RUI: Propulsion and Prey Encounter in Mobile Medusae

水母是影响海洋浮游生物群落结构的重要捕食者。尽管有证据表明水母可能是选择性捕食者，但这一过程的机制尚未得到清楚的描述。本文提出的研究将检验巡航水母捕食者的推进力与猎物遭遇之间的关系。初步观察表明，由水母钟运动引起的流体流动和粒子夹带可能决定水母与不同类型猎物的相遇率。这一假设将在实验室中通过定量描述移动水母周围的流动模式以及猎物物种的反应模式来验证。实验室工作的预测将与野外同一种水母的猎物选择特征进行比较。最终，了解水母捕食和选择猎物的机制将有助于解释这些捕食者对浮游生物群落的复杂影响。

Medusae are known to be important predators affecting the structure of marine plankton communities. Although evidence indicates medusae may be selective predators, the mechanics of this process have not been clearly described. The research proposed here will examine the relationship between propulsion and prey encounter by cruising medusa predators. Preliminary observations indicate that fluid flow and particle entrainment caused by medusa bell motions may determine encounter rates of mobile medusae with various types of prey. This hypothesis will be tested in the laboratory by quantitatively describing flow patterns around mobile medusae as well as response patterns of prey species. Predictions from laboratory work will be compared with prey selection characteristic of the same medusa species in the field. Ultimately, understanding of the mechanics of prey encounter and selection by medusae will help explain the complex effects of these predators on the plankton community.