In Situ Measurement of Oxygen Consumption by Gelatinous Zooplankton

解决远洋食物网内的结构和功能需要使用适当的技术和设备。胶状浮游动物是这项提案的目标，因为它们代表了整个海洋水柱中一种研究较少但具有重要生态意义的动物。由于其微妙的性质，大多数软体浮游动物的新陈代谢只能在它们的自然环境中进行研究，并假设现场测量耗氧量将减少与动物处理、压力和温度变化以及光冲击有关的误差。现场获得的数据将被用来量化胶状浮游动物对中水群落能量的贡献。此外，将这一信息与甲壳类和鱼类的类似代谢数据进行比较，将提供一个重要的对应点，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.