Laforsch, C; Tollrian, R: Embryological Aspects of Inducible Morphological Defenses in Daphnia, Journal of Morphology, 262, 701-707 (2004), doi:10.1002/jmor.10270
Key words: phenotypic plasticity; embryology; inducible defenses; Daphnia; SEM
Abstract:

Many cases of predator-induced morphological plasticity in daphnids are well studied examples of inducible defenses. However, little is known about the early development of these sometimes conspicuous traits. We compared for the first time in five different Daphnia species the embryonic development of predator-induced
and noninduced animals using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We observed significant morphological
changes in the last embryonic stage in helmet formation in Daphnia cucullata and in neck-pedestal development in Daphnia pulex. In contrast, no morphological changes could be found during embryogenesis between induced and noninduced Daphnia lumholtzi, D. longicephala, and D. ambigua. Strategies for initiating the defensive traits differ among Daphnia species because of trade-offs between environmental requirements and developmental constraints. Some general features of Daphnia embryonic development are described using SEM. All Daphnia embryos have to shed at least three different membranes before leaving the brood pouch of the mother. After the embryos shed the third membrane, chemosensillae that are likely able to detect predator-released chemicals are exposed to the olfactory environment.

Upcoming ...


BayCEER Colloquium:
Th. 2024-04-18
The Canvas of Change: Creative Marketing for Behaviour Change, Sustainability and Social Good
Th. 2024-04-18
Survival, 'dormancy', and resuscitation of microorganisms in water-limited environments: insights from coastal salt flats and desert soil crusts
BayCEER Short Courses:
Tu. 2024-04-16
Geographical information system and R environment for conservation biology
Ecological-Botanical Garden:
Su. 2024-04-07
Führung | Talking Tree: Was Bäume über´s Klima erzählen
Fr. 2024-04-19
Führung | Gesteine im Ökologisch-Botanischen Garten
Weather research site
Luftdruck (356m): 956.3 hPa
Lufttemperatur: 12.5 °C
Niederschlag: 1.3 mm/24h
Sonnenschein: 1 h/d

...more
Globalstrahlung: 441 W/m²
Lufttemperatur: 11.9 °C
Niederschlag: 1.3 mm/24h
Wind (Höhe 32m): 8.2 km/h

...more
This site makes use of cookies More information