Journal of Environmental Biology

Lunar rhythm in the planktonic biomass of the Nicco Park lake, Bhubaneswar

 

Tanushree Dhua and A.K. Patra

Env. Biology Research Laboratory, P.G. Department of Zoology, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar- 751004, India

 

(Received: 30 October, 2004 ; Accepted: 19 August, 2005)

 

 

Abstract: The lunar cycle imparts certain stimulatory effects on the rhythmic behaviour of plankton and their life processes by which they actively migrate to the surface and gradually sink as the moon fades. This may also result in morphological changes in organisms, such as Lorica which becomes smaller towards the full moon night by changing the size of postero-lateral spines and surface area. In addition, cyclomorphic forms have been observed in zooplankton, which appears to be a suitable achivement for swarming and for the differentiation of sex by secondary sexual characteristics. Lunar rhythm in plankton appears to be governed by an internal clock, that is the "Biological clock".

 

Key words: Lunar rhythm, Planktonic components, Nicco Park lake.

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