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Biol 435 l12 Decomposers
Biol 435 l12 Decomposers
Biol 435 l12 Decomposers
Aquatic Decomposers:
Viruses, Archaea, Bacteria, Protists, Fungi
Autotrophs:
Chemoautotrophs, Anoxygenic Phototrophs,
Cyanobacteria, Eukaryotic Algae,
Non-Vascular Plants, Vascular Plants
Consumers:
Grazers (primary consumers)
Predators (secondary and higher consumers)
All interactions leak
DOM; bacteria are
important in converting
DOM back to living prey
(bacterial cells).
Phylogeny: study of
evolutionary relationships.
Comparison of rRNA base
sequences is most common.
Viruses:
Domain Archaea
Biochemically and
phylogenetically distinct from
Bacteria cells, with some
characteristics more similar to
Eukarya cells
Many are adapted to extreme
environments (heat, acids, salts,
anaerobic).
Methanogenesis is unique to
archea; obligate anaerobes that
respire using carbon dioxide to
methane, an important
Greenhouse Gas.
New archaea groups are being
discovered from non-extreme
environments; little is known
ecologically or physiologically
about these new discoveries.
Methanococcus sp.
Bacteria:
Less than 1% of the bacteria species in the world have actually been
described. Not all species can be cultivated and studied successfully with
present culturing techniques.
Planktonic
Benthic
Epilimnion density
high; trophic activity and
DOM release is greatest
in euphotic zone (yellow
line = light)
Hypolimnion density
decreases (less DOM)
and does not increase
until immediately above
the sediments.
Surface sediment
density is about 1000times greater than
surface water density,
and decreases with
depth, largely due to lack
of oxygen. Anaerobes
grow slower & less
efficient growth.
Heterotrophic Protists
Protists are a polyphyletic group
(many distinct evolutionary
lineages).
Includes many species also
considered algae, or mixotrophs.
Heterotrophic protists are important
as predators of bacteria and as
parasites.
Includes familiar subphyla
Sarcodina (which includes the
Amoeba), Ciliophora (includes the
ciliated Stentor), and
zooflagellates.
Amphibious Fungi
Many taxa have tetraradiant conidia (asexual spores) via
convergent evolution. Shape helps anchor them to leaf
surfaces in stream flow. Colonization enriches CPOM for
shredder amphipods, which are important to the fish diet.
Lichens
Most common in wetlands; rare
in lakes and rivers, never
groundwater.
foliose (leaf-like)
fruticose (projections)