TRAIT-BASED INSIGHTS INTO COPEPOD MIGRATION: THE ROLE OF SIZE AND TRANSPARENCY IN DVM BEHAVIOR

Copepods play a vital role in marine ecosystems, particularly in carbon export through Diel Vertical Migration (DVM). Traditionally, body size has been recognized as the primary factor influencing DVM amplitude, with larger copepods undertaking more pronounced vertical migrations. However, other morphological traits, such as transparency, may also affect DVM behavior. In this study, we explore the role of transparency, a less commonly considered trait, in shaping migration patterns. Using MOCNESS tows and ZooScan imaging, we quantified a range of morphological descriptors to assess copepod community structure and distribution. Our findings reveal that both size and transparency related variables are significant factors influencing DVM. While size remains a key determinant of DVM amplitude, we found that transparency is also closely linked to migration depth. More transparent copepods face reduced predation risk, allowing them to stay closer to the surface. Interestingly, while size-related DVM amplitude varied across regions, transparency-related migration patterns were consistent, suggesting it is a more conserved trait. These results emphasize the importance of incorporating both size and transparency into ecological models to better understand zooplankton behavior and their contributions to biogeochemical cycles.

Presentation Preference: Poster

Primary Presenter: Rocio Rodriguez Perez, Arizona State University (rocioblrodriguez@gmail.com)

Authors:

Rocio Rodriguez Perez, Arizona State University  (rbrodri3@asu.edu)

Hannah Gossner, University of New Hampshire  (Hannah.gossner@unh.edu)

Amy Maas, Bermuda Institue of Ocean Sciences  (amy.maas@asu.edu)

Leocadio Blanco-Bercial, Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences  (Leocadio@asu.edu)