Positive feedback between chironomids and algae creates net mutualism between benthic primary consumers and producers

• Published in: Ecology (Durham) Vol. 98; no. 2; p. 447
• Main Authors: Herren, Cristina M, Webert, Kyle C, Drake, Michael D, Jake Vander Zanden, M, Einarsson, Árni, Ives, Anthony R, Gratton, Claudio
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.02.2017
• Subjects: Animals; Chironomidae - physiology; Chlorophyll; Chlorophyll A; Ecosystem; Lakes; Microalgae - physiology; Symbiosis; positive feedback; benthic primary production; consumer-resource dynamics; facilitation; nutrient cycling

The chironomids of Lake Mývatn show extreme population fluctuations that affect most aspects of the lake ecosystem. During periods of high chironomid densities, chironomid larvae comprise over 90% of aquatic secondary production. Here, we show that chironomid larvae substantially stimulate benthic g...