Aquatic
ecology
We conduct studies on ecology,
evolution and the biodiversity of micro- to macro-organisms in lakes, streams
and oceans, and also biogeochemical studies on these aquatic ecosystems. In aquatic
ecosystems, eukaryotic and prokaryotic autotrophs produce organic matter which
is subsequently consumed by large heterotrophs such as zooplankton, benthos and
fish, then decomposed into nutrients by heterotrophic microorganisms, and
finally recycled by autotrophs. Thus, aquatic ecosystems can be regarded as a
matter-cycling system with two interdependent driving gears, a “microbial loop”
and a “grazing food chain”. Since aquatic biological communities are vulnerable
to human-induced environmental changes in their habitats, it is important to
assess how structural changes in these communities affect matter cycling in
natural aquatic ecosystems, leading to the understanding of relationships
between biodiversity and the functioning of its ecosystem. We also conduct experimental studies on mechanisms
controlling the population and community dynamics of aquatic organisms. Our
goal is a full understanding of the complex interactions between aquatic
organisms and their environments, which will contribute to the conservation of
sustainable ecosystems for human beings and all other organisms on the earth.
Our division
originated from Otsu Hydrobiological Station, which was the pioneering center
of limnology in Japan. Following its academic tradition and research history,
we manage long-term
research project in Lake Biwa using a high-performance research vessel to monitor the effect of
human activities on ecosystem dynamics. Lake Biwa, one of the most ancient
lakes in the world, has high and unique biodiversity with many endemic species,
providing us with good opportunities for establishing a new “biodiversity
science”, which is expected to unify all fields of ecology from micro- to
macroscopic viewpoints to elucidate mechanisms for the creation and maintenance
of biodiversity with the aim of its conservation.
