Drivers of zooplankton dispersal in a pond metacommunity

Abstract Dispersal success is crucial for the survival of species in metacommunities. Zooplankton engage dispersal through time (i.e., egg bank) and space vectors) by means resting eggs. However, to patches does not equate successful colonization, as there a clear distinction between rates colonization. We performed field mesocosm experiment assessing colonization zooplankton from eggs or transport via directional wind/airborne biotic vectors vicinity three ponds. By using active vs. sterile pond sediments mesh-covered open mesocosms, we disentangled two mechanisms dispersal, i.e., bank space. found that both rotifers cladocerans, sediment type, mesh cover duration influenced richness composition. The relative contribution stages was substantial cladocerans. relatively weak cladocerans when compared rotifers, whereas contributed especially Our study demonstrates strongly depends on mode different can generate distinct community