PT Journal AU Pithart, D TI Algae as co-creators of their own environment [in Czech] SO Czech Phycology PY 2002 BP 75 EP 82 VL 2 IS 1 AB Story of plankton seasonal course in small pond priest pot in NW England is taken as an example of self-structuration of vertically stratified lake ecosystem. From spring to the end of summer, the stratification enhances, species diversity increases. Rather than competition for existing niches, niches are co-created by organisms themselves - by changing their micro - environment. Positive feedback: more complex structure - more niches - higher biodiversity - more complex structure is evident. So-called a-biotic gradients in vertical water column are produced and maintained by permanent life activity of organisms. ER