Article Abstract:
Research into the transgenerational induction of defences in animals and plants has involved a study of non-lethal exposure of wild radish plants (Raphanus raphanistrum) and waterfleas (Daphnia cucullata) to their predators. Particular attention was given to the impact on the defensive phenotypes of their offspring. It was established that transgenerational effects may provide a means of overcoming developmental limitations acting on individuals at significant stages in the life cycle. It is suggested that transgenerational induced defences are a logical extension of fitness-boosting strategies of organisms under threat.
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Article Abstract:
Alternative antipredator strategies involving an association between habitat-selection traits and life history strategies appear to influence intrapopulational genetic polymorphism in zooplankton. Indoor mesocosms were used to analyze the intrapopulational genetic variations for day depth in a Daphnia hyalina x galeata hybrid population. Clones differing in body size were vertically distributed in a different manner. The larger clones tended to migrate to a greater depth during the day.
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Article Abstract:
Research describing the vertical migration of zooplankton is presented. In particular the hypothesis that downward movement is in response to increased ultraviolet radiation exposure is tested by observations of several Daphnia species.
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