Amphipod life cycle and environmental preferences. Three environmental factors that affect the groeth of amphipods
The correct answer and explanation is:
Amphipods are small, shrimp-like crustaceans found in both marine and freshwater environments. Their life cycle typically includes the following stages: egg, juvenile, and adult. The females release eggs into the water, which hatch into larvae. These larvae grow into juveniles, which eventually mature into adults. The adult amphipods can reproduce, continuing the cycle. Amphipods play a crucial role in the ecosystem as decomposers and prey for other animals.
Three significant environmental factors that affect the growth of amphipods include:
- Temperature: Temperature significantly influences amphipod metabolism and reproduction. Most species of amphipods thrive in temperatures that are stable and within certain ranges, generally between 10°C and 20°C. Extreme temperatures outside this range can slow down their metabolic rates, hinder growth, and reduce their reproduction rates. For example, higher temperatures can lead to faster metabolism but also cause increased vulnerability to predation and diseases.
- Salinity: Amphipods are sensitive to changes in salinity, particularly those in marine environments. Salinity affects the osmotic balance of their bodies and, therefore, their survival. Freshwater species are adapted to lower salinity, while marine species need a stable, higher salinity. A significant change in salinity, such as due to freshwater influx or pollution, can stress amphipods, making them less able to grow and reproduce.
- Oxygen Levels: Amphipods require dissolved oxygen to survive. Low oxygen levels, commonly found in polluted or eutrophic water bodies, can reduce their growth and reproduction rates. Amphipods living in oxygen-deprived environments may experience stunted growth or mortality, as they rely on oxygen to support cellular functions. Oxygen levels can also affect the amphipod’s ability to escape predators and find food.
Each of these factors plays a pivotal role in the development and survival of amphipods, influencing their distribution, behavior, and ecological impact.