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An analysis of prey selection by Mesocyclops edax

  • Copepods
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Abstract

The results of four laboratory experiments suggest that Mesocyclops edax selectively preyed upon Bosmina longirostris, given Daphnia parvula and Diaptomus pallidus as alternative prey. These results support an earlier hypothesis (DeCosta & Janicki, 1978) that M. edax may act as an important determinant of the crustacean plankton community structure in an acid lake devoid of planktivorous fishes.

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Janicki, A., DeCosta, J. An analysis of prey selection by Mesocyclops edax . Hydrobiologia 198, 133–139 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00048630

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