Zooplankton interactions with toxic phytoplankton: Some implications for food web studies and algal defence strategies of feeding selectivity behaviour, toxin dilution and phytoplankton population diversity

摘要: Abstract This study focuses on the interactions between toxic phytoplankton and zooplankton grazers. The experimental conditions used are an attempt to simulate situations that have, so far, received little attention. We presume community be a set of species where population is intrinsically diverse by presence coexisting strains with different properties. other in may not always high-quality food for herbivorous zooplankton. Zooplankton populations have developed adaptive responses sympatric species. grazers perform specific feeding behaviour its consequences fitness will depend ingested, effect toxins, mechanisms toxin dilution compensatory feeding. Our target strain dinoflagellate Alexandrium minutum copepod Acartia clausi . Mixed diets were two kinds A. cells: non-toxic toxic. flagellate Rhodomonas baltica tamarense added as accompanying each alga was studied separate diets. cells shown negative effects egg production, hatching success total reproductive output, while, terms fitness, best quality offered. R. intermediate positions. In mixed diets, copepods showed strong preference weaker one cells, while slightly negatively selected strongly selected. Although level toxins accumulated very similar, both diet only diet, could offset mechanisms. implications these findings fact mesozooplankton play important role blooms development. Phytoplankton endotoxin production does seem evolutionary stable strategy defence against some herbivores.