The fecundity patterns of S and L type rotifers of Brachionus plicatilis

Fecundity patterns of S and L type rotifers Brachionus plicatilis , which were previously found to have distinct growth ability, were analyzed using data of age-specific fecundity. The data were obtained by individual cultures of S and L type strains at 17, 24 and 34 degree C. The pattern was analyzed by using normal probability functions. When the age was transformed into logarithmic value, the S and L types had an identical pattern of fecundity at every temperature. This fact indicates that the difference of the growth response to the temperature between S and L type strains stemmed only from the differences in net reproduction rate, not from the pattern.