Title: Field tests of interspecific resource-based competition among phytoplankton
Abstract:The hypothesis that interspecific resource-based competition caused the spring and summer vertical segregation of phytoplankton species was tested in Lake Tahoe (California/Nevada). Two species ( Cycl...The hypothesis that interspecific resource-based competition caused the spring and summer vertical segregation of phytoplankton species was tested in Lake Tahoe (California/Nevada). Two species ( Cyclotella glomerata Bachmann and Synedra radians Kütz.) became dominant at different depth intervals (0-30 m and 60-90 m, respectively). Experimental transplants of assemblages between depths demonstrated asymmetrical competition. In the phosphate-limited region near the surface, growth of S. radians declined in the presence of C. glomerata . However, growth of C. glomerata was not affected by the presence of S. radians in the light-limited region at depth. This study provides field verification of resource-based competition theory.Read More