Subfossil Cladocera represent one of the most valuable biological proxies preserved in lake sediments that can be studied for reconstruction purposes They are widespread in both the pelagic and littoral zones of lakes of different geographical distribution, altitude and typology, where they often represent the dominant component of zooplankton in terms of biomass. The chitinous parts of their body are well preserved in lake sediments, and the taphonomic taxonomy is well established. Cladocera play a key ecological role in freshwater ecosystems, so therir subfossil remains have the capability to track past environmental changes. The strong response of Cladocera remains to environmental variability led to inference methods for quantitative reconstruction of past lake water variables, i.e. phosphorus, lake depth or pH. Revealing full capability of subfossil cladocerans in paleoecological recosntruction including the most recent methods will be the main aim of this thesis.
Preliminary scope of work in English
Subfossil Cladocera represent one of the most valuable biological proxies preserved in lake sediments that can be studied for reconstruction purposes They are widespread in both the pelagic and littoral zones of lakes of different geographical distribution, altitude and typology, where they often represent the dominant component of zooplankton in terms of biomass. The chitinous parts of their body are well preserved in lake sediments, and the taphonomic taxonomy is well established. Cladocera play a key ecological role in freshwater ecosystems, so therir subfossil remains have the capability to track past environmental changes. The strong response of Cladocera remains to environmental variability led to inference methods for quantitative reconstruction of past lake water variables, i.e. phosphorus, lake depth or pH. Revealing full capability of subfossil cladocerans in paleoecological recosntruction including the most recent methods will be the main aim of this thesis.
- assigned by the advisor