3.10.1 Meroplanktonic algae
The majority of lake algae are holoplanktonic, being
present within the water column over much of the
annual cycle, and competing with other algae for
light and nutrients during this period. In contrast to
this, meroplanktonic algae have evolved a relatively
limited planktonic existence, with a large part of the
annual cycle being spent as a dormant phase on the
lake sediments. Meroplanktonic algae include the
diatom Melosira and the blue-green alga Microcystis,
which have their planktonic phase at different
times in the annual cycle of temperate lakes