Water flea morphs. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of differently-shaped forms of the water flea Daphnia lumholtzi. Research at the Ludwig-Maximilians University in Germany has shown phenotypic plasticity in several water fleas; they can change their body shapes in response to chemicals (kairomones) given off by predators. The form on the right is a standard shape,whilst that on the left has developed a large helmet on its head (upper left),with an enlarged fornix (light- coloured ridge),as well as a long tail spike. These may make it more difficult for fish to catch or eat it. Magnification unknown | |
Lizenzart: | Lizenzpflichtig |
Credit: | Science Photo Library / Laforsch, Christian |
Bildgröße: | 2469 px × 2362 px |
Modell-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Eigentums-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Restrictions: | - |