Zooplankton in the Ligurian Sea: Part II. Exploration of their physical and biological forcing functions during summer 2000

A survey of the biological and physical oceanography of theLigurian Sea was conducted in the late summer of 2000. Forty-onestations were sampled for nutrients, oxygen, fluorescence andhydrographic information. Acoustic backscatter measurementswere used to estimate abundance of small (<5 mm) zooplanktonbiovolume versus depth and the distribution of northern krill,Meganyctiphanes norvegica. Net-tow and underwater video datawere collected to identify the zooplankton present. These datawere used to analyze the Ligurian Sea ecosystem for physicaland biological linkages that control zooplankton abundance anddistribution. Results are compared with those from a similarstudy conducted in 1999. Hydrographic sampling showed a domeof dense water in the southwestern middle of the basin. Thehighest chlorophyll a (Chl a) concentrations were measured inthis area, while small zooplankton biovolume was evenly distributedthroughout the survey. Integrated values of Chl a and smallzooplankton biovolume in 2000 were greater than in 1999. Meganyctiphanesnorvegica, siphonophores and salps were the dominant componentsof the macrozooplankton population in the upper 200 m. In thesampled depth strata, siphonophore abundance did not changeduring the day, while M. norvegica were only caught at night.Acoustic backscatter data show that higher densities of M. norvegicaoccurred in deeper water and in the western and southwesternareas of the Ligurian Sea.     

Ecological investigations on the zooplankton community of Balsfjorden, northern Norway: population dynamics of the euphausiids Thysanoessa inermis (Kroyer), Thysanoessa raschii (M.Sars) and Meganyctiphanes norvegica (M.Sars) in 1976 and 1977

The population dynamics of the euphausiids Thysanoessa inermis(Kröyer), T. raschii (M.Sars), and Meganyctiphanes norvegica(M.Sars) have been followed in Balsfjorden in 1976 and 1977.Seasonal variations in length-frequency distributions, growthin carapace length, sex-ratio, and spermatophore productionand attachment are presented and discussed in relation to changesin hydrography and phytoplanlcton standing-crop. An annual generationof T. inermis and T. raschii was spawned in April and May. Eggsand larvae of M. norvegica were not found in Balsfjorden, indicatingthat recruitment occurs from outside the fjord. T. inermis andT. raschii reached maximum carapace lengths of 7–8 mmand 6–7 mm respectively and had life-spans of c. 2 years3 months. M. norvegica had a life-span of c. 2 years 6 monthsand reached a maximum carapace length of c. 12.5 mm. In bothT. inermis and T. raschii 0-group underwent the greatest lengthincreases from May to October, I-group from March to Augustand II-group from April to June. The population structure, growthpatterns and growth periods of M. norvegica were difficult todiscern. The phytoplanlcton cycle appears to be the dominantfactor regulating both growth and spawning of the Thysanoessaspp in Balsfjorden, while temperature has no obvious influence.     

Behavioural differences in relation to pycnoclines during vertical migration of the euphausiids Meganyctiphanes norvegica (M. Sars) and Thysanoessa raschii (M. Sars)

An observation on differences in the vertical migration patternbetween Meganyctiphanes norvegica (M. Sars) and Thysanoessaraschii (M. Sars) caused by the presence of a thermocline isreported. Generally, M.norvegica did not migrate through a thermoclineat 50–60 m depth while T.raschii did. This observationis discussed in the context of how the combination of differencesin vertical migration and advection over sill depth may affectthe abundance of fjord stocks of these two euphausiid species.     

Relationships between stomach contents and vertical migration in Meganyctiphanes norvegica, Thysanoessa raschii and T. inermis (Crustacea Euphausiacea)

Stomach contents of Thysanoëssa raschii, T. inermis andMeganyctiphanes norvegica collected in the Gulf of St. Lawrenceshowed the Thysanoëssa species fed primarily during thenight in the upper 75 m of water. M. norvegica fed on copepodswhile at their daytime depth of about 125 m and on phytoplanktonand copepods during the night above 75 m depth. M. norvegicafed on a wider range of organisms than the other two speciesduring the three sample periods of spring, fall and early winter.There was no difference in the minimum size of the cells ingestedbetween any of the species. No evidence was found of any ofthe species feeding on bottom deposits during the sample periods.     

