'The Michael Phelps of plankton' can swim vertically and quickly between sunlight at the ocean surface and nutrients at the bottom to fuel their growth and enable them to congregate in large numbers
Looking to get answers, the UC San Diego research team used an autonomous, ocean-wave-powered vertical profiling system developed at Scripps Oceanography to continuously measure physical and biochemical conditions from the sea surface to the floor, reaching a depth of 300 feet. The instrument, known as a Wirewalker, moves up and down a mooring line attached to a buoy while taking measurements of temperature, salinity, depth, sunlight levels, chlorophyll fluorescence and nitrate concentrations.
Thus the study not only confirmed L. polyedra’s ability to swim vertically but also showed they are “the Michael Phelps of plankton,” said oceanographer Drew Lucas, senior author of the paper and an associate professor at Scripps Oceanography. “They are actually quite remarkable swimmers,” Lucas said. “We think of animals that swim well, like a mako shark that can swim up to 40 mph, but only for a short time to chase and catch prey. But these swim at their rate for hours. It’s incredible.”
“These organisms, although very tiny, can really impact the ecosystem to historic levels when they get to these levels of abundance.”
Österreich Neuesten Nachrichten, Österreich Schlagzeilen
Similar News:Sie können auch ähnliche Nachrichten wie diese lesen, die wir aus anderen Nachrichtenquellen gesammelt haben.
La Jolla Music SocietyOrganization holds “Enchanted Forest” benefit gala during its annual SummerFest
Weiterlesen »
La Jolla High School's Chiara Dailey carries race strategy into Bronco Roundup, shinesSophomore clocks a time of 11:04 to win Division 1's 2-mile race, RB's Camden Luecht wins boys' race
Weiterlesen »
Himalayan valley sizes are controlled by tectonic-driven rock uplift, study showsThe oceans are the final destination of weathering products from the land and its transport via rivers, with those in the Himalayan mountains alone moving one billion tons of sediment each year. To understand the storage dynamics of mountain valley systems, it is important to determine the spatial distribution of rivers, their volumes and longevity on seasonal and longer-term timescales. This is especially true given erosion processes widen valleys and therefore expand the spatial distribution of sediment influxes to oceans.
Weiterlesen »
Air pollution prevents pollinators from finding flowers, study showsAir pollution dramatically reduces pollination because it degrades the scent of flowers, affecting bees' ability to find them, a study has found.
Weiterlesen »
A 'natural weapon': Study shows large herbivores keep invasive plants at bayLarge herbivores can protect local nature by eating and trampling on biodiversity-threatening invasive plant species.
Weiterlesen »
This California casino is among highest-rated in US, study shows84 million Americans visited casinos in 2022, with commercial gaming revenue in the U.S. topping $60 billion last year for the first time ever, according to new data.
Weiterlesen »