In Science we cannot say that 'the exception proves the rule'. We have been
looking to define patterns in phytoplankton occurrence across trophic spec
tra where conspicuous covariations between algae and trophic states have be
en reported. We consider quite different phytoplankton communities observed
under similar trophic conditions: we illustrate this point by considering
five different phytoplankton communities living in five water bodies in the
same wetland, along a TP gradient and over a period of 2 years. This syste
m showed a remarkable dissimilarity of species representation, implying com
munities of uncorrelated species vary considerably over time. Despite the p
resence of some characteristic species, communities were not related to a g
iven trophic state. However, coarser community attributes, such as clusters
of taxonomic classes, appeared to be more useful in identifying patterns a
nd assembly rules related to trophic spectra. Some ecological concepts can
be related to this lack of pattern, e.g., nonconvergence, trajectories far
from equilibrium and assembly rules of communities.