Behavioral and physiological ecology are two important research aspects of ecological field. Related studies help us better understand the marine animal's habit and adaptability to environment. Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba, thereafter krill) is a key-stone species in the Southern Ocean. Understanding its behavioral and physiological ecology can understand the ability of marine organisms such as krill to cope with extreme environment. We summarized the typical ecological characteristics of krill from both aspects of behavioral ecology and physiological ecology. Behavioral ecology included its swarming (size and behavior) and swimming (angle, beat of pleopod), while physiological ecology included respiration, excretion, metabolism, molting and growth. Generally, the studies on behavioral and physiological ecology of krill were very limited, and many studies were based on land-based krill aquarium. In view of the large difference between land-based aquarium and natural environment of krill, it's extremely urgent to develop the in-situ experimental ecology of krill in the sea.
行为生态学和生理生态学是生态学领域的两个重要研究范畴,开展相关研究可以更好地理解海洋生物的生活习性及其对环境的适应能力.南极磷虾是南大洋生态系统中的关键物种,探究其行为和生理生态学可以了解磷虾类等海洋生物应对极端环境的能力.本文从行为生态和生理生态两方面总结了南极磷虾的典型生态学特征.行为生态学包括其集群(规模、行为)及游泳(游泳角度、附肢摆动)等;生理生态学包括呼吸、排泄与代谢以及蜕皮与生长等.目前关于南极磷虾的生理生态学和行为生态学的研究仍较为有限,且多数研究结果基于陆基实验室的暂养.鉴于陆基实验室暂养与自然的南极磷虾栖息环境差异较大,开展南极磷虾的现场实验生态学研究迫在眉睫.
Keywords: Euphausia superba; behavioral ecology; physiological ecology; swarming; swimming.