU 202
During the winter months and early spring, curly-leaf pondweed (Potamogeton crispus) provides habitat for fish, zooplankton, and macroinvertebrates. After senescence in early July, the plant refuge is lost and replaced with turbid algae-rich water in most southern Minnesota shallow systems. Our objective was to assess the influence of curly-leaf pondweed senescence on zooplankton community structure and the subsequent impacts on planktivorous fish diets. As part of our investigation, we assessed fish stomach contents, zooplankton samples, and water quality data before and after curly leaf pondweed senescence. Our research hypothesis was that the zooplankton refuge changes caused by the senescence of curly-leaf pondweed would cause a significant change in the zooplankton community and planktivorous fish diets. This research will support future evaluations on the system effects of curly-leaf pondweed and the influence of changing vegetation parameters on seasonal community dynamics.
Recommended Citation
Sindt, Anthony. "The Effects of Potamogeton crispus Senescence on Zooplankton Populations and Planktivorous Fish Diets in Shallow Southern Minnesota Lakes." Undergraduate Research Symposium, Mankato, MN, April 21, 2008.
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/urs/2008/oral-session-04/1
