Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-8-2010

Keywords

Light effects, Larval feeding, Larval growth, Larval morphology

Abstract

Because planktonic invertebrate larvae may be food-limited, anything that increases feeding and digestive efficiency should increase the chances of larval survival to metamorphosis. As light directly enhances both feeding and digestion in some planktonic heterotrophic protists, we hypothesize that similar processes might occur in the larvae of marine invertebrates. We studied the direct effects of light on feeding and development in sea urchin larvae (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis, S. franciscanus and sand dollar Dendraster excentricus). Larvae were placed in 12:12 h light:dark cycles or in complete darkness and ingestion rates were measured. We monitored larval morphology during the first 2 to 3 wk of development and tested for light-related differences. Short-term changes in light regime had no effect on feeding rates. However, larvae of all 3 species showed longer-term diel feeding patterns with ingestion rates generally higher during daylight hours. These patterns persisted in S. franciscanus larvae even when larvae were held in complete darkness for 3 d. Larvae of D. excentricus exposed to natural light cycles developed longer arms usually associated with food limitation; those held in darkness had significantly shorter arms. The developing juvenile structures (i.e., rudiments) of S. droebachiensis larvae exposed to light were significantly smaller than those of larvae held in continuous darkness, suggesting that light may have negative effects on larval growth and development. Measuring the effects of light on feeding and growth may clarify the behaviors of invertebrate larvae during their critically important planktonic period.

Publication Title

Marine Ecology Progress Series

Volume

404

First Page

69

Last Page

78

DOI

https://doi.org/10.3354/meps08488

Required Publisher's Statement

Published by Inter-Research Science Center

DOI:: 10.3354/meps08488

Subjects - Topical (LCSH)

Sea urchins--Larvae--Effect of light on; Sand dollars--Larvae--Effect of light on

Genre/Form

articles

Type

Text

Language

English

Format

application/pdf

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