Aquatic carnivorous plants of the genus Utricularia are among the most fascinating predators in freshwater ecosystems, capturing a wide range of microinvertebrates with their highly specialized suction traps. Despite extensive research on trap function and prey capture, little is known about how zooplankton perceive and respond to the presence of these plants before capture.
This project aims to investigate whether Utricularia influences the behaviour and morphology of freshwater zooplankton and whether these responses differ among major zooplankton groups (e.g. cladocerans, copepods and ostracods). Particular emphasis will be placed on testing the hypothesis that Utricularia releases chemical cues capable of inducing behavioural avoidance or predator-induced phenotypic plasticity in potential prey.
The work will combine controlled laboratory experiments with light microscopy and quantitative behavioural analyses based on time-lapse video recordings. The student will gain experience in experimental aquatic ecology, zooplankton biology, microscopy, image and video analysis, and statistical evaluation of behavioural data. The project offers an opportunity to contribute to our understanding of predator–prey interactions and chemical communication in freshwater ecosystems.
Contact:
Dagmara Sirová, Ph.D.; Caio César Pires de Paula, Ph.D.
Institute of Hydrobiology
Department of Aquatic Microbial Ecology
Na Sadkach 7
37005
Ceske Budejovice
Czechia
https://www.hbu.cas.cz/en/
Email: sirovad@oregonstate.edu
Claire Duchet, Ph.D.
Institute of Entomology
Biology Centre C.A.S.
Branišovská 1160/31
370 05 České Budějovice
Czechia
https://www.entu.cas.cz/en/
Email: Claire.duchet@entu.cas.cz
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