Ceriodaphnia Essay, Research Paper

 Ceriodaphnia

Anatomy:

Ceriodaphnia has six pairs of lobed legs which bear numerous hairs. Their head is bent

downwards and is set from the body by a cervical sinus. The head also has two large secondary

antennas that are positioned laterally near the posterior margin. (Pennak, 1989) The

Ceriodaphnia?s mouth is located near the junction of the head and body. The Ceriodaphnia?s body

is covered by a carapace which allows protrusion of only the head and abdomen. One of the

Ceriodaphnia?s most noticeable features is its large compound eye.

Reproduction: The Ceriodaphnia reproduces parthenogenetically, which means the Ceriodaphnia

can reproduce without fertilization of the egg. The egg undergoes a single maturation division in

the ovary and a number are released at a time by the oviducts. (Pennak, 1989) Usually 10-20 eggs

are released.

Ecological Niche: Ceriodaphnia are very diverse as they can live in either oxygen rich or oxygen

poor environments due to their ability to synthesize hemoglobin. Ceriodaphnia live in all regions

of lakes and ponds whether it is on the surface or near the bottom soil. Ceriodaphnia serves as the

main food source for the Hydra in an ecosystem.

Notes of Interest: Ceriodaphnia feed on green algae. They also have thoracic appendages that are

modified phyllopodia that has bristles for food collecting and respiratory functions. (Prescott,

1978)