The ecology behind evolutionary diversification is a well studied area of research, whereas the effects of evolution on ecosystems get little attention. In line with ecological theory, evolutionary diversification of a species could influence different ecosystem aspects such as food web composition, energy flow, nutrient cycling etc. The main objective of this study was to investigate whether two diverging ecotypes (reed and chara) of Asellus aquaticus differ regarding their role in two aquatic ecosystem processes: decomposition of terrestrial leaves and grazing of periphyton. Their role in ecosystem process as well as treatment effects on fitness, measured as growth and survival, were investigated in a laboratory experiment with various levels of intra-specific competition and inter-specific interactions with the amphipod Gammarus pulex. The isopods were collected from two Swedish lakes: Lake Tåkern and Lake Fardume. These two lakes represent different history of ecotype divergence. The experimental design consisted of 2-L aquaria, each providing elm leaves (Ulmus glabra), oak leaves (Quercus roburleaves) and periphyton as food sources. Ten treatments with five replicates were applied for each lake and the experiment lasted for four weeks. The study showed that there was no significant difference between chara and reed ecotype in their functional role. However, the rate of ecosystem processes per individual decreased in competitive interactions. In high density, decomposition per dry weight consumer was low and total algae biomass was high at the end of four weeks due to intra-specific competition. Moreover, ecosystem processes were lowest in inter-specific competition between Gammarus pulex and each ecotype. Present study also shows that ecotypes from the different lakes, having different history, had different responses to mortality and growth.

Determining the molecular basis of heritable variation in complex, quantitative ecologically important traits will provide insight into the proximate mechanisms driving phenotypic and ecological variation, and the molecular evolutionary history of these traits. Furthermore, if the study organism is a “keystone species” whose presence or absence shapes ecological communities, then we extend our understanding of the effects of molecular variation to the level of communities. I examined the molecular basis of variation in 32 ecologically important traits in the freshwater pond keystone species Daphnia pulex, and identified thousands of candidate genes for which variation may affect not just Daphnia phenotypes, but the structure of communities. I extended the basic results to address two questions: what genes are associated with the offspring size-number trade-off in Daphnia; and can we identify candidate “keystone gene networks” for which variation may have a particularly strong influence on eco-evolutionary dynamics of limnetic communities? I found that different genes, with different biological functions, are associated with the trade-off in subsequent broods, and propose a model linking evolutionary frameworks to molecular biological functions. Next I found that quantitative genetic variation in keystone traits appears to co-vary with the selection regimes to which Daphnia is subject, and identified two candidate gene networks that may underpin this genetic variation. Not only do these results provide a host of molecular hypotheses to be tested as Daphnia matures as a model genomic organism, but they also suggest models that link molecular research with broader themes in ecology, evolution, and behavior. / text

Chemical communication in aquatic organisms has been topic of a large number of studies focusing interactions between organisms via info chemicals. Diel Vertical Migration (DVM) is commonly observed among zooplankton and consists of a single daily ascent with minimum depth reached between sunset and sunrise and a descent with maximum depth attained during the day. DVM was absent or reduced when predators were absent and well developed in their presence. Species of the Daphnia are one of the well investigated group in freshwater environments. Variation in DVM of Daphnia in response to fish kairomone is one of the best studied behavioral strategies. Kairomone, as a term, is described interspecific chemical messengers, the adaptive benefit of which falls on the recipient rather than the emitter. As a result, nature and origin of kairomone is still unclear and needs to be investigated. It was decided that FT-IR technique would be favorable tool for this aim. In this frame, it was conceived that the occurrence of migration adaptation relevant to the seasonal changes in the presence of fish kairomone could be proved and characterized by FT-IR technique. Results of the present study indicate that non-aromatic, secondary amine compound has significant contribution to fish cue. Since other sources other than fish can contribute the natural amine compounds level in fresh water environment, origin and concentration of amines are needed further investigation to determine ecological function of amine.

The current explanation for the absence, or low abundance, of filter-feeding invertebrates from some rocky shores is that because of local variation in nearshore oceanographic conditions, larvae do not arrive in sufficient numbers to establish populations. One putative consequence of this is that macroalgae are able to establish dominance in areas where filter-feeders (especially mussels) do not recruit well. While macroalgae have been transplanted to mussel-dominated shores with varying success, the survival, growth and reproduction of transplanted mussels has not been tested in areas dominated by macroalgae. To determine specifically what tips the balance between shores dominated by filter-feeding invertebrates and those dominated by macroalgae, I monitored the recruitment of intertidal mussels at four sites on the Kaikoura coast: two with mussels present and two algal-dominated. No significant differences in mussel recruitment rates were found between habitats and recruitment intensity at all sites was found to be very low. Recruitment limitation is not the reason for the absence of mussels from algal dominated shores but some form of limitation does occur to reduce the number of arriving mussels. Predation effects were examined by transplanting juvenile mussels into caged, uncaged and control treatments. No significant differences in predation rates between habitats were found and transplanted mussels in open cages at all sites were removed within 3 days. Mobile fish predators appeared to be the most likely cause of this intense predation. Growth of transplanted mussels into algal and mussel habitats was found to be significantly different. Mussels grew faster in mussel dominated habitats and after 6 months in algal dominated habitats, all mussels had died. The outcome of these experiments indicates that there is a close relationship between recruitment, survival and growth which tips the balance and allows the existence of mussel beds along the Kaikoura coastline.

