Trace Elements and Temperature Combined to Regulate Zooplankton Community Structures in Mountain Streams.

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Limnology
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Zooplankton are vital for mountain river ecosystems, influencing nutrient cycling and energy flow.
• Mechanisms and factors shaping zooplankton communities in mountain streams require further systematic investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the spatiotemporal distribution of zooplankton community structure in mountain streams.
• To identify key environmental factors influencing zooplankton community dynamics and diversity.

Main Methods:

• Field sampling was conducted to collect zooplankton and environmental data.
• Statistical analyses and modeling were employed to determine relationships between zooplankton and environmental variables.

Main Results:

• Zooplankton community structure displayed significant seasonal variations, with Rotifera and Cladocera as dominant groups.
• Temperature and trace elements were identified as primary drivers of zooplankton diversity.
• A model explained 46.50% of zooplankton variation, highlighting the roles of temperature, water properties, nutrients, and trace elements.

Conclusions:

• Temperature directly impacts zooplankton communities and indirectly affects diversity by altering trace elements.
• Trace element concentrations significantly influence zooplankton community distribution in mountain streams.
• This research provides crucial insights for the ecological protection and management of mountain stream ecosystems.