The Effect of Thermal Acclimation On the Heat Tolerance of the Intertidal Prosobranchs Littorina Littorea (L.) and Monodonta Lineata (Da Costa)

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Abstract
The effect of exposure time and acclimation temperature on the survival of the winkle Littorina littorea and the topshell Monodonta lineata is described. It was found that acclimation to temperatures between 5 and 16°C enhanced survival whereas acclimation to temperatures above 21°C resulted in little further elevation of the heat-lethal temperature. The process of thermal acclimation is accomplished by raising the heat tolerance of the less-resistant individuals more than that of other members of the population. The increase in sea temperatures which occurs with the onset of summer is sufficient to extend the thermal tolerance so that unusually high temperatures can be tolerated when the animals are uncovered by the tide.

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