Populations of Daphnia melanica vary in their behavioral response to visible and UV light
Document Type
Oral Presentation
Campus where you would like to present
SURC 137B
Start Date
16-5-2013
End Date
16-5-2013
Abstract
Daphnia are a genus of freshwater zooplankton that inhabit ponds and lakes. They are commonly used as a model organism for ecological genomics because they are easy to manipulate in the lab, can reproduce clonally, and are considered a keystone species in lake ecosystems. Daphnia melanica in high alpine lakes of the Olympic National Park are exposed to high levels of UVB. UVB rays cause DNA damage that can be detrimental to the organism if not fixed. D. melanica from more transparent ponds of the Olympic National Park have evolved faster rates of DNA repair compared to D. melanica from less transparent ponds. D. melanica can also move down the water column to avoid harmful UVB rays. Daily migration up and down the water column, known as Diel Vertical Migration, is a key aspect of Daphnia ecology and behavior. In this study, I measured vertical migration behavior of six populations of D. melanica in three different light conditions: dark, cold visible light, and UV light. Eight clones were scored for each population and four individuals were scored for each clone. All populations initially moved downwards in response to both types of light. However, the specific pattern of response differed both between light conditions and between populations. Differences in behavior between populations may reflect adaptation to different UV regimes, invertebrate predators, or distribution of food in the water column.
Recommended Citation
Tompkins, Amanda, "Populations of Daphnia melanica vary in their behavioral response to visible and UV light" (2013). Symposium Of University Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE). 132.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source/2013/oralpresentations/132
Additional Mentoring Department
Biological Sciences
Populations of Daphnia melanica vary in their behavioral response to visible and UV light
SURC 137B
Daphnia are a genus of freshwater zooplankton that inhabit ponds and lakes. They are commonly used as a model organism for ecological genomics because they are easy to manipulate in the lab, can reproduce clonally, and are considered a keystone species in lake ecosystems. Daphnia melanica in high alpine lakes of the Olympic National Park are exposed to high levels of UVB. UVB rays cause DNA damage that can be detrimental to the organism if not fixed. D. melanica from more transparent ponds of the Olympic National Park have evolved faster rates of DNA repair compared to D. melanica from less transparent ponds. D. melanica can also move down the water column to avoid harmful UVB rays. Daily migration up and down the water column, known as Diel Vertical Migration, is a key aspect of Daphnia ecology and behavior. In this study, I measured vertical migration behavior of six populations of D. melanica in three different light conditions: dark, cold visible light, and UV light. Eight clones were scored for each population and four individuals were scored for each clone. All populations initially moved downwards in response to both types of light. However, the specific pattern of response differed both between light conditions and between populations. Differences in behavior between populations may reflect adaptation to different UV regimes, invertebrate predators, or distribution of food in the water column.
Faculty Mentor(s)
Alison Scoville