Behavioral Responses of 'Balanus improvisus' Nauplii to Light Intensity and Spectrum

摘要

Although barnacle larvae have been used in numerous classical studies on phototaxis and spectral response, results have been predominantly qualitative in nature. In this study, short-term phototaxis (direction) and orthophotokinensis (velocity) of Balanus improvisus nauplii are investigated using a new method of video-computer quantification which greatly facilitates studies of movement in small organisms. The ability to rapidly quantify and compare movement parameters makes this system a potentially powerful tool for behavioral bioassays. Thus, this study demonstrates the capabilities of this system and provides a rigorous analysis of the photobiology of barnacle larvae.