Diel variation of the cellular carbon to nitrogen ratio of Chlorella autotrophica (Chlorophyta) growing in phosphorus‐ and nitrogen‐limited continuous cultures

We investigated the relationship between daily growth rates and diel variation of carbon (C) metabolism and C to nitrogen (N) ratio under P‐ and N‐limitation in the green algae Chlorella autotrophica. To do this, continuous cultures of C. autotrophica were maintained in a cyclostat culture system under 14:10 light:dark cycle over a series of P‐ and N‐limited growth rates. Cell abundance, together with cell size, as reflected by side scatter signal from flow cytometric analysis demonstrated a synchronized diel pattern with cell division occurring at night. Under either type of nutrient limitation, the cellular C:N ratio increased through the light period and decreased through the dark period over all growth rates, indicating a higher diel variation of C metabolism than that of N. Daily average cellular C:N ratios were higher at lower dilution rates under both types of nutrient limitation but cell enlargement was only observed at lower dilution rates under P‐limitation. Carbon specific growth rates during the dark period positively correlated with cellular daily growth rates (dilution rates), with net loss of C during night at the lowest growth rates under N‐limitation. Under P‐limitation, dark C specific growth rates were close to zero at low dilution rates but also exhibited an increasing trend at high dilution rates. In general, diel variations of cellular C:N were low when dark C specific growth rates were high. This result indicated that the fast growing cells performed dark C assimilation at high rates, hence diminished the uncoupling of C and N metabolism at night.     

Diel leaf growth cycles in Clusia spp. are related to changes between C3 photosynthesis and crassulacean acid metabolism during development and during water stress

This study reports evidence that the timing of leaf growth responds to developmental and environmental constraints in Clusia spp. We monitored diel patterns of leaf growth in the facultative C₃-crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) species Clusia minor and in the supposedly obligate CAM species Clusia alata using imaging methods and followed diel patterns of CO₂ exchange and acidification. Developing leaves of well-watered C. minor showed a C₃-like diel pattern of gas exchange and growth, with maximum relative growth rate (RGR) in the early night period. Growth slowed when water was withheld, accompanied by nocturnal CO₂ exchange and the diel acid change characteristic of CAM. Maximum leaf RGR shifted from early night to early in the day when water was withheld. In well-watered C. alata , similar changes in the diel pattern of leaf growth occurred with the development of CAM during leaf ontogeny. We hypothesize that the shift in leaf growth cycle that accompanies the switch from C₃ photosynthesis to CAM is mainly caused by the primary demand of CAM for substrates for nocturnal CO₂ fixation and acid synthesis, thus reducing the availability of carbohydrates for leaf growth at night. Although the shift to leaf growth early in the light is presumably associated with the availability of carbohydrates, source–sink relationships and sustained diurnal acid levels in young leaves of Clusia spp. need further evaluation in relation to growth processes.     

Temporal plasticity in thermal‐habitat selection of burbot Lota lota a diel‐migrating winter‐specialist

In this study, animal‐borne telemetry with temperature sensors was coupled with extensive habitat temperature monitoring in a dimictic reservoir, to test the following hypotheses: behavioural thermoregulation occurs throughout the year and temperature selection varies on a diel and seasonal basis, in a winter‐specialist diel‐migrating fish. Burbot Lota lota demonstrated nightly behavioural thermoregulation throughout the year, with a large seasonal shift between selection for very cold temperatures (<2° C) optimal for reproduction during the spawning period and selection for warmer temperatures (12–14° C) optimal for hunting and feeding during non‐reproductive periods. During daylight hours, while L. lota avoided habitats warmer than optimal for reproduction and feeding during the spawning and non‐reproductive periods, respectively, active selection was limited to selection for 4–6° C habitat during the prespawning period. Although behavioural thermoregulation explained the night‐time migration, behavioural thermoregulation only partially explained daytime behaviour, indicating that diel migration is best explained by a combination of factors. Thus, thermal‐habitat selection was a good predictor of night‐time habitat occupancy in a diel‐migrating species. Together, these results show that thermal‐habitat selection by fishes may be important throughout the year and a more seasonally plastic behaviour than previously recognized.     

