Plasticity in depth selection behavior and heat shock proteins in Daphnia

Abstract Habitat selection behavior by aquatic and terrestrial animals is influenced both abiotic (e.g., temperature) biotic threat from predators) environmental factors. In this study, the mechanisms underlying variability in of habitat Daphnia under stress were examined. Experiments conducted using five clones with different preferences and, consequently, a width reaction norm. These also showed variation their constitutive levels stress-related heat shock proteins (HSP60, HSP70 HSP90), but none tested factors had any direct effect on expression. However, behavioral plasticity was significantly positively correlated level HSP70. It likely that high can cope better sudden changes environment conditions they experience, e.g., during vertical migrations. contrast, non-migrating low HSP do not allocate energy to synthesis have narrow range plasticity.