Developing a Test Model System for Hatching Crustacean Zooplankton. CHHS Research Day
Presentation
Overview
Overview
Description
Zooplankton communities are complex both in terms of species diversity and timing of life cycles. Therefore, it is critical that all environmental impact studies assess the effects of anthropogenic input on a diverse array of species and life stages. Most studies only assess impacts on active life stages of single zooplankton species. However, the majority of the inland zooplankton have a life-cycle dominated by a dormant embryonic stage. Only a few model species are readily available for testing during, or immediately following, this dormant stage. Specific environmental conditions are required to break embryonic dormancy in zooplankton and initiate hatching. As a first step in developing a new model species, I assessed the effects of media-composition and light exposure on hatching success in the redtail fairy shrimp, Streptocephalus spp. Two media types were tested: a commercially available artificial fresh water solution (All Living Things™) and diluted artificial seawater (Instant Ocean®). Embryos were hatched under constant light or constant darkness. In the diluted artificial seawater solution under constant light, 65% ± 12 of embryos hatched and 40% ± 19 hatched under constant darkness. In the commercial artificial fresh water solution under constant light, 85% ± 2 of embryos hatched while only 30% ± 8 hatched under constant darkness. This suggests that light cues overpower salinity or ionic cues that regulate hatching.
