Water flea morphs. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of differently-shaped forms of the water flea Daphnia longicephala. 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 left is a standard shape,whilst that on the right has developed a large crest on its head (green),which may make it more difficult for invertebrates to catch or eat it. This flea's predators include the backswimmer (family Notonectidae). Magnification unknown | |
Lizenzart: | Lizenzpflichtig |
Credit: | Science Photo Library / Laforsch, Christian |
Bildgröße: | 3156 px × 2362 px |
Modell-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Eigentums-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Restrictions: | - |