Diel Habitat Partitioning by Bull Charr and Cutthroat Trout During Fall and Winter in Rocky Mountain Streams

We used underwater observation to determine diel habitat partitioning between bull charr, Salvelinus confluentus, and cutthroat trout, Oncorhynchus clarki, during fall and winter (0.1–8.3°C) in two Rocky Mountain streams that differed in habitat availability. The majority (>70%) of both species emerged from concealment cover at night, though bull charr exhibited a greater tendency for nocturnal behavior than cutthroat trout. Differences in day and night counts were most pronounced at temperatures <3°C, when very few fish of either species were observed in the water column during the day, but both species were common at night. Both species used concealment cover of large woody debris and boulder substrate crevices in deep pools during the day. At night, fish emerged from cover and habitat use shifted to shallow water with low cover. Microhabitat partitioning among species and size classes occurred at night, cutthroat trout moving into shallower, faster water that was farther from cover compared to bull charr. Smaller fish of both species occupied focal positions in slower, shallower water closer to the substrate than larger fish. Large, mixed-species aggregations also were common in beaver ponds both day and night. High variation in diel and site-specific winter habitat use suggests the need for caution in developing habitat suitability criteria for salmonids based solely on daytime observations or on observations from a few sites. Our results support the need to incorporate nocturnal habitat use and partitioning in studies of salmonid ecology.     

Diel patterns of grazing by pigmented nanoflagellates on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Synechococcus</Emphasis> spp. in the coastal ecosystem of subtropical western Pacific

Natural populations of planktonic Synechococcus spp. exhibit diel variations in abundance and frequency of dividing cells (FDC) during the warm seasons (>25°C) in coastal water of the western subtropical Pacific ocean. We hypothesized that differences in grazing rates during the day/dark cycle were a major cause of the observed diel variations in Synechococcus spp. abundance. We used fluorescently labeled particles (FLP) as tracers of feeding on Synechococcus spp. in June and August 2007. Our results showed that FDC of Synechococcus spp. were highest at dusk (50%) and lowest (<10%) between midnight and early morning. Synechococcus spp. had three abundance phases, accrual (I), peak (II), and diminished (III). Moreover, FDC values gradually increased in phase I, declined to the lowest values during phase II, and remained at low levels throughout phase III. Our results strongly indicated that pigmented nanoflagellate (PNF) grazing was the underlying biological factor regulating diel variations in Synechococcus spp. abundance. And, the rate of PNF ingestion peaked during the night on smaller non-dividing cells following a peak of Synechococcus spp. abundance in phase II. These findings provide evidence that diel variations in ingestion rates are affected by non-dividing cells of Synechococcus spp. and imply that the impacts of PNF grazing on Synechococcus spp. is based on food selectivity by size.     

Diel activity pattern and predation rate of the generalist predator Dicyphus hesperus

Abstract This study examined the diel activity pattern and the effect of diel activity pattern on predation rate and prey finding of Dicyphus hesperus Knight (Heteroptera: Miridae). To determine the diel activity pattern of D. hesperus, starved females were placed on tomato leaflets Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. (Solanaceae) under zero, low, or high light intensities at 02:00, 08:00, and 14:00 h, respectively, and the amount of time spent walking or resting during a 30‐min interval was recorded. Predation rates of D. hesperus females on Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) egg patches were determined under either a L16:D8 (long day) or L8:D16 (short day) diel period. Egg patches were removed from D. hesperus females after either 8 or 16 h of dark or 16 or 8 h of light, and the number of eggs consumed was counted. Dicyphus hesperus females spent more time searching for prey at night than during the day. Females ate eggs at a higher rate during the night than during the day. Overall, D. hesperus females had higher predation rates when reared under a long day diel cycle compared with females reared under a short day diel cycle. More females reared at the L16:D8 diel cycle found the egg patch during the night than during the day. There was no difference in egg patch finding between night and day for females reared at L8:D16. Overall, L16:D8 reared females found more egg patches than females reared at L8:D16. Therefore, D. hesperus females are more active and find and consume prey at a higher rate at night than day.     

Short communication. Food availability and diel feeding rhythms in the marine copepods Acartia grani and Centropages typicus

The effects of food availability on the daily feeding pattern of planktonic copepods was studied for two species: Acartia grani (cultured and wild specimens) and Centropages typicus (wild specimens). Both species showed clear diel feeding rhythms at high food concentrations, with significantly higher clearance rates during night hours. However, at limiting food conditions, while C.typicus maintained its daily feeding pattern, A.grani fed continuously, with similar day and night clearance rates. These results could be explained in relation to differences in predation risks and probability of experiencing starvation episodes in their respective habitats, as well as their capacity for dampening food fluctuations. On the other hand, the maintenance (although with less intensity) of the diel feeding rhythm in A.grani, when cultured in the laboratory for long periods of time (>10 generations) and in the absence of predators, suggests the importance of the endogenous control of copepod feeding patterns.      

