Effects of Inundation Length On Fairy Shrimp

Authors

Tammy Behunin, Brigham Young University
Russell Rader, Brigham Young University

Keywords

inundation length, fairy shrimp, phyllopods, freshwater rock pool

College

Life Sciences

Department

Biology

Abstract

Phyllopods (fairy shrimp, tadpole shrimp, and clam shrimp) are the species that best characterize freshwater rock pool communities around the world because of their unique adaptations to temporary conditions. The fairy shrimp, Branchinecta packardi, is one of the most abundant animals in temporary rock pools of the Colorado Plateau. Some rock pools can fill and dry in less than 2 days during the hottest part of the year (July). We conducted a study to examine the relationship between pool evaporation rates and rates of fairy shrimp development. The objectives of this study were to test two hypotheses: 1) fairy shrimp can complete thier life cycle in six days and 2) percent survival, body size, and fecundity are positively correlated with length of inundation.

Recommended Citation

Behunin, Tammy and Rader, Russell (2013) "Effects of Inundation Length On Fairy Shrimp," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013: Iss. 1, Article 1069.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/1069