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18 04 2011

Daphnia lumholtzi Range Expansion

Posted by: Hannah Naughton in SW13, tags: , , ,

Daphnia lumholtzi, an exotic zooplankton, has invaded freshwater systems throughout the southern and midwestern United States. A study done by Dzialowski et al 2000 conducted regional surveys of eastern Kansas reservoirs to document the range of expansion of D. lumholtzi. It was found in five out of 35 reservoirs sampled in 1994, and 11 out of the 35 reservoirs when re-sampled in 1997. In addition, 40 small ponds inaccessible to recreational boats were sampled, where no D. lumholtzi was found. This suggests that non-human dispersal mechanisms play an insignificant role in the spread of the species.

This study suggests that further experimentation is needed to determine if the absence of D. lumholtzi from these ponds is due to insufficient dispersal mechanisms or the species’ inability to colonize in this environment.

Dzialowski A.R., O’Brien W.J., and Swaffar S.M. 2000. Range expansion and potential dispersal mechanisms of the exotic cladoceran Daphnia lumholtzi. Journal of Plankton Research. Volume 22. Issue 12: 2205-2223.

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4 Responses to “Daphnia lumholtzi Range Expansion”

  1.   Andre May Says:
    April 18th, 2011 at 8:49 pm

    This highlight helps with clarifying a concern I had while doing my own research for this SW. The paper I read stated that recreation boats seem to be responsible for the spread of D. lumholtzi throughout the United States, but failed to give a definite reason as to why that is the case. The fact that Dzialowski et al’s experimentation of lakes absent of recreation led to this result is strong enough proof for me. Also If you think that the paper on genetic sequencing might be useful for your research note, I could provide you tomorrow with the paper’s information. Just remind me if I forget.

  2.   Jessica chyzy Says:
    April 19th, 2011 at 12:33 pm

    Great study and very interesting results. It’s crazy to know how large of an impact humans have on this world. Dr. Dzialowski’s insite is always great!

  3.   Ming Leung Says:
    April 24th, 2011 at 12:32 am

    35 reservoirs were sampled in 1994 and again in 1997. Where did the 40 ponds come from? Were they in the same watershed? Were they observed over time?

    Reservoirs are different from lakes and ponds. Reservoirs are manmade. Ponds are natural. Would that have an effect on Daphnia?

  4.   Hannah Naughton Says:
    April 26th, 2011 at 9:22 pm

    In 1997, 35 reservoirs were sampled as well as 40 ponds near these same watersheds.
    I would think that ponds, since they occur naturally, might have an effect on the Daphnia. D. lumholtzi have been abundant in fish hatcheries, freshwater lakes, ponds, and many reservoirs across the nation. The environment/surrounding ecosystem would definitely impact the species’ population. Also, the effects of the D. lumhultzi on that ecosystem would change, depending on the seasons (like in our Jordan Lake study) and the other species present.