Evaluation of synchrony of feeding behaviour in individual Acartia hudsonica (Copepoda, Calanoida)

Document Type

Article

Date of Original Version

1-1-1992

Abstract

Gut contents were almost always <1.2 ng pigment copepod-1. Coefficients of variation (CV) calculated for each sample, used as indices of synchrony, were always <70%. Highest frequency of synchronized behaviour was observed, independent of time, in individuals from bottom samples. At night, the probability of obtaining any particular CV in individuals from bottom or surface was the same. About 45% of individuals displayed moderately high contents (0.2-0.5 ng) both day and night, but the percentage of copepods with >0.5 ng pigment increased from 16% in the day-time to 42% at night. This non-uniform pattern of gut contents suggests the copepods were feeding in short-term episodes which were perhaps more frequent at night. Light was probably the principal factor controlling the observed feeding periodicity. -from Authors

Publication Title, e.g., Journal

Marine Ecology Progress Series

Volume

87

Issue

1-2

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