Cyanobacteria facilitate parasite epidemics in Daphnia.

摘要: The seasonal dominance of cyanobacteria in the phytoplankton community lake ecosystems can have severe implications for higher trophic levels. For herbivorous zooplankton such as Daphnia, poor nutritional value and some species produce toxins affecting survival reproduction. Here we present another, hitherto largely unexplored aspect cyanobacteria, namely that they increase Daphnia susceptibility to parasites. In a 12-yr monthly time-series analysis Greifensee (Switzerland), observed density correlated significantly with epidemics common gut parasite Caullerya mesnili, regardless what was or whether it colonial filamentous. temperature from previous month also affected occurrence epidemics, either directly indirectly by promotion cyanobacterial growth. A laboratory experiment confirmed Caullerya, suggested possible involvement cyanotoxins other chemical traits this process. These findings expand our understanding consequences toxic blooms might be relevant experienced aquatic species.