Multitrophic interactions in an artificial urban wetland: The macrophyte Chara sp. (Charophyta, Characeae) and its association with gastropods
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.30550/j.lil/2145Keywords:
Biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, Melanoides tuberculata, periphytonAbstract
Lake San Miguel is an artificial wetland located in San Miguel de Tucumán. The macroalga Chara sp. is an important component among the macrophytes of this water body. Its presence increases habitat heterogeneity and impacts biodiversity. The mollusks use the algae as habitat and feed on the associated periphyton, and Chara sp. benefits because this reduces its competition for light and nutrients with the periphyton. Analyzing this relationship would contribute to understanding the ecosystem dynamics of this wetland. Our objectives were to determine the periphytic and malacological richness associated with Chara sp., and to establish whether there is multitrophic interaction between them. Specimens of Chara sp. were collected in a marginal transect, in high and low water level periods. The species of microalgae and gastropods were identified, determining that the composition was similar between both sampling periods. In association with Chara sp., 48 algal taxa, 4 species of gastropods, and egg masses were registered. Among the gastropods, the exotic species Melanoides tuberculata was identified, with a significant predominance over the native species. No variation in the richness of the periphyton was observed due to the mollusks; however, it would be important to evaluate population fluctuations throughout the hydrological year. The meticulous observation of the collected specimens revealed that there are signs of scraping feeding on the surface of Chara sp. Coincidentally, remnants of the algae were detected in the stomach contents of M. tuberculata. Understanding changes in species composition in ecosystems is vital to comprehend how their functioning and ecosystem services might be affected. Our results reveal the need to continue sampling for at least one annual cycle, along with the need to incorporate the measurement of new biotic and physicochemical variables, to increase the understanding of interactions between aquatic communities.
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