Abstract
As described in the previous chapter, changes in light intensity suffice to cause phototactic swimming reactions in zooplankton organisms. No predators or kairomones are needed, only changes in light intensity. We deal with a fixed behavioural response and I called this photobehaviour mechanism 1 (PBM 1) to free it from the per definition necessary optical orientation component inherent to the term phototaxis . Some photoreactive swimming is directed by gravity, for example, in Rhithropanopeus larvae or Acartia. Also passive sinking, as in Daphnia, can be indicated by the new term as long as it is caused by light. The old term, phototaxis, is covered and can be used if it is known that the orientation component is directed by the angular light distribution .
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2010 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Ringelberg, J. (2010). A Decision-Making Mechanism. In: Diel Vertical Migration of Zooplankton in Lakes and Oceans. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-3093-1_4
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-3093-1_4
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
Print ISBN: 978-90-481-3092-4
Online ISBN: 978-90-481-3093-1
eBook Packages: Earth and Environmental ScienceEarth and Environmental Science (R0)