Ponds and pools as model systems in conservation biology, ecology and evolutionary biology

Luc De Meester, S. Declerck, R. Stoks, G. Louette, F. Van de Meutter, T. De Bie, E. Michels, L. Brendonck

Research output: Contribution to journal/periodicalArticleScientificpeer-review

361 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

1. Ponds and pools, broadly defined in this paper to include all small and shallow standing waters that permanently or temporarily contain water, are numerous, diverse and important from a conservation point of view. We here argue that ponds and pools offer powerful potential for studies in ecology, evolutionary biology and conservation biology. 2. An outline is given of the characteristics of pools and ponds that make them good model systems for large-scale surveys and hypothesis testing through experimental manipulation. Such Studies will not only increase understanding Of Community and genetic structure, as well as of patterns of biodiversity, in small aquatic habitats themselves, but may also contribute significantly to testing general theory. 3. These merits are illustrated by the recent progress on the understanding of the relative importance of local versus regional factors in structuring populations and communities, as well as of the impact of hydroperiod on community and ecosystem functioning. Copyright (c) 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)715-725
Number of pages11
JournalAquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems
Volume15
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2005
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • ponds temporary pools aquatic biodiversity connectedness hydroperiod conservation community structure local genetic differentiation fresh-water zooplankton species richness metacommunity structure habitat gradient temporary ponds shallow lakes invertebrate communities agricultural landscape damselfly assemblages Environmental Sciences & Ecology Marine & Freshwater Biology Water Resources

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