LEC 24 - PTON PARADOX

Question 1

the pton paradox posits that ppton are diverse both globally, and within a single lake. however, we know that if we were to sample a well mixed lake, we should get a pretty consistent sample. why is this the case?

Answer 1

lakes arent really homogenous like the paradox implies
- diff in light avail bw photic and aphotic zone
- diff in temps (stratification)
- diff in O2 avail (stratification)
- diff in nutrient avail

Question 2

over the seasonal cycle, what does ppton diversity look like?

Answer 2

winter:
ICE COVER
- low light pen + no mixing = poor conditions
–> dominant dudes are mixotrophs

spring:
ICE MELTS
- little light pen + big mixing = alright conditions
- ppton can use nutrients procured over winter
–> dominant dudes are diatoms
(will decr over time)

summer:
CYANO CITY BABEY
- stratification cuts off nutrients from the rest of the lake
- diatoms decr as other species get more abundant
- ‘clear water phase’ occurs where waters appear clearer bc zpton abundance goes crazy

late summer/fall
- if zpton have grown too gluttonous, fish may eat them, reducing grazing pressure (ANOTHER BLOOM BABEY!!)

Question 3

HEY IDIOT WHY DOES STRATIFICATION OCCUR SEASONALLY AGAIN??