Presenter: Victoria Scriven (University of South Flordia)
Description:
Bolinopsis infundibulum is a wide-ranging, ubiquitous ctenophore within temperate oceanic waters. However, their fragile nature has precluded quantification of many predator-prey activities in the laboratory. As these animals can also be abundant at depths well beyond those attainable by divers, very little in situ empirical data exist over the depth range of their natural habitats. Thus, we cannot yet assess key predator-prey interactions or reliably evaluate their ecological role in midwater food webs. Working in Monterey Bay, California, we utilize the remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) deployed by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI). Using both live collections and in situ high-definition video footage of ctenophore predator-prey relationships, we assess; gut contents, feeding behaviors, and swimming dynamics during and after predation. Combined with ship-board digestion rate data, this study serves as the first collection of in situ quantitative data for this species at midwater depths. The data was used to quantify thermal sensitivity, daily carbon intake, and other ecologically relevant parameters of the predator-prey interaction. We discuss the implications and feasibility of Bolinopsis populations living at variable depths, the potential impact of their predation on copepods, and nutrient cycling in this important but understudied species.
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Full list of Authors
- Victoria Scriven (University of South Flordia )
- Kakani Katija Young (MBARI )
- Joost Daniels (MBARI)
- Bradford Gemmell (University of South Flordia )
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QUANTITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF THE TROPHIC ECOLOGY OF THE OCEANIC CTENOPHORE; BOLINOPSIS INFUNDIBULUM IN MONTEREY BAY, CALIFORNIA
Category
Scientific Session > ME - Marine Ecology and Biodiversity > ME06 The Fragile Food Web: Dynamics and impacts of gelatinous zooplankton and other understudied organisms
Description
Presentation Preference: Poster
Supporting Program: None
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