THE INFLUENCE OF BODY WEIGHT, TEMPERATURE AND SEASON UPON THE RATE OF OXYGEN CONSUMPTION OF THE TERRESTRIAL AMPHIPOD, TALITRUS SYLVATICUS (HASWELL)

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Abstract
1. The relationship between the rate of oxygen consumption and body weight of the terrestrial amphipod, Talitrus sylvaticus, was expressed by an exponent of 0.836 at 25° C. 2. The rate of oxygen consumption of Talitrus sylvaticus was significantly higher in winter than in summer at any one temperature. 3. Analysis of variance showed that, of the factors influencing the rate of oxygen consumption of T. sylvaticus, first order interactions occurred between temperature and body weight, temperature and season, and season and body weight. There was also a significant second order interaction between temperature, body weight and season on the rate of oxygen uptake of T. sylvaticus. 4. The adaptation of its rate of oxygen uptake by Talitrus sylvaticus to seasonal differences in temperature was not sufficient to enable it to maintain the same rate of output of energy in winter as in summer.