The effects of salinity changes on respiration in the sandy-beach whelk Bullia digitalis (dillwyn)

Abstract

1. 1. O 2 consumption of suspended Bullia digitalis decreases markedly in response to both elevated and lowered salinities. 2. 2. This decrease in O 2 uptake is accompanied by a decrease in activity. 3. 3. Changes in salinity initiate a cessation of the normal respiratory current through the siphon, thus protecting the pallial organs from osmotic stress. 4. 4. It is probable that this results in partial anaerobiosis.