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The World of Protozoa, Rotifera, Nematoda and Oligochaeta

Ref ID : 1731

Johanna Laybourn; The effects of temperature on the respiration and production of the freshwater nematode Anonchus sp. Oecologia (Berlin) 41:329-337, 1979

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Growth and respiration were measured in a species of Anonchus (Nematoda: Plectidae) at 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 degrees C. At 5 degrees C no growth was measurable but the organisms remained active. Maximum production occurred at 15 degrees C, but the highest rate of growth occurred at 20 degrees C. Thus, adult size attained is dependent on the temperature of growth. Respiratory energy losses derived from Cartesian diver microrespirometry, increased with temperature up to 25 degrees C. Regression coefficients (b values) derived from a log linear regression of weight against oxygen consumption varied between 0.574-1.793, the lowest value being attained at 5 degrees C, the highest at 20 degrees C. Based on Q10, production and respiratory energy losses the optimum temperatures for Anonchus appears to lie between 10-15 degrees C.