Structure and Quantitative Characteristics of Zooplankton and Zoobenthos in the Upper Lena River Basin

Abstract

The authors provide data on the taxonomic composition, structure and quantitative characteristics of zooplankton and zoobenthos from the mainstream, floodplain water bodies and side channels of the upper Lena River. A total of 76 species of plankton were recorded, including the northern relict C. scutifer, found in Lake Istok on Lena River. Judging by the structure and quantitative characteristics of zooplankton, the trophic status of these waters ranges from oligotrophic to α-mesotrophic. The zoobenthos is composed mainly of dragonfly larvae, mayflies, caddisflies and chironomids

Keywords

• upper Lena River
• floodplain water bodies
• zooplankton
• zoobenthos
• pattern forming complex
• spatial and seasonal dynamics