Activity patterns of juvenile Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) in Buckley Cove,Newfoundland

We monitored swimming speed of 2–3 year-old juvenile Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) from August to December 1999, using a 2-D location finding acoustic telemetry system in a coastal area of Newfoundland, Canada. We concurrently monitored the locations of 22–41 individuals by triangulation using a fixed hydrophone array. We estimated average swimming speeds at intervals of 60–120 s and compared them over a 1 to 17 °C thermal range, three diel periods, and five substrates (sand, gravel, sand-sparse boulder, boulder, and kelp). However, cod did not exhibit a change in swimming speed over the temperature range studied. Increased activity and foraging rates (expressed as swimming speeds) were expected to increase at elevated temperatures due to increased metabolic demands. Activity did vary significantly with diel cycle and substrate. Swimming speeds were significantly lower at night during September and October. Results for August and November were inconclusive, while swimming speed was significantly lower during the day in December. We observed significantly reduced average swimming speeds in structurally complex substrates (e.g. rock, cobble and kelp) in September and October. Our results suggest that activity of juvenile cod in the wild does not vary with temperature as predicted from studies in the laboratory. Instead, activity varied with diel cycles and structural complexity, variables that influence an individual's ability to forage and seek refuge, potentially altering individual fitness.     

Diel periodicity of emergence of adult citrus rust mites in central Florida

Emergence of adult citrus rust mites, Phyllocoptruta oleivora (Ashmead) from the imagochrysafis occurred with a diel periodicity that peaked between mid morning and early afternoon. The pattern of emergence did not differ for mites reared from eggs held under different photoperiod regimes. The transition of nymphs to the imagochrysalis stage also showed a diel periodicity, occurring in the evening. The average duration of the imagochrysalis stage at 28 °C was 14–15 h.Wetting by rain or dew was simulated by immersing fruit in water each night, but the transition to the imagochrysalis stage or the subsequent emergence pattern of adults was not affected. Adult mites reared from eggs laid during two, consecutive 12-h periods emerged at the same time of day, but the peaks of emergence were separated by 24 h. Eclosion of larvae from eggs laid during two, consecutive 12-h periods did not show a diel periodicity. Eggs continuously immersed in water during their development did not hatch, whereas there was a small, but significant, reduction in the viability of eggs immersed in water each night. These results are discussed in relation to external cues that may entrain the diel patterns of development and adult emergence, and to the adaptive responses of citrus rust mite to cyclic fluctuations of key environmental variables in central Florida. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Female-biased incubation and strong diel sex-roles in the Two-banded Plover Charadrius falklandicus

The relative contributions of males and females to incubation, and the diel schedules by which incubation is shared, are important breeding system traits. We used infra-red sensitive cameras to record incubation patterns at 13 nests of the Two-banded Plover Charadrius falklandicus in the Falkland Islands during both day and night. Because predation risk can affect incubation behaviour, we also recorded the diel pattern of nest predation in the wider study population. We found high nest attendance, female-biased incubation, and strong diel sex-roles, with females incubating during the day and males at night. We also found that incubation intermissions tended to be short but frequent, and were correlated strongly with the diel pattern of nest predations which occurred exclusively in the daylight hours (probably due to the absence of terrestrial mammals from the study site). Our results suggest that sex-roles are unusually strict in the Two-banded Plover, and that these strict sex-roles lead to inequality in incubation sharing and the level of exposure to sources of energetic cost such as disturbance by nest predators.     

Effect of Temperature on Oxygen Consumption of the Leopard Shark, Triakis Semifasciata

The leopard shark, Triakis semifasciata, regularly resides in California's Tomales Bay, which is characterized by thermally different regions ranging from 10°C to 26°C during the summer. Past studies have shown that leopard sharks feed on benthic invertebrate prey similar to that of the sympatric bat ray, Myliobatis californica. Fishes' metabolic (oxygen consumption) rates typically increase with temperature increases, and we measured leopard sharks' metabolic responses and sensitivity to ambient temperature, using flow-through respirometry. Leopard shark oxygen consumption rate increased with increasing temperature, over a range of 12–24°C, with a typical temperature sensitivity (Q₁₀ = 2.51). Whereas bat rays use a highly temperature-sensitive metabolism to efficiently feed (in warmer waters) and digest (in cooler waters) during different phases of the diel cycle, leopard sharks possess a more typical metabolic temperature sensitivity that allows for high-tide foraging, throughout the diel cycle.     

