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Rapid evolution revealed by dormant eggs

Author

Listed:
  • Nelson G. Hairston

    (Cornell University)

  • Winfried Lampert

    (Max-Planck-Institut für Limnologie)

  • Carla E. Cáceres

    (Center for Aquatic Ecology, Illinois Natural History Survey)

  • Cami L. Holtmeier

    (Cornell University)

  • Lawrence J. Weider

    (Max-Planck-Institut für Limnologie)

  • Ursula Gaedke

    (Limnologisches Institut, Universität Konstanz)

  • Janet M. Fischer

    (Cornell University)

  • Jennifer A. Fox

    (Cornell University)

  • David M. Post

    (Cornell University)

Abstract

Natural selection can lead to rapid changes in organisms, which can in turn influence ecosystem processes1. A key factor in the functioning of lake ecosystems is the rate at which primary producers are eaten, and major consumers, such as the zooplankton Daphnia2, can be subject to strong selection pressures when phytoplankton assemblages change. Lake Constance in central Europe experienced a period of eutrophication (the biological effects of an input of plant nutrients) during the 1960s–70s3, which caused an increase4 in the abundance of nutritionally poor or even toxic5 cyanobacteria. By hatching long-dormant eggs6 of Daphnia galeata found in lake sediments, we show that the mean resistance of Daphnia genotypes to dietary cyanobacteria increased significantly during this eutrophication. This rapid evolution of resistance has implications for the ways that ecosystems respond to nutrient enrichment through the impact of grazers on primary production.

Suggested Citation

  • Nelson G. Hairston & Winfried Lampert & Carla E. Cáceres & Cami L. Holtmeier & Lawrence J. Weider & Ursula Gaedke & Janet M. Fischer & Jennifer A. Fox & David M. Post, 1999. "Rapid evolution revealed by dormant eggs," Nature, Nature, vol. 401(6752), pages 446-446, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:401:y:1999:i:6752:d:10.1038_46731
    DOI: 10.1038/46731
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