The temperature acclimatized swimming speed of selected marine dinoflagellates

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Abstract
Video measurements were used to monitor the temperature acclimatized swimming speeds (24 hours exposure) of 11 species of marine dinoflagellates, some represented by different clones, on a temperature gradient plate. Although the inherent variability among individuals within a population under the same treatment was high, each species or clone could be represented by a response scatter plot that characterized its temperature-dependent swimming ability. A curve-fitting treatment of the data demonstrated the similarity of the swimming speed versus temperature responses for repetitive trials on a single clone or for different clones and the diversity of the swimming speed versus temperature responses among different species. Comparisons among populations included viable temperature range, maximum swimming speed and response curve shape. All species swam over a broader temperature range than that over which growth was detected. Maximum swimming speed within the measured group occurred at a cell length of -35 μg This possible optimum in cell size may result from the hydrodynamic characteristics of dinoflagellate swimming. Swimming speed variation among dinoflagellate species can influence the competitive interactions within the group or with other kinds of phytoplankton and can affect predator-prey interactions with herbivores.

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