Respiration of adult female Calanus hyperboreus (Copepoda) during spring in the North Water Polynya

The respiration rate of adult female Calanus hyperboreus was determined in order to assess physiological activity and its relationship to food availability during spring in the North Water Polynya, northern Baffin Bay. The respiration rate increased hyperbolically with increasing ambient chlorophyll α (Chl. α) concentration regardless of the reproductive status. The increase of respiration with Chl. α concentration may be caused by activated feeding behavior. This suggests that all adult females during spring were physiologically active individuals. Possible advantages of the rapid response to food concentration in adult female copepods are discussed.