Continental rifting and habitat formation: arena for resource polymorphism in Arctic charr

Our globe consists of a mosaic of crustal plates, which move in different directions. The direct connection from the mantel through fissures of the crust reveal interesting ecological processes. In two places, the rifting apart of crustal plates is of particular interest for limnology: In Iceland on...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Ambio 1998-05, Vol.27 (3), p.162-169
Main Authors: Jonasson, P.M. (Koebenhavn Univ., Hilleroed (Denmark). Ferskvandsbiologisk Lab.), Jonasson, B, Sandlund, O.T
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
ADAPTACION
ADAPTATION
Anadromous fishes
Animal morphology
Chaff
CHARS
CONSERVACION DE LA NATURALEZA
CONSERVATION DE LA NATURE
EVOLUCION
EVOLUTION
Freshwater
Freshwater ecology
Freshwater fishes
GEOLOGIA
GEOLOGIE
GEOLOGY
Glacial lakes
HABITAT
Habitat conservation
HABITATS
ICELAND
ISLANDE
ISLANDIA
LAC
LAGOS
LAKES
Lentic systems
Marine fishes
NATURE CONSERVATION
OMBLE
POLIMORFISMO
POLYMORPHISM
POLYMORPHISME
SALVELINO
SALVELINUS ALPINUS
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Summary:Our globe consists of a mosaic of crustal plates, which move in different directions. The direct connection from the mantel through fissures of the crust reveal interesting ecological processes. In two places, the rifting apart of crustal plates is of particular interest for limnology: In Iceland on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, and within the Rift Valley systems of East Africa. In Africa, the geological process has been in progress above sea level for millions of years, but in Iceland for only thousands. Recent studies have linked nature to history. This paper discusses resource polymorphism in Arctic charr in Thingvallavatn, in relation to the role of habitat formation. Thingvallavatn is the only known lake in the world with four Arctic charr morphs utilizing the different food resources of the lake. Among the morphs, a clear differentiation in life history characters, morphology, habitat, and food ecology, has occurred within 10 000 years. The morphs also demonstrate a partial genetic differentiation, suggesting a separation into three reproductively semi-isolated gene pools. Conservation and management of this unique lake ecosystem and its catchment area are in progress.
ISSN:0044-7447
1654-7209