Beta diversity of freshwater algal communities: Influence of different dispersal mechanisms

Abstract

Abstract Although animal vectors facilitate algal dispersal, the specific role of individual vectors in the temporal dynamics of algal community establishment remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of wind and animal vectors, specifically amphibians and odonates, on temporal variation in algal composition and abundance. We conducted a 33-day field experiment in 2018 with four treatments that included different propagule additives. We identified 74 algal species from 11 taxonomic groups, with Chlorophyceae being the most abundant. Species richness and density varied significantly after day 12. Similarity in species composition and density increased over time in all treatments, with more species added at the beginning of the experiment and more species lost at the end. Our results suggest that different vectors had different effects on the local beta-temporal diversity of algal communities. The influence of morphological differences among vectors and the number of dispersal vectors on the variation of beta diversity and community characteristics was observed. We found that dissimilarity changed more rapidly when there were multiple vectors capable of dispersing more individuals and species. The effectiveness of algal dispersal by different animal vectors and its influence on the temporal dynamics of algal communities can vary in different environments and over longer periods of time. Overall, our study highlights the importance of understanding dispersal control and its relationship to the temporal dynamics of algal communities