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Phenotypic plasticity and functions of morphological antipredator structures in genus Daphnia
Brož, Vojtěch ; Petrusek, Adam (advisor) ; Šorf, Michal (referee)
Predator-induced defence mechanisms are widespread among animals, plants and other organisms. One of the model taxa for research of this phenomenon is the cladoceran genus Daphnia, as its species of this genus possess many morphological, behavioural and other defence mechanisms. Among the most conspicuous examples are specialized antipredatory structures. In many species, the presence of a helmet, i.e. a head expansion that serves as a protection from various invertebrate predators, can be found. A specific case is represented by two species in which the helmet is involved in protection from planktivorous fish. Another, rather widespread defence is the formation of neckteeth, a specialized structure against predatory larvae of phantom midge (Chaoborus spp.). There are also other less frequent antipredatory structures such as a crest or a "crown of thorns". This thesis summarizes the available information on the distribution, evolution, function and mechanisms of induction of these inducible morphological defence structures.
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