Dependence of demographic parameters and results of competition on temperature in cladocerans

Laboratory experiments and computer simulations have been performed to study the influence of increased temperatures on the structure of cladoceran communities. Analysis of changes in the rate of population growth and demographic parameters has shown that smaller cladoceran species are less sensitive to decreased concentrations of food at any of the test temperatures (18, 21, and 27°C). An increase in temperature from 18°C to 27°C has been shown to facilitate the establishment of acute competition conditions. At 18°C, periods of food deficiency are shorter, and competition is therefore less manifested than at 27°C. According to the results of computer simulations, alleviation of competition in waters with “low” temperatures results from reduction of the periods of food deficiency because of prolonged juvenile development.