Minimal Latitudinal Variation in Diel Vertical Migration Behavior in Daphnia magna
Faculty Mentor Information
Dr. Leigh Latta, Lewis-Clark State College
Presentation Date
7-15-2026
Abstract
Daphnia magna are freshwater aquatic microcrustaceans that exhibit diel vertical migration (DVM). This behavior is known to vary due to differences in predator-prey regimes. We hypothesized that significant behavioral variation exists among genotypes and populations due to underlying genetic differences evolved in response to variation in local ecology. A Zantiks automated behavioral tracking system was used to assess this behavior with comparisons made between genders and genotypes from populations along a latitudinal gradient that vary in their local ecology. Results from this data suggest limited variation in DVM between genders and genotypes, perhaps due to limitations of the behavioral tracking system employed.
Minimal Latitudinal Variation in Diel Vertical Migration Behavior in Daphnia magna
Daphnia magna are freshwater aquatic microcrustaceans that exhibit diel vertical migration (DVM). This behavior is known to vary due to differences in predator-prey regimes. We hypothesized that significant behavioral variation exists among genotypes and populations due to underlying genetic differences evolved in response to variation in local ecology. A Zantiks automated behavioral tracking system was used to assess this behavior with comparisons made between genders and genotypes from populations along a latitudinal gradient that vary in their local ecology. Results from this data suggest limited variation in DVM between genders and genotypes, perhaps due to limitations of the behavioral tracking system employed.