Feeding behaviour in Meganyctiphanes norvegica (M. Sars) (Crustacea: Euphausiacea)

Meganyctiphanes norvegica (M. Sars) will feed upon the centric diatom Thalassiosira weissflogii (Grunow) G. Fryxell & Hasle but cannot fulfil its energy requirement for metabolism on this food. Its daily metabolic requirement can be exceeded when the euphausiid feeds upon the copepods Calanus finmarchicus Gunner or Centropages typicus Krøeyer, but not when feeding upon the smaller copepods Pseudocalanus spp. or Acartia spp. When feeding upon a natural copepod assemblage Meganyctiphanes norvegica requires high concentrations of copepods to achieve its metabolic requirements, suggesting that the euphausiid may exploit vertically patchy concentrations of prey. Short-term predation rates on Pseudocalanus spp. were also used to estimate feeding rates. Feeding in Meganyctiphanes norvegica appears to be adapted to a spatially variable food supply and rapid exploitation of food sources concentrated into patches or layers. The filter area of the feeding basket of M. norvegica is proportionally smaller than the filter area of Euphausia superba Dana, but has the same allometric length exponent. The filter area probably reflects the difference between the primarily carnivorous diet of Meganyctiphanes norvegica and herbivorous diet of Euphausia superba.     

Zooplankton prey selection by juvenile fish in Nova Scotian Shelf basins

The stomach contents of fish <100 mm standard length (SL)and fish >100 mm SL collected during June and October intwo deep basins on the Scotian Shelf, showed that juvenile co(and silver hake fed primarily on the two most abundant speciesof zooplankton in the basins: Calanus finmarchicus and Meganyctiphanesnorvegica. These zooplankton were abundant in the basin: duringthe 2 months, forming high concentrations at depths below 200m during the day. In June fish (<100 mm SL) concentratedin the upper 50 m during both day and night. Cod and wolffislcollected between 195 and 240 m had a large percentage of C.finmarchicusin their stomachs suggesting that these fish exploited the highconcentrations of C.finmarchicus below 200 m depth There wasno evidence that Calanus hyperboreus was eaten by any juvenilefish species. Calanus finmarchicus was the most common preyof cod feeding in the top 50 m, but the percentages o C.finmarchicusstages IV and V were lower in the stomachs than in the watercolumn. Cod showed ; strong preference for M.norvegica, withthis prey species having a modified Ivlev's index of 1 indicatingthat cod were highly selective for this species. There was noevidence that C.hyperboreus. stage IV was eaten by any of thespecies offish. Silver hake and dogfish (>100 mm SL) bothfeed oi M.norvegica and C.finmarchicus in the deep regions ofthe basins. In October, silver hake was the most common juvenilefish in the basins, feeding primarily on small stages of M.norvegica.The populations of fish (>100 mm SL) in the basins were mainlyspecies known to feed heavily or euphausiids. The two basinsare unique regions of the shelf because of the large populationsof Calanus copepods and M.norvegica they contain all the yeararound, thereby providing an atrractive feeding ground for manyspecies of fish, particularly silver hake.     

Advection of euphausiids in a Norwegian fjord system subject to altered freshwater input by hydro-electric power production

Due to hydro-electric power production, the freshwater inputto the Sandsfjord system has increased during winter, whilethe freshwater input to Jøsenfjorden has been removed.In studies conducted during autumn and winter, both Meganyctiphanesnorvegica and Thysanoessa raschii were most common in Jøsenfjorden,and T.raschii was almost wanting in the Sandsfjord system. Theeuphausiids generally swam to the surface layer at night, butavoided low salinity water in the uppermost metres of the Sandsfjordsystem. Still, in most locations 50% of M.norvegica was foundin the upper 10 m. Their vertical distribution overlapped withfreshwater-driven currents, and estuarine circulation was apparentlyprominent in governing the horizontal distribution within theSandsfjord system. At the entrance to the fjord, M. norvegicawas distributed deeper than within the fjord, reducing the importanceof transport with estuarine circulation relative to currentsdriven by wind at the coast. Estimates of advective rates ofM.norvegica suggest that exchange with coastal waters was moreimportant for the standing stock than local growth within thefjords. In Jtfsenfjorden, maxima of T.raschii were always foundin a zone of shallowing bottom topography (bottom depth 130m), where this species possibly maintained its horizontal positionby means of vertical migrations.     

