Disturbance of Opportunistic Small-Celled Phytoplankton in Lake Kinneret. (26th December 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kamenir, Yury; Dubinsky, Zvy
• Other Names: Dolferus R. Academic Editor.; Pawlowski K. Academic Editor.; Singh A. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: ISRN botany. Volume 2012(2012)
• Publication Date: 2012-12-26
• Subjects: Botany -- Periodicals; Botany; Periodicals; 580
• DOI: 10.5402/2012/123607
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-8598

Abstract

Abstract : In spite of the chaotic dynamics of specific populations, similarity of annual species-abundance distributions was proven for phytoplankton assemblage during a "stable" period (1985–1994) of Lake Kinneret (Israel). This similarity declined during the "extreme" years (1995–1999) that followed, characterized by explicit changes in the phytoplankton annual-succession pattern. The rank-abundance distributions of species exhibit a pronounced difference between the taxonomically rich central region, producing the reliable assemblage backbone and highly variable tails of a few species. Therefore, the distribution pattern comparison enhances the importance of ubiquitous small disturbances valuable for diagnostics. Some phyla (in this case, Cyanophyta) were especially vulnerable to structural changes. A simple disturbance index was constructed, based on opportunistic small-celled species. The fine-structure disturbances, which can provide early-warning information, are discussed.