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Predator‐prey interactions between omnivorous diaptomid copepods and rotifers: The role of prey morphology and behavior 1
Author(s) -
Williamson Craig E.
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
limnology and oceanography
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.7
H-Index - 197
eISSN - 1939-5590
pISSN - 0024-3590
DOI - 10.4319/lo.1987.32.1.0167
Subject(s) - predation , biology , zooplankton , rotifer , omnivore , ecology , predator , crayfish , crustacean , copepod , zoology
Suspension‐feeding diaptomid copepods feed selectively on several rotifer species. Predator‐prey interactions between Diaptomus pallidus and seven species of rotifers were quantified and behavioral probabilities computed. Prey size was a good predictor of the probability of Diaptomus avoiding a prey following an encounter but had little or no predictive value in subsequent levels of interaction (capture, ingestion). Three of the rotifers exhibited escape responses which were specifically based on rheotaxis, suggesting they may have evolved primarily in response to selection pressures exerted by suspension‐feeding zooplankton. Other prey defense mechanisms included a tough integument and long spines—defense mechanisms often used by crustacean prey in response to large predatory calanoids.