A Review About Cyclomorphosis in Plankton

Cyclomorphism or seasonal polymorphism was first described in zooplankton by Lauterborn at 1904. This term is nowadays referred to as the seasonal changes in body structures affected by the abiotic (temperature, turbulence, light) and biotic (nutrient, predator, pressure) circulation in small aquatic organisms. These seasonal changes may cause the season to look like two different forms. Cyclomorphosis more prevalent, especially among planktonic cladocerans, but also among protozoa, dinoflagellates and rotifers. Cyclomorphosis is a consequence of changes in the physical appearance and behavior of organisms. Cyclomorphism is reduce the sinking rate of the organism in aquatic environment and facilitates swimming, at the same time, another advantage is the defense against feeding with planktons predators. Researchers have shown that chemicals released by some hunter species (kairomons) cause body spurs such as caudal spin, hump, and defense against the predator. This review also details cyclomorphosis and changes in the plankton