Diel shifts in the structure and function of nearshore estuarine fish communities

Day–night shifts in the nearshore fish fauna of a temperate microtidal estuary were assessed using a holistic suite of structural and functional community attributes. Mean fish species richness and diversity (taxonomic distinctness) were higher at night across all regions of the estuary and seasons, concurring with the findings of numerous comparable studies reviewed worldwide, while the diel period in which mean abundance was higher varied among seasons. Likewise, species and functional guild compositions (the latter based on feeding modes and habitat use) both differed significantly between day and night, with the extent of the diel shift again varying seasonally. Daytime fish communities were characterized by higher abundances of Atherinidae, Sillaginidae and Mugilidae, while Gobiidae were far more abundant at night. Marked shifts in size composition were also evident, with smaller fishes (<100 mm total length, L_T) being more prevalent during the day and larger fishes (≥200 mm L_T) proportionally more abundant at night. The above diel shifts were feasibly related to a range of predator–prey interactions and feeding‐related movements, namely a nocturnal decrease in top‐order avian piscivory coupled with an increase in invertebrate prey availability, resulting in changes in the presence and catchability of certain fish species in shallow estuarine waters.     

Behavioural strategy of large perch Perca fluviatilis varies between a mesotrophic and a hypereutrophic lake

Behaviour of large perch Perca fluviatilis was studied in two lakes differing in environmental state i.e. mesotrophic v. hypereutrophic. A total of 20 adult perch P. fluviatilis (29–42 cm total length) in each lake were tagged with radio‐transmitters, tracked and located eight times a day during six 24 h tracking periods over a year, enabling detection of differences in diel activity patterns and habitat use during summer and winter under two different environmental regimes. During summer, P. fluviatilis in the mesotrophic lake showed a distinct crepuscular activity pattern and a change from pelagic residency during daytime towards the littoral zone at night. In contrast, P. fluviatilis in the hypereutrophic lake were active during the entire diel cycle and were spread throughout the lake also during dark. During winter, crepuscular patterns of activity were seen in both lakes. Condition factor of large P. fluviatilis did not differ between the two lakes. Thus, it is suggested that P. fluviatilis in the hypereutrophic turbid lake adopted an alternative behaviour for successful foraging, being uniformly active throughout the diel cycle.     

Diel variation in availability and vulnerability of fish to a survey trawl

The effect diel variation in availability and vulnerability has on the fish capture process of a groundfish survey trawl was examined from data collected during an experiment measuring fish escapement underneath the footgear. The survey trawl was significantly more efficient at night in capturing American plaice, Hippoglossoides platessoides, and yellowtail flounder, Limanda ferruginea, but no difference was found in catches of Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua. This increase in capture efficiency at night is related to an increase in availability and vulnerability associated with diel variation in light intensity. No evidence of diel vertical migration was found and changes in availability were linked to visual dependent gear avoidance by the fish. Regardless of light conditions, the survey trawl had a very low capture efficiency for juveniles of the three species studied. Escapement of this size group was extremely high during both day and night periods due to a fast towing speed, use of large bobbin gear, and possible mesh selection.     

Diel movement of smallmouth yellowfish Labeobarbus aeneus in the Vaal River,South Africa

Diel movements of Orange–Vaal smallmouth yellowfish Labeobarbus aeneus (Burchell, 1822) in the Vaal River, South Africa, were determined by externally attaching radio transmitters to 11 adult fish and manually tracking them between March and May 2012. Twenty-four radio telemetry monitoring surveys produced 2 304 diel tracks. At night, yellowfish displayed a preference for slow shallow (<0.3?m s?1, <0.5?m) and fast shallow habitats (>0.3?m s?1, <0.3?m), whereas by day they avoided these habitats, preferring fast deep areas (>0.3?m s?1, >0.3?m). The average total distance of 272?m moved per 24-hour period was three times greater than the diel range, and the average maximum displacement per minute was significantly higher in daytime (4?m) than at night (1.5?m). These findings suggest that L. aeneus is active primarily during the day in fast-flowing, deeper waters, and relatively inactive at night, when it occupies shallower habitats. This behaviour should be further explored to identify causal mechanisms underlying the diel habitat shifts in this species such as water temperature, foraging tactics and/or predator avoidance.     

