Effect of photoperiod on metabolic rate in a subtropical population of Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract

1. 1. Descendents of a Florida, U.S.A. population of Drosophila melanogaster were reared under short (8 hr light: 16hr dark) and long (16 hr light:8 hr dark) photoperiods. 2. 2. Flies reared under short photoperiods had higher rates of metabolism at 21°C. 3. 3. Because genetic background (iso-female line) affects metabolic rates, statistical control through analysis of covariance was necessary to isolate the effects of photoperiod on metabolic rates. 4. 4. These results on a subtropical population of D. melanogaster are similar to those found on a temperate population of the same species.