The ecology of some microcrustacea from standing waters in Tayside, Scotland

Abstract

In synoptic surveys carried out in Tayside, Scotland, data on 14 selected environmental parameters were recorded for 97 standing water sites. Samples of inshore planktonic and epibenthic microfauna were taken at each site by standard methods. A study of the presence, absence and relative abundance of 44 species of Cladocera and Copepoda was made in relation to the levels of the chemical and physical parameters. Relationships between the species and their environment are demonstrated and conclusions are drawn on the possible value of some species as indicators of the trophic status of standing waters in this area.

Keywords :

• Crustacea
• Cladocera
• Copepoda
• Freshwater lakes
• Scotland