Infected shrimp and seagull predation. Infected lagoon sand shrimp (Gammarus insensibilis) at the surface of the sea,infected with parasitic flatworms. Seabirds such as seagulls (one pictured) prey on such shrimps. This amphipod crustacean,which reaches lengths of 20 millimetres,is found in coastal lagoons. The life cycle of the parasitic trematode (flatworm) Microphallus papillorobustus includes this shrimp as an intermediate host. When infected,the shrimp swims upwards,making it more vulnerable to predation. A non-infected shrimp will swim further below the surface,avoiding predation. The flatworm's eggs are transmitted in the faeces of the seabirds,completing the life cycle | |
Lizenzart: | Lizenzpflichtig |
Credit: | Science Photo Library / Goetgheluck, Pascal |
Bildgröße: | 5188 px × 3368 px |
Modell-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Eigentums-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Restrictions: | - |