The feeding strategies of two large marine copepods

We compared the feeding behaviour of the two copepods Paraeuchaetanorvegica and Chiridius armatus, allowing them to prey on othercalanoids in small-scale laboratory experiments. Several differenceswere found. When fed either live, free-swimming or dead, non-movingprey, P.norvegica seemed unable to locate the dead prey itemswhile C.armatus foraged heavily on them. When starved, P.norvegicaincreased its feeding rate while C.armatus reduced its feedingafter an initial increase. None of the predators changed theirfeeding rates when exposed to light. Nighttime versus daytimefeeding was tested only with P.norvegcia, which seemed to possessan endogenous feeding rhythm with increased rates at night.Chiridius armatus infected with epizooic ciliates appeared tohave increased feeding rates.     

Photosynthetic characteristics of Dinophysis norvegica Claparede & Lachmann, a red-tide dinoflagellate

The relationships between photosynthesis and photosyntheticphoton flux densities (PPFD, P-l) were studied during a red-tideof Dinophysis norvegica (July-August 1990) in Bedford Basin.Dinophysis norvegica, together with other dinoflagellates suchas Gonyaulax digitate, Ceratium tripos, contributed {small tilde}50%of the phytoplankton biomass that attained a maximum of 16.7µg Chla 1^– and 11.93 10⁶ total cells I^–1.The atomic ratios of carbon to nitrogen for D.norvegica rangedfrom 8.7 to 10.0. The photosynthetic characteristics of fractionatedphytoplankton (>30 µm) dominated by D.norvegica weresimilar to natural bloom assemblages: o (the initial slope ofthe P-l curves) ranged between 0.013 and 0.047 µg C [µgChla]^–1 h–1 [µmol m^– s^–1]^–1the maximum photosynthetic rate, p^B_m, between 0.66 and 1.85µg C [µghla]^–1 h^–1; l_k (the photoadaptationindex) from 14 to 69 µ,mol m^–2 s^–1. Carbonuptake rates of the isolated cells of D.norvegica (at 780 µmolm^–2 s^–1) ranged from 16 to 25 pg C cell^–1h^– and were lower than those for C.tripos, G.digitaleand some other dinoflagellates. The variation in carbon uptakerates of isolated cells of D.norvegica corresponded with P^B_mof the red-tide phytoplankton assemblages in the P-l experiments.Our study showed that D.norvegica, a toxigenic dinoflagellate,was the main contributor to the primary production in the bloom.     

Gene flow patterns of the euphausiid, Meganyctiphanes norvegica, in the NW Atlantic based on mtDNA sequences for cytochrome b and cytochrome oxidase I

Population genetic structure and patterns of gene flow are describedfor the euphausiid, Meganyctiphanes norvegica, in the NW AtlanticOcean based on DNA sequence variation of two regions of mitochondrialDNA (mtDNA). DNA sequences were determined for portions of cytochromeoxidase I (COI; 400 base pairs; 76 individuals) and cytochromeb (CYB; 300 base pairs; 101 individuals) for euphausiids collectedfrom the Gulf of Maine in 1991, the Gulf of St Lawrence in 1993and 1994, the Scotian Shelf in 1994, and Georges Bank in 1994.For comparison, M.norvegica collected from the fjords of westernNorway in 1992 were sequenced for COI (20 individuals) and CYB(18 individuals). COI was less variable than CYB, based on bothhaplotype (h=0.6847 for COI; 0.9077 for CYB) and nucleotidediversities (     

The correlation of downwelling irradiance and staggered vertical igration patterns of zooplankton in Wilkinson Basin, Gulf of Maine

Field studies on the characteristics of light that influencevertical migrations in the mesopelagic realm are sparse, dueto the difficulty in simultaneously monitoring changes in speciesdistributions with changes in downwelling irradiance. Usingthe Johnson-Sea-Link submersible as a platform, in situ measurementsof the changes in downwelling irradiance at sunset were madesimultaneously with observations on changes in animal distributionpatterns in Wilkinson Basin, Gulf of Maine. The results indicatethat the vertical migrations for several species of large zooplanktonare staggered, with euphausiids (Meganyctiphanes norvegica)migrating first, cydippid ctenophores (Euplokamus) migratingnext, and two species of caridean shrimp (Dichelopandalus lepiocerusand Pasiphaea multidentata) migrating last Data collected ondaytime dives indicate that the daytime depth distribution isnot solely responsible for the migration order, and that differentspecies may be responding to different cues, or have differentthresholds for the same cue.     

