Abstract
Microzooplankton' community structure, abundance and biomass were examined in five environments of contrasting physical and chemical conditions, trophic state, and ecological complexity. They were: Lake Okaro, a small eutrophic lake; Lake Taupo, a large oligotrophic lake; coastal waters off the west coast of the South Island, and the extreme environments of geothermal Lake Rotowhero and antarctic Lake Fryxell and ponds. The spatial and temporal variability in species composition and abundance of microzooplankton were examined in relation to environmental factors and potential food sources.