In Situ Measurement of Oxygen Consumption by Gelatinous Zooplankton

要解决远洋食物网的结构和功能问题，就需要使用适当的技术和设备。胶凝浮游动物是本提案的目标，因为它们是整个海洋水柱中研究较少但具有重要生态意义的动物群。由于其微妙的性质，大多数软体浮游动物的代谢只能在其自然环境中进行研究，据推测，氧消耗的原位测量将导致与动物处理，压力和温度变化，以及光冲击相关的错误减少。现场获得的数据将用于量化凝胶状浮游动物对中层水群落能量学的贡献。此外，将这一信息与甲壳类动物和鱼类的类似代谢数据进行比较，将提供一个重要的对照点，使人们能够更好地了解深海的选择性压力。

The resolution of structure and function within pelagic food webs requires the use of appropriate techniques and equipment. Gelatinous zooplankton are targeted in this proposal as they represent a poorly studied but ecologically important fauna throughout the oceanic water column. Due to their delicate nature, the metabolism of most soft-bodied zooplankton can only be investigated in their natural environment and it is hypothesized that in situ measurements of oxygen consumption will lead to reduced errors associated with animal handling, pressure and temperature changes, and light shock. Data obtained in situ will be used to quantify the contribution of gelatinous zooplankton to the energetics of midwater communities. Furthermore, comparisons of this information with similar metabolic data on crustaceans and fishes will provide an important counterpoint and permit a better understanding of selective pressures in the deep sea.