Effects of some extrinsic factors on the respiratory metabolism of the freshwater leech, poecilobdella viridis (blanchard): desiccation and temperature

✍ Scribed by R. Nagabhushanam; G.K. Kulkarni

• Publisher: Springer
• Year: 1978
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 261 KB
• Volume: 61
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 1573-5141
• DOI: 10.1007/bf00019018

✦ Synopsis

The influence of desiccation and temperature on the respiratory metabolism of P. viridis have been investigated . There was a significant (p < 0.05) downfall in the respiratory rates as the period of desiccation increased, but for after 18 hours where it was enhanced significantly . The respiration augmented significantly (p < 0 .03) when the temperature of the medium increased . Q,o was significantly high at 32-28°C and was low between 35 and 32°C and 20-10°C . Functional significance of these changes to the leeches in combating environmental hazards is briefly discussed .