How planktonic microcrustaceans respond to environment and affect ecosystem: a functional trait perspective

摘要: Functional traits are ecologically relevant characteristics of species. They to community structuring in face environmental drivers (response traits) and ecosystem processes (effect traits). For planktonic microcrustaceans, the link between functional their responses or effects is not always clear. Our objective was review literature on linking for cladocerans copepods. Response discussed four categories: morphological, life history, behavioral, physiological. Temperature, predation, resources, stressors important morphological life-history traits. Body size, a trait, probably most because it responds several correlated with physiological zooplankton impact ecosystems functions. In an perspective, energy primary producers secondary consumers. trophic webs, may control phytoplankton biomass productivity, consequences whole lakes. Its influence carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus cycles expected increase body size. Other be important, but there lack information. We point out need more trait research, especially freshwater copepods neglected tropical better understanding natural systems, integrative approach multiple functions necessary.