Fluorescence analysis of zooplankton gut contents and an investigation of diel feeding patterns

摘要: Abstract A method is described for measurement of the in situ feeding rate planktonic herbivores. Freshly caught Zooplankton are washed with filtered sea water and frozen. The gut contents later analysed using acetone extracts entire sample. Fluorescence peaks due to ingested chlorophyll easy quantify sample sizes 20–200 animals. This obviates some problems, such as confinement previous history, associated extrapolation from laboratory experiments field conditions. illustrated by an investigation diel patterns marine copepods. Initial results indicate complexity these patterns, either a single night peak or dawn dusk adult Diel variations activity appear occur addition to, but closely interacting with, vertical migrations