What will happen if the "zooplankton" population decreased?
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A decrease in the zooplankton population can have significant ecological consequences. Zooplankton play a crucial role in marine and freshwater ecosystems by serving as a vital link in the food web. Changes in zooplankton populations can impact fish populations, as zooplankton are a primary food source for many small fishes. Additionally, disruptions in zooplankton communities due to factors like hypoxia can lead to shifts in zooplankton community structure and overall declines in total zooplankton production. Furthermore, a decline in zooplankton biomass can be influenced by environmental factors like warming waters and decreased nutrient availability, potentially leading to further reductions in zooplankton populations. Overall, a decrease in zooplankton populations can disrupt marine and freshwater ecosystems, affecting food webs and ecosystem functioning.
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| Papers (5) | Insight |
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833 Citations | If zooplankton population decreases, it can disrupt the food web, impact larval fish and bird diets, and affect commercially important fish species, potentially leading to ecological imbalances. |
Open access•Dissertation 19 Jun 2018 | If zooplankton populations decrease, it can disrupt water quality and food webs in lakes and reservoirs, impacting ecosystem functioning and fisheries due to their crucial role in these environments. |
| Decreased zooplankton populations during transoceanic transfer in ballast water can lead to genetic diversity loss, potential population bottlenecks, and impact on successful establishment in new ecosystems. | |
| If zooplankton populations decrease due to calcium decline, it can lead to shifts in community structure and overall declines in total zooplankton production in Canadian Shield lakes. | |
| Decrease in zooplankton population may lead to reduced fish population due to disrupted food web dynamics, impacting marine ecosystem balance and potentially affecting fisheries. |
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