Ji Li, Zhang Huayong, Wang Zhongyu, Tian Yonglan, Tian Wang, Liu Zhao
Research Center for Engineering Ecology and Nonlinear Science, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China.
Theoretical Ecology and Engineering Ecology Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao 250100, China.
Biology (Basel). 2025 Feb 11;14(2):183. doi: 10.3390/biology14020183.
Zooplankton, as an important component of mountain river ecosystems, play a crucial role in the cycling of matter and the flow of energy. However, the depth and systematic research on the formation mechanisms and influencing factors of zooplankton communities in mountain streams are poorly understood. Here, we conducted field sampling and investigated the spatiotemporal distribution of the zooplankton community structure and the major environmental factors in mountain streams to explore the principles underlying their effects on the zooplankton community. The results showed that zooplankton community structure exhibited significant seasonal variations. Rotifera and Cladocera were the dominant groups, with Rotifera dominant in warm weather and Cladocera dominant in February. The analysis revealed that temperature and trace elements are the main factors affecting zooplankton diversity. Our model explained 46.50% of the variation in zooplankton through temperature, water properties, nutrients, and trace elements. The results highlighted that temperature acted directly on the zooplankton community and also exhibited indirect and negative effects on zooplankton diversities through altering trace elements. Trace element variables had a significant impact on zooplankton community distribution. Our study systematically quantified these relationships, providing insights into the ecological processes of mountain streams and offering a scientific basis for the ecological protection of mountain streams.
浮游动物作为山区河流生态系统的重要组成部分，在物质循环和能量流动中起着关键作用。然而，目前对山区溪流中浮游动物群落形成机制和影响因素的深入系统研究还很匮乏。在此，我们进行了实地采样，调查了山区溪流中浮游动物群落结构的时空分布以及主要环境因素，以探究它们对浮游动物群落产生影响的潜在原理。结果表明，浮游动物群落结构呈现出显著的季节变化。轮虫和枝角类是优势类群，轮虫在温暖天气占主导，枝角类在2月占主导。分析表明，温度和微量元素是影响浮游动物多样性的主要因素。我们的模型通过温度、水质、营养物质和微量元素解释了浮游动物46.50%的变化。结果突出显示，温度直接作用于浮游动物群落，还通过改变微量元素对浮游动物多样性产生间接负面影响。微量元素变量对浮游动物群落分布有显著影响。我们的研究系统地量化了这些关系，为深入了解山区溪流的生态过程提供了见解，并为山区溪流的生态保护提供了科学依据。
