The effect of food on the determination of sex ratio in Calanus spp.: evidence from experimental studies and field data

Title
The effect of food on the determination of sex ratio in Calanus spp.: evidence from experimental studies and field data
Publication Type
Journal Article
Year of Publication
2000
Authors

Irigoien X, Obermuller B, Head RN, Harris RP, Rey C, Hansen BW, Hygum BH, Heath MR, Durb EG

Journal
ICES Journal of Marine Science
Volume
57
Pagination
1752-1763
ISBN Number
Keywords

Calanus, copepods, sex ratio, mesocosm, Espegrend, Bergen, Norway, 18.5 m3

Abstract

The effect of food concentration on the sex ratio in Calanus spp. has been investigatedin laboratory and mesocosm experiments. The results of the experiments are comparedwith time series in the field and with physiological rates. The food concentration andquality had an effect on the sex ratio of adult Calanus, with higher percentages of malesobtained with increased food concentration. Laboratory experiments and field timeseries suggest that sex can still change at stage CIIIā€“CIV, but is determined at stageCV. The energy budget of males was very unbalanced, suggesting that the shorterlifespan often reported could be due to exhaustion of lipid stores.

URL
Date of Published
Accession Number
Type of Article
Alternate Journal