The ecological significance of the relationship between temperature and duration of embryonic development in planktonic freshwater copepods.

摘要: The embryonic development times of six planktonic freshwater copepods from Austrian waters (Eudiaptomus gracilis, Arctodiaptomus bacillifer, spinosus, Mixodiaptomus kupelwieseri, Cyclops abyssorum, Mesocyclops leuckarti) were determined at constant temperatures ranging 1.4°C to 27.3°C. In most experiments the hatching success was very high, low survival occurring only when experimental closely approached lower and upper lethal ranges. Development usually decreased with increasing temperatures, retardation in close range. non-linear relationship time temperature is adequately described by Bělehradek's equation, quadratic models using log-transformed data perform almost equally well. Data on are summarized regression equations (Bělehradek's equation) for between duration presented. Adaptation intra- interspecific differences similarities discussed context geographical distribution thermal history various species populations. applicability general curves relating examined some deficiencies discussed.