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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Thermal and salinity effects on locomotor performance of Thoropa taophora tadpoles (Anura, Cycloramphidae)

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Author(s):
Gallo, Antonio C. [1] ; Brasileiro, Cinthia A. [1] ; De Barros, Fabio Cury [1] ; De Carvalho, Jose Eduardo [1]
Total Authors: 4
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Ecol & Evolutionary Biol, Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 1
Document type: Journal article
Source: Integrative Zoology; v. 15, n. 1, p. 40-54, JAN 2020.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

It is well known that environmental temperature influences several biological functions of ectotherms, notably in amphibians. The high permeability of anuran skin, associated with the effect of elevated environmental temperature, potentiates the dehydration process and this combination may restrict locomotor performance. Thoropa taophora is an endemic species from the Atlantic Rainforest whose tadpoles are semiterrestrial and predominantly diurnal, and are found in rocky seashores where they are exposed to sea spray and high temperatures. In this study we investigated how temperature and salinity conditions affect the locomotor performance in Thoropa taophora tadpoles. We also assessed how different osmotic concentrations affect the activity of the metabolic pathways that support muscle function. We measured the sprint speed of tadpoles of various sizes at different temperatures and salinities in the field. We also measured the activity of the enzymes pyruvate kinase (PK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and citrate synthase (CS) in different temperatures and osmotic concentrations, and calculated the thermal sensitivity and the activity constants for each osmolality. Our results showed that, in general, sprint speed decreased with increasing temperature and salinity. However, whereas the effect of increased salinity was similar in smaller and larger tadpoles, increased temperature had a higher negative impact on sprint speed of larger tadpoles, thus indicating low thermal sensitivity of small tadpoles. PK and LDH thermal sensitivities and LDH constant of activity decreased as the osmolality increased. In conclusion, the locomotor capacity of tadpoles was decreased by temperature and salinity, which may be related to a decrease in anaerobic metabolism both in terms of sensitivity and total energy turnover through enzymatic activity. We discuss the ecological consequences, including the potential impacts on predator escape behavior promoted by changes in metabolism and locomotor performance in an early stage of development of this species. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 11/23010-6 - Evaluation of thermal and osmotic physiology and behavior of tadpoles of the complex Thoropa (Anura: Cycloramphidae)
Grantee:Antonio Carlos Gallo da Silva
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
FAPESP's process: 13/50741-7 - Diversity and conservation of Brazilian amphibians
Grantee:Célio Fernando Baptista Haddad
Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Thematic Grants
FAPESP's process: 12/50229-1 - Macroecology of sexual selection: large-scale influence of climate on sexually selected traits
Grantee:Glauco Machado
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
FAPESP's process: 08/57712-4 - The National Institute of Comparative Physiological Research
Grantee:Augusto Shinya Abe
Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants