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Vertical distribution of Daphnia longispina in a shallow subarctic pond: Does the interaction of ultraviolet radiation and Chaoborus predation explain the pattern?

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Abstract

The adaptive significance of vertical migration by planktonic organisms is often explained in terms of reducing the risk of predation. Observational evidence, however, indicates that migratory patterns may also be triggered by solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Such a strategy would allow animals to escape from UV-induced damage into deeper water layers. In this study, we examine the relation of several biotic (invertebrate predators, algae) and abiotic (temperature, radiation) factors to the vertical distribution of Daphnia longispina in a 50-cm-deep, fishless pond in subarctic Finnish Lapland. Samples were taken from three depths, on both sunny and overcast days, and at different hours of day. Our results show that, on sunny days, the vertical distribution of Daphnia responds to ultraviolet radiation, whereas on overcast days, predator avoidance (phantom midge, Chaoborus obscuripes) is a better predictor of Daphnia distribution. Juvenile and adult Daphnia showed a similar distribution pattern.

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Acknowledgements

We thank the people working at the Kilpisjärvi biological station for providing a stimulating environment for research. Kalevi Salonen is acknowledged for the measurements of the radiation attenuation in the study pond, and Jari Uusikivi for identifying the Chaoborus obscuripes. Andy Casper reviewed the manuscript. The study was funded by the Academy of Finland (contract no. 40868) and the Deutsche Akademischer Austauschdienst, CIMO and the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (grant OH62/1-1).

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  1. Milla Rautio

    Present address: Dépt de Biologie, Université Laval, Sainte-Foy, Quebec, G1K 7P4, Canada

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Hydrobiology, Department of Ecology and Systematics, University of Helsinki, (Viikinkaari 1)-00014, P.O. Box 65, Finland

    Milla Rautio & Atte Korhola

  2. Kilpisjärvi Biological Station, 99490, Kilpisjärvi, Finland

    Milla Rautio & Atte Korhola

  3. Department of Plant and Cell Physiology, Martin-Luther University, (Weinbergweg 10), 06120, Halle, Germany

    Iris D. Zellmer

Authors
  1. Milla Rautio
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  2. Atte Korhola
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  3. Iris D. Zellmer
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Correspondence to Milla Rautio.

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Rautio, M., Korhola, A. & Zellmer, I.D. Vertical distribution of Daphnia longispina in a shallow subarctic pond: Does the interaction of ultraviolet radiation and Chaoborus predation explain the pattern?. Polar Biol 26, 659–665 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-003-0533-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-003-0533-9

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