Date of Defense
2009
Department
Biological Sciences
Keywords
vernal pond, trophic interactions, eutrophication, allelopathy, hydrobiology, limnology
Abstract
The interactions between zooplankton, phytoplankton, and nutrients were investigated in vernal pond systems. Measurements of nitrogen concentration and chlorophyll concentration along with zooplankton population were compiled over the course of one summer and compared to observe how they affect one another. Responses of zooplankton populations to chlorophyll and nitrogen concentration did not exhibit the positive correlations that were expected; instead no significant relationship was found pertaining to the three ponds studied. The correlations that were seen showed negative relationships between concentrations of nitrogen and chlorophyll concentrations and zooplankton population sizes. A comparison of the three ponds is discussed, along with number of theories regarding zooplankton population decreases despite increased nitrogen and chlorophyll concentrations.
Recommended Citation
Wegener, Marc B., "Effects of Nitrogen on Zooplankton Populations and Chlorophyll Concentrations in Vernal Ponds" (2009). Honors Theses. 202.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/honors_theses/202
Access Setting
Honors Thesis-Campus Only