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Science 1 July 1994:
Vol. 265. no. 5168, pp. 97 - 100
DOI: 10.1126/science.265.5168.97
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Articles

Ecosystem Response to Solar Ultraviolet-B Radiation: Influence of Trophic-Level Interactions

Max L. Bothwell 1, Darren M. J. Sherbot 2, and Colleen M. Pollock 2

1 National Water Research Institute, Burlington, ON L7R 4A6, and National Hydrology Research Institute, Saskatoon, SK S7N 3H5, Canada
2 National Hydrology Research Institute, Saskatoon, SK S7N 3H5, Canada

Correspondence should be addressed at the National Hydrology Research Institute, Saskatoon, SK S7N 3H5, Canada

Solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) can reduce the photosynthesis and growth of benthic diatom communities in shallow freshwater. Nevertheless, greater amounts of algae accumulate in UVR-exposed habitats than in UVR-protected environments. Near-ultraviolet (UVA wavelengths of 320 to 400 nanometers) and mid-ultraviolet (UVB, wavelengths of 280 to 320 nanometers) radiation also inhibit algal consumers (Diptera: Chironomidae). Larval chironomids are more sensitive to UVB than sympatric algae. Differential sensitivity to UVB between algae and herbivores contributes to counterintuitive increases in algae in habitats exposed to UVB. These mesocosm experiments illustrate that predictions of the response of entire ecosystems to elevated UVB cannot be made on single trophic-level assessments.

Submitted on February 1, 1994
Accepted on May 4, 1994


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