Oxygen Consumption of Plethodontid Salamanders during Rest, Activity and Recovery

Abstract

The resting, active and recovery rates of oxygen consumption for Plethodon jordani, P. glutinosus and P. yonahlossee ranging in size from 0.5 to 6 g, were strongly correlated with body mass. The absolute aerobic scope (pl 02 g-1 hr-1) increased with body mass, whereas the factorial scope (Vo2,max/Vo2,rest) was approximately constant at 4x. The resting and recovery rates of oxygen consumption were only slightly influenced by ambient Po2 whereas active rates were markedly depressed at Po2 < 110 mm Hg. Allometric analyses indicate that the cutaneous surface area of large plethodontid salamanders might limit their maximum aerobic metabolic rate and the maximum attainable body mass. However, the aerobic metabolic rate of small Plethodon (<6 g) appears to be limited by factors other than cutaneous respiratory surface area.