Effects of low temperature on growth and non-structural carbohydrates of the imperial bromeliad <Emphasis Type="Italic">Alcantarea imperialis</Emphasis> cultured in vitro

The imperial bromeliad Alcantarea imperialis grows naturally on rocky outcrops (‘inselbergs’) in regions where daily temperatures vary from 5 to 40°C. As carbohydrate metabolism is altered in response to cold, it could lead to reprogramming of the metabolic machinery including the increase in levels of metabolites that function as osmolytes, compatible solutes, or energy sources in order to maintain plant homeostasis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different temperatures on plant growth and non-structural carbohydrates in plants of A. imperialis adapted to low temperature. Seedlings of A. imperialis were grown in vitro under a 12-h photoperiod with four different day/night temperature cycles: 5/5°C, 15/15°C, 15/30°C (dark/light) and 30/30°C. Plants were also cultivated at 26°C in ex vitro conditions for comparison. The results showed an inverse relationship between temperature and germination time and no differences in the percentage of germination. Plants maintained for 9 months at 15°C presented a reduced number of leaves and roots, and a dry mass four times lower than plants grown at 30°C. Sugar content was higher in plants grown at 15°C than at 30°C. However, the highest amount of total sugar was found in plants growing under warm day/cold night conditions. Myo-inositol, glucose, fructose and sucrose were found predominantly under high temperatures, while under low temperatures, sucrose was apparently replaced by trehalose, raffinose and stachyose. Starch content was highest in plants grown under high temperatures. The lowest starch content was detected under low temperatures, suggesting its conversion into soluble carbohydrates to protect the plants against cold. These results indicated that low temperature retarded growth of A. imperialis and increased sugar levels, mainly trehalose, thus suggesting that these sugar compounds could be involved in cold tolerance.     

Diel feeding behavior in larvae of four odonate species

The diel feeding behavior of four coexisting odonate larvae, Aeshna juncea, Coenagrion hastulatum, Cordulia aenea,and Leucorrhinia dubiawas studied in the laboratory. C. hastulatumand L. dubiawere equally active during day and night. While C. hastulatumconsumed an equal number of prey during day and night, L. dubiaconsumed more prey during night. In contrast, A. juncealarvae were most active and consumed more prey during day, while C. aenealarvae were most active and consumed more prey during night. In contrast to the other three species, A. junceashowed a longer reactive distance under light conditions. In A. junceaand L. dubiacapture efficiency was higher under light conditions, whereas in C. hastulatumand C. aeneait was the same irrespective of illumination. The results show that the time niche is an important component of the feeding in this guild.     

Diel variation in beaked whale diving behavior

We investigate diel variation in beaked whale diving behavior using data from time–depth recorders deployed on six Blainville's ( Mesoplodon densirostris) (255 h) and two Cuvier's ( Ziphius cavirostris ) (34 h) beaked whales. Deep foraging dives (>800 m) occurred at similar rates during the day and night for Blainville's beaked whales, and there were no significant diel differences in ascent rates, descent rates, or mean or maximum depths or durations for deep dives. Dive to mid-water depths (100–600 m) occurred significantly more often during the day (mean = 1.59 h⁻¹) than at night (mean = 0.26 h⁻¹). Series of progressively shallower "bounce" dives were only documented to follow the deep, long dives made during the day; at night whales spent more time in shallow (<100 m) depths. Significantly slower ascent rates than descent rates were found following deep foraging dives both during the day and night. Similar patterns were found for the Cuvier's beaked whales. Our results suggest that so-called "bounce" dives do not serve a physiological function, although the slow ascents may. This diel variation in behavior suggests that beaked whales may spend less time in surface waters during the day to avoid near-surface, visually oriented predators such as large sharks or killer whales ( Orcinus orca ).     

Three different diel rhythms of the calling song in the cricket,Gryllus campestris,and their control mechanisms*

ABSTRACT. Males of the cricket, Gryllus campestris L. (Orthoptera: Gryllidae), displayed three different diel patterns in the timing of their calling song: 55% of all males investigated were dark-active, 25% light-active and 20% light-and-dark-active. Dark-active males continued to stridulate in both constant darkness (DD) and constant light (LL) during the subjective night, with a circadian period usually shorter (in DD) or longer (in LL) than 24h. Light-active males were mainly silent in DD but showed a circadian rhythm in LL, though with a 180° phase shift, i.e. activity during subjective night. This suggests that daytime activity has developed from nocturnal activity by a mechanism which prevents stridulation during darkness, and that both patterns are driven by the same endogenous clock. In the light-and-dark-active males some stridulation takes place during darkness, so dark inhibition is not complete. Such incomplete inhibition seemed to occur only in highly active animals. The three diel distribution patterns of the calling song are discussed in relation to sharing the chances of attracting females.