Effects of shade, depth and substrate on algal colonization in Douglas Lake.

General EcologyAlgae are a diverse group of photosynthetic organisms that fulfill significant ecological functions within aquatic systems. The simplest classifications of algae are as either benthic or pelagic. The majority of past algal research has focused on pelagic or free-floating algae, as it is the simplest to sample. This investigation aimed to expand the knowledge of benthic algal growth within a dimictic freshwater lake in Northern Michigan. We compared three divisions of algal growth on varying substrates while controlling for depth and light intensity over a 14 day growth period. Because depth and light intensity are limiting factors to algal growth, we anticipated the greatest colonization to occur on the most accurate substrate in the habitat with the most abundant limiting resources. We observed minimal colonization. However, the distribution and abundance followed out hypothesized trends.http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/110115/1/Kirwin_Pall_Schoonover_Smitka_2014.pd