Abstract
The behavioral responses of Branchipus schaefferi Fisher, 1834 males and females to short-term thermal stress in six different rearing conditions are studied. The swimming performance was tested in pure tap water and water collected from both male and female culture mediums. The animal's behavior was recorded using a high-definition digital video camera mounted approximately 30 cm above the experimental containers. The swimming track and the thoracopod beating rates were recorded manually for each animal at different temperatures. The results indicate that in most cases, a significant increase in active swimming and limb beating rate occurred with increasing temperature. However, the animals tested in the different male and female culture medium were significantly less active compared to those in tap water, under similar thermal stress. Animals seem to produce substances in the culture media that influence their locomotor behavior under thermal stress.
Highlights
Temperature is a key abiotic variable that can influence the behavior of various taxa in both terrestrial and aquatic habitats (Barnes et al, 2001) and fluctuates seasonally, on a daily or even an hourly basis (Lagerspetz and Vainio, 2006)
The results were statistically analysed using SPSS analysis of variance and p < 0.05 was chosen as the significance level. Both sexes become more active at higher temperatures by increasing swimming activities and limb beating rate, while the opposite was observed at low temperatures in all test environments (Tabs. 1, 2)
The highest limb beating rate was recorded at 40 °C and was 8.89 ± 0.19 beats per seconds for females in tap water (FT) and 9.07 ± 0.18 beats/s for males in the presence of females (MFT) (n = 30)
Summary
Temperature is a key abiotic variable that can influence the behavior of various taxa in both terrestrial and aquatic habitats (Barnes et al, 2001) and fluctuates seasonally, on a daily or even an hourly basis (Lagerspetz and Vainio, 2006). The effects of genetic transmission and individual physiological experiences will influence the thermal behavior of an organism (Lagerspetz and Vainio, 2006). Temporary waters have much greater physical and chemical amplitudes than most permanent ponds and streams. They are usually shallow and characteristically unstable with respect to abiotic conditions, since they can be strongly heated by the sun and cooled at night (and by wind). The organisms that live in these types of habitat have to be very adapted to these conditions if they are to persist
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