Fowler, C., Marine Physical Lab, Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Yen, J., School of Biology, Georgia Institute of Technology
Jaffe, J., Marine Physical Lab, Scripps Institution of Oceanography

3D VISUALIZATION OF A CALANOID COPEPOD, EUCHAETA

To afford a better understanding of predatory copepod appearance and
behavior, a three-dimensional computer model was created of a
Euchaeta. Using the model, anatomy and behavior may be illustrated and
examined from arbitrary viewpoints. Such a model can be used in many
ways, for example: to communicate the features of the animal to the
lay public; to understand the spatial/temporal relationships of
predator/prey interactions through the examination of behaviors from
selected viewpoints; and to increase our understanding of aquatic
animal behavior through examination from viewpoints difficult or
impossible to achieve using previous techniques. The model represents
a synthesis of current knowledge from traditional sources: textual
descriptions, drawings, photographs, and examination of preserved
specimens, as well as from high-speed two-dimensional videography of
living copepods and from discussions with experts. Although creating
the model required a substantial time commitment, we believe the model
shows great promise as a tool to illustrate aspects of plankton
morphology and mechanics that few have had the opportunity to observe.

SS23 SS15 CS37
ORAL
FOWLER, C.