The concept of functional feeding groups was used to classify and model the seasonal variation of zooplankton functional groups in relation to environmental variables.

Zooplankton species were grouped into 8 functional groups that vary spatially and followed a predictable seasonal pattern.

Total nitrogen, total phosphorus, ammonium, chlorophyll-a and water transparency were the major factor influencing zooplankton community.

Top-down control of phytoplankton by zooplankton in Xiquanyan reservoir is not strong enough to produce negative effect.