Particle Capture and Selection by Larvae of Marine Bivalve Molluscs

将使用扫描电子显微镜、高速视频显微镜和颗粒特征操纵相结合的方法来实验调查和分析双壳类幼虫对猎物的捕获和选择。具体地说，本研究将解决以下问题：1)直接截留和水动力过程在双壳类幼虫纤毛捕获颗粒中的相对作用是什么；2)颗粒的物理化学性质(大小、静电和密度)如何影响颗粒捕获和选择；3)捕获后选择是否发生？这种综合的方法包括功能形态、水动力学和生物物理学，对于更好地理解双壳类幼虫和其他浮游纤毛悬浮摄食者的摄食生物学应该是有用的。

A combination of scanning electron microscopy, high-speed video microscopy, and manipulation of particle characteristics will be used to experimentally investigate and analyze prey capture and selection by bivalve larvae. Specifically, the research will address the following questions: 1) What are the relative roles of direct interception and hydrodynamic processes in particle capture by the cilia of bivalve larvae; 2) How do the physiochemical properties of particles (size, electrostatic charge and density) effect particle capture and selection; 3) Does post-capture selection occur? This integrated approach includes functional morphology, hydrodynamics and biophysics, and should be useful in better understanding the feeding biology of bivalve larvae and other planktonic ciliary suspension feeders.