Microcosm predator avoidance bioassay

Knowledge graph centered on Microcosm predator avoidance bioassay with 71 nodes and 184 connections. Top connected: Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory, Gothic, Beetles, Crested Butte, Pekania pennanti.

Method synopsis

Controlled experimental system using circular plastic tanks to test mayfly larval responses to chemical cues by measuring foraging behavior on substrate surfaces before and after treatment application via continuous drip system.

Synthesized from method descriptions across 19 papers using this protocol.

Procedure from a recent peer-reviewed implementation

Steps below were extracted from the most recent peer-reviewed implementation of this protocol in the corpus — Nonconsumptive effects of Brook Trout predators reduce secondary production of mayfly prey (2020), Freshwater Science. The protocol was originally introduced by The influence of predatory fish on mayfly drift: extrapolating from experiments to nature (2002), Freshwater Biology. Implementations in other papers (listed below) may differ.

1. Establish trout chemical cue manipulation
   Placed four 110-L flow-through streamside containers (plastic garbage cans spaced every 60-70 m) each with 6 live Brook Trout (total length: 118–164 mm) in the downstream 200 m of the study reach. Containers were gravity fed with 1.9-3.7 cm diameter hoses delivering fishless stream water into each container and back into the stream at a rate of 2 to 9 L/min.
   Quantities: 4 containers, 6 trout per container, 110 L container volume, 118-164 mm trout length, 2-9 L/min flow rate, 60-70 m spacing between containersDuration: Continuous for 116 days during the study periodConditions: Stream water temperature and flow conditions, containers positioned streamside
   Equipment: 110-L plastic garbage cans, gravity-fed hoses (1.9-3.7 cm diameter), Brook Trout

Typical Equipment

• circular aerated plastic tanks
• stream water supply system
• 50 ml Falcon tubes
• Tygon tubes 7 mm diameter
• adjustable valve clamps
• infrared lights for night observations

Output Measurements

• number of larvae foraging on exposed surfaces
• rate of change in foraging behavior

Papers Using This Protocol (19)

Species Studied With This Protocol

Places Where Used