Behavioral responses of a sand-beach amphipod to light and pressure
Forward Jr., R.B. (1986). Behavioral responses of a sand-beach amphipod to light and pressure. J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 102: 55-74
In: Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology. Elsevier: New York. ISSN 0022-0981; e-ISSN 1879-1697, more
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| Keywords |
Behaviour > Migrations
Behaviour > Orientation behaviour > Taxis > Phototaxis
Environmental effects > Pressure effects
Topographic features > Landforms > Coastal landforms > Beaches
Synchelidium micropleon
INE, USA, California, La Jolla [Marine Regions]
Marine/Coastal |
| Abstract |
Light-oriented responses of the sand-beach amphipod Synchelidium micropleon (Barnard) in an optical arrangement that simulated the natural underwater angular light distribution were compared with previous measurements upon stimulation with a highly directional light source. During rising the amphipods move up the beach at the leading edge of the wave uprush zone. Maintenance of this position during the day results from an interaction of behavioral responses to light and hydrostatic pressure. The sequence of events is that a wave passing over the buried amphipods causes an increase in pressure, which evokes a negative geotaxis, and the animals exit from the sand. The increase in light intensity upon leaving the sand evokes an initial ascent into the wave due to positive phototaxis. This response reverses to negative within a few seconds, and the animals reenter the sand before they are swept back down the beach. |
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