Abstract
Direct observations show that almost all (97%) Polyarthra remata caught in the inhalant current of Daphnia pulex avoid inhalation by initiating escape responses. Microvideographic analysis shows that these responses are initiated, on average, 0.24 mm (about 2.5 body lengths) from the inhalant opening of the branchial chamber, when the Polyarthra are moving at a velocity of about 1.4 mm s−1 (about 6 times their normal swimming speed — 0.24 mm s−1). The stimulus for the escape response could be rapid acceleration or, more likely, shear. The average distance traveled during an escape response is at least 1.25 mm (about 12 body lengths).
The Polyarthra escape response can provide a very effective defense against interference from Daphnia and may greatly increase the ability of Polyarthra spp. to coexist with Daphnia.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Adalsteinsson, H., 1979. Zooplankton and its relation to available food in Lake Mývatn. Oikos 32: 162–194.
Burns, C. W. & J. J. Gilbert, 1986a. Effects of daphnid size and density on interference between Daphnia and Keratella cochlearis. Limnol. Oceanogr. 31: 848–858.
Burns, C. W. & J. J. Gilbert, 1986b. Direct observations of the mechanisms of interference between Daphnia and Keratella cochlearis. Limnol. Oceanogr. 31: 859–866.
Gilbert, J. J., 1980. Feeding in the rotifer Asplanchna: behavior, cannibalism, selectivity, prey defenses, and impact on rotifer communities. In W. C. Kerfoot (ed.), Evolution and Ecology of Zooplankton Communities. The University Press of New England, Hanover (N.H.): 158–172.
Gilbert, J. J., 1985. Escape response of the rotifer Polyarthra: a high-speed cinematographic analysis. Oecologia 66: 322–331.
Gilbert, J. J. & R. S. Stemberger, 1985. Control of Keratella populations by interference competition from Daphnia. Limnol. Oceanogr. 30: 180–188.
Gilbert, J. J. & C. E. Williamson, 1978. Predator-prey behavior and its effect on rotifer survival in associations of Mesocyclops edax, Asplanchna girodi, Polyarthra vulgaris, and Keratella cochlearis. Oecologia 37: 13–22.
Moore, M. V. & J. J. Gilbert, 1987. Age-specific Chaoborus predation on rotifer prey. Freshwat. Biol., in press.
Stemberger, R. S., 1981. A general approach to the culture of planktonic rotifers. Can. J. Fish. aquat. Sci. 38: 721–724.
Stemberger, R. S., 1985. Prey selection by the copepod Diacyclops thomasi. Oecologia 65: 492–497.
Stemberger, R. S. & M. S. Evans, 1984. Rotifer seasonal succession and copepod predation in Lake Michigan. J. Great Lakes Res. 10: 417–428.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Gilbert, J.J. The Polyarthra escape from response: Defense against interference from Daphnia . Hydrobiologia 147, 235–238 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00025748
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00025748