Additional Funding Sources
This project is supported by a 2021-2022 STEM Undergraduate Research Grant from the Higher Education Research Council.
Abstract
In recent years, interest has grown in the neurobiology of organisms. Though the nervous system of D. magna is less complex than vertebrate nervous systems, studies have revealed D. magna share several neurotransmitters, and related gene pathways, with vertebrates. The purpose of this study is to examine the individual swimming behavior of four unique D. magna genotypes from three ecologically unique environments. This study provides evidence for variation in behavior across genotypes due to ecologically driven genetic differences.
Ecologically Driven Genetic Variation in Daphnia magna Swimming Behavior
In recent years, interest has grown in the neurobiology of organisms. Though the nervous system of D. magna is less complex than vertebrate nervous systems, studies have revealed D. magna share several neurotransmitters, and related gene pathways, with vertebrates. The purpose of this study is to examine the individual swimming behavior of four unique D. magna genotypes from three ecologically unique environments. This study provides evidence for variation in behavior across genotypes due to ecologically driven genetic differences.