Crustacean zooplankton species richness in Chilean lakes and ponds (23º-51ºS)

Abstract

Chilean inland-water ecosystems are characterized by their low species-level biodiversity. This study analyses available data on surface area, maximum depth, conductivity, chlorophyll-a concentration, and zooplankton crustacean species number in lakes and ponds between 23º and 51ºS. The study uses multiple regression analysis to identify the potential factors affecting the species number. The partial correlation analysis indicated a direct significant correlation between chlorophyll-a concentration and species number, whereas the multiple regression analysis indicated a direct significant response of species number to latitude and chlorophyll-a concentration. These results agree with findings from comparable ecosystems in Argentina and New Zealand.