ISSN:
1573-5117
Keywords:
Harpacticoid
;
meiofauna
;
Apolethon
;
sex ratio
;
vertical distribution
;
seasonal variation
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract The life history and ecology of a harpacticoid copepod, Apolethon sp., were investigated for one year in the intertidal zone of a subarctic bay in southeastern Alaska. Core samples were collected biweekly at the 0 m tidal level from March, 1992 through March, 1993; zonation and vertical distribution were determined from additional samples. Large seasonal variations in density of Apolethon sp. parallelled that of the total harpacticoid community, with highest densities (124.3±12.5 10 cm−2; mean ± standard error) in March and lowest densities in May and October (7.6±4.5). The sex ratio of Apolethon sp. varied directly with population density, varying from 〈0.1 to 1.2 (male:female) during the study period. The species was restricted to a relatively narrow vertical band within the intertidal zone, having its greatest density at − 1 m and being rare above + 1 m tidal height. Adult Apolethon sp. bear conspicuous ovoid mucin structures located laterally on the genital double-somite. The mucin structures are unique to the species; several putative functions are discussed.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00229961
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