Local variations in size and activity among Calanus finmarchicus and Metridia longa (Copepoda, Calanoida) overwintering on the west coast of Norway

Vertical net hauls were taken at thirteen stations between latitude6008'N – 6120'N and longitude 0304'E – 0700'Ein late November 1980. Size and activity characteristics ofCalanus finmarchicus and Metridia longa were studied. Significantdifferences were noted between C. finmarchicus from differentstations. Average body length, dry weight, protein and lipidcontents, gonad development, and ainylase and trypsin activitiesvaried but average gut fullness and trypsin/amylase ratio appearedconstant. M. longa from different stations showed significantdifferences in average body length, dry weight, protein content,amylase and trypsin activities and gut fullness, but there wereno apparent variations in lipid content and trypsin/ainylaseratio. Those animals inhabiting the most seaward station tendedto show the most specific local charactenstics. M. longa hadconsistently lower lipid proportion with higher gut fullnessand digestive-enzyme activities than C. finmarchicus. The resultstherefore indicate that C. finmarchicus had assumed a winterstate of low activity with dependence on stored energy, whileM. longo relied more upon utilization of available food.     

Bt杀虫蛋白对不同品系棉铃虫和中红侧沟茧蜂生长发育的影响

以棉铃虫Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner)室内敏感品系和田间品系为寄主,研究了亚致死浓度的Bt杀虫蛋白对中红侧沟茧蜂Microplitis mediator (Haliday)生长发育的影响。结果表明： 当寄主一直取食,或者在被寄生前12小时开始取食含Bt杀虫蛋白浓度为0,0.5,1.0, 2.0,4.0,8.0 μg/g的饲料时,与对照相比,中红侧沟茧蜂的卵-幼虫历期延长,茧重和成虫体重降低,成虫寿命缩短,但对茧期没有明显影响。Bt杀虫蛋白能有效抑制两个棉铃虫品系幼虫的生长,显著降低棉铃虫蛹重;当Bt蛋白浓度为4.0 μg/g时,显著降低棉铃虫化蛹率。用转双基因抗虫棉SGK321（表达Cry1A+CpTI蛋白）饲喂两个棉铃虫品系初孵幼虫,室内品系的第2、3、4和5天校正死亡率分别为48.5%、87.8%、96.6%和 95.8%,显著高于田间品系（30.9%、59.6%、80.9%及86.1%）。本研究表明,不论是田间品系还是室内品系,棉铃虫取食含Bt杀虫蛋白的饲料后,对中红侧沟茧蜂的生长发育都具有显著的负面作用。     

Estimation of the mean function with panel count data using monotone polynomial splines

We study nonparametric likelihood-based estimators of the meanfunction of counting processes with panel count data using monotonepolynomial splines. The generalized Rosen algorithm, proposedby Zhang & Jamshidian (2004), is used to compute the estimators.We show that the proposed spline likelihood-based estimatorsare consistent and that their rate of convergence can be fasterthan n^1/3. Simulation studies with moderate samples show thatthe estimators have smaller variances and mean squared errorsthan their alternatives proposed by Wellner & Zhang (2000).A real example from a bladder tumour clinical trial is usedto illustrate this method.     

Studies on the seasonal biochemistry of the Northern krillMeganyctiphanes norvegica in the Kattegat

A well defined pelagic population of the Northern krill,Meganyctiphanes norvegica was sampled annually at a specific location in the Skandinavian Kattegat, and the major biochemical components were measured. Protein and lipid were the main constituents and underwent the most pronounced seasonal changes, clearly correlated to the prevailing supply of food organisms. The amount of lipid increased to a maximum of 48% of the dry weight towards winter, out of phase with gonad maturation, and therefore interpretable as deposition of overwintering reserves. Utilisation of stored reserves proceeds over winter, with loss of lipid, and decrease in weight but not in length. Comparison with literature data showed similarities with other krill populations from different geographical locations. The biochemical components ofEuphausia superba, the key organism of the marine Antarctic ecosystem, resembled those ofM. norvegica. Special polar adaptations are not obviously expressed in the proximate biochemical composition.     

