The feeding habits of some planktonic predators make conventional microscopic application of the gut content analysis almost impossible. This project will explore the feasibility of using electrophoresis of biochemical markers to examine prey remains. Electrophorectic techniques offers a rapid and simple means of tracing food web relationships, particularly with predators that comsume only soft tissues which cannot be identified by microscopic study. At present, standard staining methods have already been modified to identify biochemical markers representative of prey organisms which are present in the intestinal tracts of predators drawn directly from nature. The method can potentially be applied to novel environments and to novel biotic assemblages with minimal advance preparation. This project will develop the methodology further by using specimens that can be collected on a ancillary basis with NSF sponsored research during summer 1992.
