Feeding responses to particle-bound cues by a deposit-feeding spionid polychaete, Dipolydora quadrilobata (Jacobi 1883)

摘要: In marine soft-sediment habitats, chemical sensing by deposit-feeding organisms most likely plays a critical role in feeding behavior, yet, few specifics about this and its ecological implications are known. We show that several particle-bound cues stimulate activity of spionid polychaete Dipolydora quadrilobata (Jacobi 1883). Using glass beads as proxy for sediment, we tested responses to selected number potential might be used indicate food availability or quality. presented two sets individual intact worms: one with without covalently bound compounds such single amino acids, mixtures simple sugars. Worms were exposed the under slow flowing seawater so any dissolved flushed from test chamber. Each worm was videotaped 15 min immediately following addition beads, these records scored time spent variety behaviors. Responses compared identify stimulatory, inhibitory, inactive. Five seven significantly increased activity, none those found inhibitory.