Energetic basis of the light-induced chloroplast shrinkage in vivo

A light-induced chloroplast shrinkage occurring in vivo wasmeasured with a Coulter counter and a packed weight techniqueusing chloroplasts isolated within two minutes of harvestingpea plants. Introduction of the photosynthetic inhibitor DCMU(5 µM) into the plant either by bathing the cut stem orinjection through a fine hypodermic needle decreased the light-inducedchloroplast shrinkage in vivo 11 to 20%. The uncoupler tri-Fl-CCP(5 µM) inhibited the light-induced shrinkage 80 % , whilenigericin (0.5 µM) completely abolished it. An actionspectrum for the chloroplast volume decrease in vivo had a shoulderat 700-715 mµ. These results are considered in terms ofthe various forms of energy available during photosynthesis.A consistent interpretation is that the lightinduced chloroplastshrinkage in vivo depends either on a high energy state createdby electron flow or on ATP. This chloroplast volume change uponillumination of the plants may increase the photosynthetic efficiency. (Received April 15, 1968; )     

NORTH ATLANTIC SPURILLID NUDIBRANCHS, WITH A DESCRIPTION OF A NEW SPECIES, SPURILLA COLUMBINA, FROM THE ANDALUSIAN COAST OF SPAIN

The new species Spurilla columbina differs from its Europeancongeners in coloration and the shape of its cerata. Comparativedata derived from S. norvegica (Odhner, 1939), S. coerulescens(Laurillard, 1830) and S. verrucicornis (Costa, 1864) are tabulated. ^* T. E. Thompson died in a car accident 1 January 1990 (Received 10 January 1989; accepted 4 July 1989)     

Dinophysis norvegica (Dinophyceae), more a predator than a producer?

Several studies have proved that some Dinophysis species are capable of ingesting particulate organic matter besides of being photosynthetic, a form of nutrition termed mixotrophy. Phagotrophy may be an important aspect of the life history of the genus Dinophysis and the key to understand its ecology. We used modern techniques coupling flow cytometry and acidotropic probes to detect and score food vacuolated Dinophysis norvegica cells in natural samples. In addition, feeding experiments were conduced under controlled conditions to observe if D. norvegica would grow feeding on the cryptophyte Teleaulax amphioxeia. The results of the field observations showed a frequency of phagotrophy between 25 and 71% in a natural D. norvegica population from the Baltic Sea, which is higher than previous reports (1–20%). Although molecular methods have proved that the kleptoplastids of the D. norvegica from the Baltic Sea are from T. amphioxeia, the laboratory experiments showed that the presence of T. amphioxeia in the cultures did not enhance the survival rate of D. norvegica neither in phototrophic nor in heterotrophic conditions. We suggest that the D. norvegica Kleptoplats are obtained through a heterotrophic or mixotrophic protist, which have been feeding on cryptophytes, as it has recently been shown for Dinophysis acuminata. Our main conclusion is that D. norvegica, and probably all other species from the genus Dinophysis, is mainly phagotrophic and feeds on a larger prey than T. amphioxeia. Autotrophy through kleptoplastidy would be a secondary feature used as a complementary or short-term survival strategy.     

Food, Fat, and Feathers

The annual cycle of the White-throated Sparrow, Zonotrichiaalbicollis, is reviewed with brief references to facets of nutritionaland energetic importance (1) illustrating the life of a smallbird in a varying environment, and (2) showing that certainannual events in field populations can be compared with similarmanifestations in caged individuals. Data from captives areemployed in discussions of energetic variations related to (1)food, the source of nutritive input, (2) fat, the major formof caloric storage in birds, and (3) caloric expenditure. Metabolizableenergy is partitioned by phase of the annual cycle into existenceenergy, including the costs of thermoregulation, and productiveenergy, including expenditures for nocturnal activity (Zugunruhe)and molt. Costs of vernal migration in field birds are comparedwith costs of nocturnal activity in captives to show that energeticestimates in each situation are compatible. This conclusionis supported by a metabolic estimate made for field birds thatis within 6% of the estimated metabolism of captives under similarconditions. Data and statistics from seven additional speciesof buntings are used to examine several bioenergetic principlesfor homoiotherms. (1) Minimal metabolism measured by energybalance methods is proportional to the 0.7 power of body weightbut is higher than standard or resting metabolism measured bygaseous methods. (2) Metabolized energy is inversely relatedto ambient temperature below 25°C, the estimated ad libitumcritical temperature. (3) Heat production and loss are proportionatelyhigher in summer-acclimatized birds below the ad libitum criticaltemperature due to reduced insulation. Two summary plots, relatingtemperature, metabolizable energy, and body weight are given.Directions for future research in the study of avian nutritionare suggested.