Factors affecting distribution and abundance of zooplankton, with an emphasis on Antarctic krill, Euphausia superba

Variation in the abundance and distribution ci zooplankton is an inherent characteristic ci pelagic ma-rine ecosystems. In this chapter, we discuss how patterns of abundance and distribution &JC affected by the life cycle characteristics c:I some rl the predominant macrowoplankton west c::l the Antarctic Peninsula. Because ci the importance of Antarctic krill, EuphausitJ Sllptrba. within this region, some aspects ci its ecoiolY ~ given special.uentian. Of particular relevance to rum:nt hypotheses is the association of krill and sea icc, and new evidence is presented for winter habilal Icgreg_tion between adult and larval Slages. Subsequent discussion focuses 00 strategies for winter survival, and variation in recruilmenl. Finally, we discuss the effects of abiotic facton such as frontal shifts, and biotic factors such as food com-position, as they ~late to abundance and distribution ci zooplankton. 1