ΜCT scanning—a novel method for in vivo 3D characterization of zooplankton propagules. (8th August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pinceel, Tom; Wynants, Enya; Tonné, Nathalie; Brendonck, Luc; Vanschoenwinkel, Bram
• Is Part Of: Limnology and oceanography, methods. Volume 14:Number 11(2016:Nov.)
• Page Start: 759
• Page End: 766
• Publication Date: 2016-08-08
• Subjects: Limnology -- Methodology -- Periodicals; Oceanography -- Methodology -- Periodicals; 551.48
• DOI: 10.1002/lom3.10136
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1541-5856

Abstract

Abstract: Many zooplankton species produce dormant stages to bridge episodes that are unfavorable for juveniles and adults. Although a variety of methods has been used to study the morphology and internal structure of these propagules, surprisingly little is known about links between propagule traits and life history characteristics such as dormancy, hatching behavior and fitness of emerging larvae. A major constraint is that most available methods are lethal to the embryo and processing can generate visual artefacts. Here, we investigate the potential of High Resolution X‐ray Computed Tomography (HRXCT or µCT scanning) to compile whole mount 3D reconstructions of the propagules of three zooplankton species that differ in size (∼200–1200 μm) and shape (spherical eggs vs. semi‐circular ephippia). Our results show that µCT scanning is a suitable technique for whole mount reconstruction of propagules. In addition, by combining the scanning procedure with a laboratory hatching experiment we showed that while eggs that were exposed to µCT scanning had significantly lower hatching fractions and lower motility of hatchlings than control eggs, some of the scanned eggs or larvae could still be used in subsequent life table experiments. Overall, µCT scanning represents a valuable, non‐invasive technique for internal and external characterization of zooplankton propagules and to study associations between propagule structure and life history traits.