Herzog, QT; Tittgen, C; Laforsch, C: Predator specific reversibility of morphological defenses in Daphnia barbata, Journal of Plankton Research, 1-10 (2016), online: 20.06.2016, doi:10.1093/plankt/fbw045 | |
Stichworte: Daphnia; inducible defenses; phenotypic plasticity; reversibility; morphological defenses; induced defenses; Daphnia barbata; Triops; Notonecta; morphological plasticity | |
Abstract: Inducible defenses are a common phenotypically plastic response to a heterogeneous predation risk. Once induced, these defenses cannot only lose their benefit, but even become costly, should the predator disappear. Consequently, some organisms have developed the ability to reverse their defensive traits. However, despite extensive research on inducible defenses, reports on reversibility are rare and mostly concentrate on defensive behavior. In our study, we investigated the reversibility of morphological defenses in the freshwater crustacean Daphnia barbata. This species responds to Notonecta glauca and Triops cancriformis with two distinctively defended morphotypes. Within the numerous defensive traits, we found both trait- and predator-specific reversibility. Body torsion and tail-spine-related traits were highly reversible, whereas helmet-related traits remained stable, suggesting different physiological constraints. However, in general, we found the defenses against Triops mostly reversible, while Notonecta-induced defenses were persistent and grew further, even in the absence of a predator. |
BayCEER-Kolloquium: |
---|
Do. 18.04.2024 aktuell Survival, 'dormancy', and resuscitation of microorganisms in water-limited environments: insights from coastal salt flats and desert soil crusts |
Do. 18.04.2024 aktuell The Canvas of Change: Creative Marketing for Behaviour Change, Sustainability and Social Good |
BayCEER Short Courses: |
Di. 16.04.2024 aktuell Geographical information system and R environment for conservation biology |
Ökologisch-Botanischer Garten: |
Fr. 19.04.2024 Führung | Gesteine im Ökologisch-Botanischen Garten |
So. 21.04.2024 Führung | Den ÖBG kennenlernen: Allgemeine Gartenführung |