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

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 understoo...

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Main Authors: Li Ji, Huayong Zhang, Zhongyu Wang, Yonglan Tian, Wang Tian, Zhao Liu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-02-01
Series:Biology
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2079-7737/14/2/183
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author Li Ji
Huayong Zhang
Zhongyu Wang
Yonglan Tian
Wang Tian
Zhao Liu
author_facet Li Ji
Huayong Zhang
Zhongyu Wang
Yonglan Tian
Wang Tian
Zhao Liu
author_sort Li Ji
collection DOAJ
description 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.
format Article
id doaj-art-283d9729478e457da33cd3dff5cf3f2c
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spelling doaj-art-283d9729478e457da33cd3dff5cf3f2c2025-08-20T03:12:01ZengMDPI AGBiology2079-77372025-02-0114218310.3390/biology14020183Trace Elements and Temperature Combined to Regulate Zooplankton Community Structures in Mountain StreamsLi Ji0Huayong Zhang1Zhongyu Wang2Yonglan Tian3Wang Tian4Zhao Liu5Research Center for Engineering Ecology and Nonlinear Science, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, ChinaResearch Center for Engineering Ecology and Nonlinear Science, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, ChinaResearch Center for Engineering Ecology and Nonlinear Science, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, ChinaResearch Center for Engineering Ecology and Nonlinear Science, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, ChinaResearch Center for Engineering Ecology and Nonlinear Science, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, ChinaTheoretical Ecology and Engineering Ecology Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao 250100, ChinaZooplankton, 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.https://www.mdpi.com/2079-7737/14/2/183mountain streamzooplankton communitytemperaturetrace elementcommunity structuresynergistic effect
spellingShingle Li Ji
Huayong Zhang
Zhongyu Wang
Yonglan Tian
Wang Tian
Zhao Liu
Trace Elements and Temperature Combined to Regulate Zooplankton Community Structures in Mountain Streams
Biology
mountain stream
zooplankton community
temperature
trace element
community structure
synergistic effect
title Trace Elements and Temperature Combined to Regulate Zooplankton Community Structures in Mountain Streams
title_full Trace Elements and Temperature Combined to Regulate Zooplankton Community Structures in Mountain Streams
title_fullStr Trace Elements and Temperature Combined to Regulate Zooplankton Community Structures in Mountain Streams
title_full_unstemmed Trace Elements and Temperature Combined to Regulate Zooplankton Community Structures in Mountain Streams
title_short Trace Elements and Temperature Combined to Regulate Zooplankton Community Structures in Mountain Streams
title_sort trace elements and temperature combined to regulate zooplankton community structures in mountain streams
topic mountain stream
zooplankton community
temperature
trace element
community structure
synergistic effect
url https://www.mdpi.com/2079-7737/14/2/183
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AT yonglantian traceelementsandtemperaturecombinedtoregulatezooplanktoncommunitystructuresinmountainstreams
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