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SOME OBSERVATIONS ON THE VERTICAL MIGRATION OFDINOFLAGELLATES (1) (2).
R W Eppley1, O Holm-Harisen1, J D Strickland1
1Institute of Marine Resources, University of California, San Diego, P.O. Box 109, La Jolla, California 92037.
Journal of Phycology
|April 13, 2016
Summary
Marine dinoflagellates exhibit diurnal vertical migration, moving towards the surface in light and descending in darkness. This migration is influenced by internal cellular periodicity and nitrogen availability.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Oceanography
- Phytoplankton Ecology
Background:
- Dinoflagellates are crucial primary producers in marine ecosystems.
- Understanding their vertical migration patterns is key to comprehending nutrient cycling and ecosystem dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the diurnal vertical migration of marine dinoflagellates using in vivo fluorometric analysis.
- To determine the influence of light, cellular periodicity, and nutrient availability on dinoflagellate migration.
Main Methods:
- Adaptation of in vivo fluorometric analysis to measure chlorophyll concentration.
- Observation of dinoflagellate migration in a deep tank and in situ during a marine bloom.
- Controlled experiments with varying light regimes and nitrogen availability.
Main Results:
- Observed downward migration of Ceratium furca during a coastal bloom, moving from surface waters to depths of 5-16m after sunset.
- Gonyaulax polyedra and Cachonina niei exhibited surface migration during illumination and downward migration (1-2m/hr) in darkness.
- Migration onset preceded light changes, indicating an endogenous cellular rhythm.
- Nitrogen-limited Gonyaulax polyedra lost migratory ability, which was recovered upon nitrogen repletion; Cachonina niei retained some migratory capacity during nitrogen starvation.
Conclusions:
- Dinoflagellate diurnal vertical migration is controlled by a combination of light cues and an endogenous cellular periodicity.
- Nitrogen availability significantly impacts the migratory behavior of some dinoflagellate species.
- Fluorometric analysis is an effective tool for studying phytoplankton migration in marine environments.
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