Microperiphyton and Zooplankton in Experimental Ecosystems with Hydrophytes

Changes in the structure of microperiphyton and zooplankton communities in the presence of hydrophytes Ceratophyllum demersum L. and Utricularia vulgaris L. have been studied. In experimental ecosystems with hydrophytes, the ratio of autotrophic to heterotrophic organisms and the abundance of Sarcomastigophora decreased while the number of infusorians in microperiphyton increased. The abundance of Rotifera and crustaceans of fam. Chydoridae increased significantly in zooplankton. Specific features of the structure of two communities depending on a plant species were noted. It was revealed that the species composition and abundance of microperiphyton and zooplankton in overgrowths of hydrophytes are closely related. Algae not consumed by zooplankters dominate in microperiphyton. The structure and ratio of heterotrophic organisms depended mainly on the abundance of zoophagous cyclops.