Aquatic Sciences Meeting, Albuquerque 2001

SS24 The Ecology of Pelagic Gelatinous Zooplankton

Date: Monday, February 12, 2001, Time: 10:45:00 AM

Location: Acoma/Zuni/Tesuque

Madin, L, P, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, USA, lmadin@whoi.edu

A PRIMER ON PELAGIC TUNICATES

The pelagic tunicates are planktonic filter-feeders that occur throughout the world ocean. There are two major groups, the class Thaliacea, containing pyrosomids, salps and doliolids, and the class Appendicularia (or Larvacea). Thaliceans are relatively large, gelatinous animals that pump water through their bodies and filter small particles out of it with mucous filter nets. The appendicularians are much smaller animals that construct external mucous structures around their bodies to concentrate small particulates for ingestion. Thaliaceans have complex life cycles involving alternation of sexual and asexual stages; often this results in high fecundity and explosive population growth. Because of their efficient grazing and periodic high abundances, pelagic tunicates can have significant impacts on planktonic communities. This tutorial presentation for the special session (SS24 The Ecology of Pelagic Gelatinous Zooplankton), will provide an introduction to the biology and ecology of pelagic tunicates, including basic anatomy and function, diversity and distribution of species, trophic biology and energetics, and ecological significance in coastal and oceanic waters.

This Session Listing

Aquatic Sciences Meeting, Albuquerque 2001

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