Thermal adaptation in freshwater planktonic crustacean Daphnia pulex has been investigated by means of heatshock (35°C) experiments using individuals acclimated to different water temperatures (18, 24, and 28°C). Retention of mobility and survival during the heatshock experiments differed among clones and strongly depended on acclimation temperature: clones acclimated to substressful temperature (28°C) survived significantly longer than clones acclimated to lower temperatures. Both retention of mobility and survival correlated with geographic latitude of the clones' origin. There was, on the other hand, no significant correlation between clones' performance in heatshock experiments and hemoglobin content. Clones do not differ in the degree of the effect of acclimation on survival during heatshock but differ with respect to the effect of acclimation on mobility retention.

The response of aquatic species to contaminants is often context dependent as illustrated by the influence that predation cues can have on the toxicity of some chemicals. We sought to gain additional insight into this interaction by examining how predation cues (alarm cue and fish kairomone) influence metabolic rate and the acute toxicity of sodium chloride and cadmium to fathead minnow larvae (Pimephales promelas) and sodium chloride to Daphnia pulex neonates. Consistent with a “flight or fight” response, the metabolic rate of fish larvae was elevated in the presence of alarm cue and growth of the minnows was also significantly reduced when exposed to alarm cue. The average 48-h LC50 for fathead minnows exposed to sodium chloride was significantly lower in the presence of alarm cue and kairomone combined as compared to tests with the salt alone. Analysis of the dose and survival response indicated alarm cue increased sensitivity of the fish to mid-range salt concentrations in particular. These results suggest an energetic cost of exposure to predation cues that resulted in enhanced toxicity of NaCl. Exposure to kairomone alone had no significant effect on salt toxicity to the minnows, which could be related to a lack of previous exposure to that cue. The acute toxicity of cadmium to the fish larvae was also not affected by the presence of predation cues which could be due to a metal-induced sensory system dysfunction or reduced bioavailability of the metal due to organic exudates from the predation cues. In contrast to the fathead minnow results, the metabolic rate of D. pulex and toxicity of NaCl to the daphnids were reduced in the presence of certain predator kairomones. This suggests an anti-predator response that enhanced tolerance to the salt. This study illustrates that the effect of predation cues on toxicity of aquatic contaminants can vary significantly based on the prey species, type of cue, and chemical stressor.

<p> In this study the influence of several water chemistry parameters on the toxicity of Ni to Daphnia pulex in soft water were tested. A reconstituted soft water (pH 7.8, hardness 31.5 mg/L CaCO3) was used as the basis for culture and testing. Daphnia pulex was chosen as a typical cladoceran, one which can be acclimated to very soft water. An understanding of the influence of water chemistry on Ni toxicity in soft water is relevant because metals have higher bioavailability in soft water. The 48h EC50 in the reconstituted soft water (RSW) was 974 μg/L (16 μM) dissolved Ni (95%CI 830- 1081 μg/L). The following factors were examined for their potential for modifying Ni toxicity: Ca, Mg, Na, K, Cl, pH (3 different approaches used) and natural organic matter (NOM, 2 sources tested). Both Ca and Mg protected against Ni toxicity and the relative effect was greater for Ca. Varying the concentrations of Na, Cl or K did not alter the toxicity of Ni. Tests at different pH showed that as pH increased, Ni toxicity decreased. When the test solution pH was adjusted with the organic buffer 3-morpholinepropanesulfonic acid, there was a clear correlation between increasing pH and increasing EC50. The pH tests using bicarbonate to adjust pH did not show this relationship as clearly. Both types of NOM showed a protective effect on Ni toxicity with Nordic Reservoir NOM having a 4 fold greater effect than that of Suwannee River NOM. This research illustrated that the effect of alterations in water chemistry were generally as predicted within the context of the biotic ligand model (BLM) approach. The data provide the information required to develop a BLM for the acute effects of Ni in soft water.</p> / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc)

Among the most common endoparasites who infected small crustacean Daphnia pulex include microsporidia. These intracellular parasites appear to look like a simple single- celled organisms, but their cell structure and lifecycle prove the opposite. Microsporidia are species-specific. Although they infected most organisms of the animal kingdom, they are not yet sufficiently understood. This theses is inderectly followed up to the studies of waterflea Daphnia longispina and microsporidia Berwaldia schaefernai from the dam reservoirs The aim was to analyze closer microsporidian infection on host Daphnia pulex in a forest pool with simple enviroment, which included monitoring time dynamics of Daphnia population and identification infection caused by microsporidia Berwaldia singularis and yet unknown microsporidia labor-marked "HVH". Laboratory work included determination of zooplankton and parasites, calculation of prevalence, laboratory experiments with transmission of microsporidian infection between healthy and infected flea culture or by isolated spores. Genetic analysis of aquatic invertebrates from the forest pool, especially larvae of mite and mosquitos, helped make closer microsporidian life cycle and hypothesis about secondary hosts, for the presence of pathogen DNA using specific DNA...

