Document Type
Thesis
Date of Degree Completion
Spring 2013
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
Department
Biology
Committee Chair
Dr. Alison G. Scoville, Department of Biological Sciences
Second Committee Member
Dr. Mary E. Poulson, Department of Biological Science
Third Committee Member
Dr. Audrey D. Huerta, Director Science Honors Research Program
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 pond ecosystems. Daphnia melanica in high alpine ponds 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. 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, cool 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). Undergraduate Honors Theses. 108.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/undergrad_hontheses/108
Comments
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