Behavioral Cues Responsible for the Initiation and Maintenance of Copepod Swarms

这个项目将研究潜在的线索，启动和 维持海洋桡足类Dioithona oculata的群体行为， 通过计算机运动分析来研究个体和群体 对光照强度和信息素的反应 概念模型 的群集行为模式：昼夜光周期 提供释放者提示，阈值光强度提供 唤醒线索，光强度的梯度会引起蜂拥 反应 个体在群中定位的线索可能是光 强度和/或信息素。这项研究将首先确定 趋光性的光敏性和对化学信息素的反应 通过记录个人的游泳轨迹发出信号。游泳 群体中个体的行为和空间分布将是 在实验室光梯度中对实验室蜂群进行量化， 光强度的变化，以及群标记的存在（光束 光）。 实验室蜂群生活史阶段组成 将被操纵来测试信息素的效果 女性和其他阶段。 实验室蜂群行为将 与野外蜂群相比。最初，所有实验都将 在中午进行，直到出现或不出现 已经确定了昼夜节律。 这项研究将有助于验证 群体行为概念模型提供了一个框架， 解释浮游动物聚集的原位观测结果，以及 提供解释群集的机制， 数学模型

This project will examine the potential cues that initiate and maintain swarm behavior in the marine copepod, Dioithona oculata, by computerized motion analysis to study individual and swarm responses to light intensity and pheromones. A conceptual model is presented for the swarming behavior pattern: diel light cycles provide a releasor cue, a threshold light intensity provides an arousal cue, and gradients of light intensity elicit a swarming response. Cues for individuals to orient in the swarm may be light intensity, and/ or pheromones. The study will first determine photosensitivity by phototaxis, and response to chemical pheromone signals by recording individual swimming tracks. The swimming behavior and spatial distribution of individuals in a swarm will be quantified for laboratory swarms in experimental light gradients, changes in light intensity, and presence of a swarm marker (beam of light). The life history stage composition of laboratory swarms will be manipulated to test for the effect of pheromones from adult females and other swarming stages. Laboratory swarm behavior will be compared to that of field swarms. Initially all experiments will be conducted during midday until the presence or absence of circadian rhythms has been determined. This study will help verify the conceptual model of swarm behavior, provide a framework for interpreting in situ observations of zooplankton aggregation, and provide mechanisms for explaining swarming which can be included in mathematical models.