Wood ash application (WAA) has been recommended mainly for two reasons; i) to avoid depletion of minerals in the soil due to whole tree harvest in the forestry and ii) to mitigate harmful effects of acidification of soil and surface waters. In conclusion, the effects on terrestrial ecosystems and, especially, tree growth, can be attributed to the properties of the ash, the dose applied and the specific site at which the ash is applied. The research conducted on the effects of WAA on limnological ecosystems is very limited, and the major purpose of the present thesis was to gain knowledge of the effects of wood ash to different freshwater organisms, and the more comprehensive, limnological effects of WAA in the first stream in Bispgården, Sweden. Effects of wood ash solutions on the unicellular alga Euglena gracilis Klebs, the amphipod Gammarus pulex L., and the moss Fontinalis antipyretica Hedw. were investigated under laboratory conditions. Common in all three species was the decline in performance (growth/velocity/respiration/oxygen evolution) when the concentration of wood ash exceeded 5 g/l and no adjustment of pH was done (alkaline solution). In contrast, different movement parameters (motility, upwards swimming and velocity) in E. gracilis (neutral conditions), and increased growth of F. antipyretica with increased concentrations of wood ash indicated that nutrients in the ash was bioavailable for these organisms. There was no evidence of toxic effects on the organisms from metals or other compounds as a result from exposure to wood ash solutions in the present studies. The field study was conducted in a forest area close to Bispgården, about 100 km NW from Sundsvall, Sweden. The catchment area (50 ha) of the stream Fanbergsbäcken was treated with wood ash in September of 2004 (3,000 kg/ha;selfhardened crush-ash). In general, both biological (diatoms) and chemical (pH, alkalinity, and aluminum (Al) measurements) indicators have shown no significant effect on acidification parameters from the addition of wood ash. There was, however, evidence of an increased pH during spring flood, accompanied with a decrease in the frequency of low pH values (&lt;5.6) during spring flood. In addition to this, alkalinity was significantly higher in the period 2005-2006, compared to that of 2003. High concentrations of toxic forms of Al repeatedly occured in the stream Fanbergsbäcken, and the WAA did not affect the frequencies of high concentrations of toxic Al forms (&lt;50 μg/l). Both the moss F. antipyretica and the leaves from Alnus incana displayed increased potassium (K) concentrations, although other nutrients did not increase from WAA. In conclusion, no evidence of WAA being effective in restoring or improving the ecological status of freshwater environments has been established, either in the literature or in the present field study. On the other hand, there were no indications of harmful effects due to WAA, either. However, we still do not know the effects of wood ash on several organisms (predominantly invertebrates) inhabiting small ponds and other, temporary or permanent, freshwater ecosystems. In the context of WAA, these environments and organisms have not attended any attention in the research published to date, and future studies are strongly encouraged.

This work involves the study of the effects of land use on the chemical composition of urban stormwater runoff, and its subsequent acute toxicity to the aquatic invertebrate Daphnia pulex. Samples were obtained from the Brunette drainage basin of Burnaby, British Columbia, from a variety of sites in the land use classifications commercial (C), industrial (I), residential (R) and open/greenspace (0). Results indicate that the toxicity to D. pulex and the chemical composition of the stormwater (measured by such parameters as COD, alkalinity, hardness, hydrocarbons and trace metals) were influenced by land use and the interval between rainfall events. The industrial and commercial land use sites were the major source of those trace metals most often considered toxic to aquatic organisms, with runoff from the commercial sites proving most toxic to the test organism (toxicity followed the sequence C>I>R»0). Bioassays with synthetic stormwater (Cu, Fe, Pb and Zn, at concentrations observed from field samples) demonstrated that pH and suspended solids helped to regulate the toxicity of the trace metals, and implicated the importance of these elements in natural stormwater toxicity. Statistical comparison between synthetic and natural stormwater runoff toxicity yielded poor correlation; however, this was expected due to the inherent differences between the laboratory and field environments. A detailed study of a single storm event indicated that while the "first-flush" of the storm may be contributing to toxicity through the physical scouring of insoluble pollutants, the soluble pollutants proved to be more toxic and were washed out of the area over the entire duration of the event. This prompted the author to propose the complete treatment of all stormwater runoff, and not simply the slug load of the first hour. / Applied Science, Faculty of / Civil Engineering, Department of / Graduate