Moonlight Moves Ocean Animals in the Dark Arctic
Moonlight Drives Ocean-Scale Mass Vertical Migration of Zooplankton during the Arctic Winter.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
Zooplankton switch from 24-hour solar day rhythms to 24.8-hour lunar day rhythms during winter.
Scientists previously assumed biological rhythms in polar night were random or absent due to lack of light; this shows a precise shift to lunar timing across the entire Arctic.
Practical Takeaways
Consider lunar cycles when studying or modeling Arctic marine ecosystems, especially during winter.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
Zooplankton switch from 24-hour solar day rhythms to 24.8-hour lunar day rhythms during winter.
Scientists previously assumed biological rhythms in polar night were random or absent due to lack of light; this shows a precise shift to lunar timing across the entire Arctic.
Practical Takeaways
Consider lunar cycles when studying or modeling Arctic marine ecosystems, especially during winter.
Publication
Journal
Current biology : CB
Year
2016
Authors
K. Last, Laura Hobbs, J. Berge, A. Brierley, F. Cottier
Related Content
Claims (4)
Zooplankton in the Arctic dive down to about 50 meters deep every month when the full moon happens, and they all do it at the same time—like clockwork—suggesting the moon controls their movement in the winter.
Zooplankton in the Arctic might move up and down in the water with the moon's cycle during winter, and their breathing could release carbon in monthly bursts—even when there's no sunlight or plant growth.
Zooplankton in the Arctic swim up and down in the water with the moon's cycle, and scientists think this behavior is so important and widespread that it should be seen as a basic part of how the Arctic ecosystem works—especially as the region changes.
Arctic ocean plankton move up and down in the water every 24.8 hours during the dark winter, matching the moon's cycle — and scientists think moonlight is what tells them when to move, even in pitch-black seas.