Analysis of seasonal variability of the functional diversity and dynamics of trophic activity-linked traits of micromeiofauna in a freshwater biofilm
Analyse de la variabilité saisonnière et de la dynamique de la diversité fonctionnelle des traits associés à l'activité trophique de la micro-méiofaune dans un biofilm d'eau douce
Résumé
Biofilm-dwelling micromeiofauna - including protozoans, rotifers and oligochaetes - are a primary component of a biofilm, and play an important role in the functioning of microbial food webs by mediating carbon and energy flux from benthos to zooplankton. Micromeiofauna population dynamic varies in function of primary producers and also abiotic factors linked to seasonal cycles, modifying structure and functioning. Because they present life cycle longer than their prey, primary consumer are more sensitive to environmental changes. The trophic characteristics of biofilm-dwelling micromeiofauna were studied at the functional level within the colonization process in a hypereutrophic lake of South West France, in February and April 2017 and in June and November 2018. Samples were collected, using a glass slide method, at the interval of 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. During the whole colonization period, the fast-going bacterivores and generalists were generally the primary contributor to the community in young samples (7-14 days), while the more mature samples (21-28 days) communities were partly dominated by specialist slow-going organisms feeding on larger prey. All seasons appeared to be different in term of functional diversity. Spring samples were richer in functional traits and had more complex traits, while winter samples were more balanced. These results may provide useful information for ecological research on bioassessment in freshwater ecosystem.