Nematode trophic structure in the phytotelma of Neoregelia cruenta (Bromeliaceae) in relation to microenvironmental and climate variables.

ABSTRACT: The term phytotelma (pl. phytotelmata) designates a plant-associated reservoir of fresh water and organic debris. Phytotelmata in tank bromeliads are abundant in tropical forests, and they provide shelter, food, and water for many metazoans. Among the invertebrates known to inhabit phytotelmata, nematodes are the least studied, despite their important role in nutrient and energy cycles in freshwater ecosystems. This study was conceived to characterize the nematode trophic structure in the phytotelma of the bromeliad N. cruenta, and to identify climate and microenvironmental variables that impact it. Nematode abundance (total and per trophic group), rainfall, air temperature, the amount of organic debris fallen into the phytotelma, and eight physico-chemical properties (PCPs) of the water r

SUBMITTER: Almeida AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8015368 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature