Thesis
Thin layer formation and vertical migration behavior of the dinoflagellate Akashiwo sanguinea Hirasaka in response to light and predators
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
2010
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/102142
Abstract
Akashiwo sanguinea (formerly Gymnodinium splendens) is a commonly occurring dinoflagellate in coastal and estuarine environments. This vertically migrating dinoflagellate is known to form thin layers at surface and depth. These thin layers represent areas of high cell abundances and zones of potentially increased rates of biological processes. These experiments tested for the effects of light and the presence of copepod predators on the spatial and temporal distributions of Akashiwo sanguinea using a system of 2m tall plexiglass tanks. Experimental treatments included a diel (12h light:12h dark) light cycle at moderate intensities (ca. 120.9 [mu]mol m-2 s-1 at surface) and the presence of either cultured (Acartia tonsa) or wild-caught copepods (Acartia (Acartiura) spp.). Light strongly affected A. sanguinea distributions, i.e. dinoflagellates were higher in the water column at midday and deeper at midnight. In the presence of wild copepods weighted mean depths of A. sanguinea were significantly deeper during both day and night (p = 0.028 and p = 0.002). These results are unique and important because they demonstrate that the migratory behavior of this dinoflagellate is controlled by a complex suite of physiochemical and biologically mediated cues.
Metrics
14 File views/ downloads
30 Record Views
Details
- Title
- Thin layer formation and vertical migration behavior of the dinoflagellate Akashiwo sanguinea Hirasaka in response to light and predators
- Creators
- Joel Arthur Quenette
- Contributors
- Stephen M. Bollens (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Environment, School of the (CAHNRS)
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; [Pullman, Washington] :
- Identifiers
- 99900525009101842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis