The effect of starvation on the metabolic rate and microanatomy of Galumna elimata (Acari: Oribatida)
2001
Hubert, J. (Vyzkumny Ustav Rostlinne Vyroby, Prague-Ruzyne (Czech Republic)) | Sustr, V.
The physiological parameters mortality, mass, oxygen consumption and amylase activity, and microanatomical features of the digestive tract, mesenchym and reproductive organs were used to characterise starvation in Galumna elimata. The mites were starved or fed by Desmococcus vulgaris, a green bark alga. The physiological parameters were recorded after 21 days, the microanatomical ones after 21 and 42 days. The guts of the starved mites were empty or filled with mucoid substances, while the guts of control mites contained food boli formed from algal cells. The mortality was significantly higher in starved animals. The mortality after 42 days was higher in males than females. The fresh mass of starved individuals significantly decreased while the water proportion content of their body tissues increased. Oxygen consumption of the starved mites was lower. Starvation did not influence the activity of amylase. The activity of mesenteral and caecal cells, proventricular glands and cells of salivary glands was reduced after 42 days of starvation. Starvation induces ovovivipary or larvipary in Galumna elimata.
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