Intraspecific Scaling of the Resting and Maximum Metabolic Rates of the Crucian Carp (Carassius auratus)

The question of how the scaling of metabolic rate with body mass (M) is achieved in animals is unresolved. Here, we tested the cell metabolism hypothesis and the organ size hypothesis by assessing the mass scaling of the resting metabolic rate (RMR), maximum metabolic rate (MMR), erythrocyte size, and the masses of metabolically active organs in the crucian carp (Carassius auratus). The M of the crucian carp ranged from 4.5 to 323.9 g, representing an approximately 72-fold difference. The RMR and MMR increased with M according to the allometric equations RMR = 0.212M ^0.776 and MMR = 0.753M ^0.785. The scaling exponents for RMR (b _r) and MMR (b _m) obtained in crucian carp were close to each other. Thus, the factorial aerobic scope remained almost constant with increasing M. Although erythrocyte size was negatively correlated with both mass-specific RMR and absolute RMR adjusted to M, it and all other hematological parameters showed no significant relationship with M. These data demonstrate that the cell metabolism hypothesis does not describe metabolic scaling in the crucian carp, suggesting that erythrocyte size may not represent the general size of other cell types in this fish and the metabolic activity of cells may decrease as fish grows. The mass scaling exponents of active organs was lower than 1 while that of inactive organs was greater than 1, which suggests that the mass scaling of the RMR can be partly due to variance in the proportion of active/inactive organs in crucian carp. Furthermore, our results provide additional evidence supporting the correlation between locomotor capacity and metabolic scaling.     

Plant height–crown radius and canopy coverage–density relationships determine above-ground biomass–density relationship in stressful environments

Debate continues in theoretical ecology over whether and why the scaling exponent of biomass–density (M–N) relationship varies along environmental gradients. By developing a novel geometric model with assumptions of allometric growth at the individual level and open canopy at the stand level, we propose that plant height–crown radius and canopy coverage–density relationships determine the above-ground M–N relationship in stressful environments. Results from field investigation along an aridity gradient (from eastern to western China) confirmed our model prediction and showed that the above-ground M–N scaling exponent increased with drought stress. Therefore, the ‘universal’ scaling exponents (−3/2 or −4/3) of the M–N relationship predicted by previous models may not hold for above-ground parts in stressful environments.     

The aerobic scope of an antarctic fish,Pagothenia borchgrevinki and its significance for metabolic cold adaptation

Summary Resting weight-specific oxygen consumption of the cryopelagic Antarctic nototheniid Pagothenia borchgrevinki at 0°C was 39.6 ml kg^-1 · h^-1 for a 50 g fish, with oxygen consumption being described by the regression equation: log₁₀ VO₂(ml/h)=–1.104+0.825 log₁₀ M_b (g). These values are considerably below those raported by Wohlschlag (1964a,b). VO₂ max. in forced swimming was described by the regression equation: log₁₀ VO₂ max = –0.507+0.823 log₁₀ M_b. Despite low basal metabolism, factorial aerobic scope is similar to that reported for most other teleost fish, as is the cost of net transport. Myotomal muscles were used only at the highest swimming speeds and once they were recruited the fish fatigued rapidly. After swimming, oxygen debt was repaid rapidly, with a half-time of 20 min.     

Metabolic Depression in Cunner (Tautogolabrus adspersus) Is Influenced by Ontogeny,and Enhances Thermal Tolerance

To examine the effect of ontogeny on metabolic depression in the cunner (Tautogolabrus adspersus), and to understand how ontogeny and the ability to metabolically depress influence this species'' upper thermal tolerance: 1) the metabolic rate of 9°C-acclimated cunner of three size classes [0.2–0.5 g, young of the year (YOY); 3–6 g, small; and 80–120 g, large (adult)] was measured during a 2°C per day decrease in temperature; and 2) the metabolic response of the same three size classes of cunner to an acute thermal challenge [2°C h⁻¹ from 10°C until Critical Thermal Maximum, CT_Max] was examined, and compared to that of the Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua). The onset-temperature for metabolic depression in cunner increased with body size, i.e. from 5°C in YOY cunner to 7°C in adults. In contrast, the extent of metabolic depression was ∼80% (Q₁₀ = ∼15) for YOY fish, ∼65% (Q₁₀ = ∼8) for small fish and ∼55% (Q₁₀ = ∼5) for adults, and this resulted in the metabolic scaling exponent (b) gradually increasing from 0.84 to 0.92 between 9°C to 1°C. All size classes of cunner had significantly (approximately 60%) lower routine metabolic rates at 10°C than Atlantic cod. However, there was no species'' difference in the temperature-induced maximum metabolic rate, and this resulted in factorial metabolic scope values that were more than two-fold greater for cunner, and CT_Max values that were 6–9°C higher (∼21 vs. 28°C). These results: 1) show that ontogeny influences the temperature of initiation and the extent of metabolic depression in cunner, but not O₂ consumption when in a hypometabolic state; and 2) suggest that the evolution of cold-induced metabolic depression in this northern wrasse species has not resulted in a trade-off with upper thermal tolerance, but instead, an enhancement of this species'' metabolic plasticity.     

Isometric scaling of above- and below-ground biomass at the individual and community levels in the understorey of a sub-tropical forest

Background and Aims Empirical studies and allometric partitioning (AP) theory indicate that plant above-ground biomass (M_A) scales, on average, one-to-one (isometrically) with below-ground biomass (M_R) at the level of individual trees and at the level of entire forest communities. However, the ability of the AP theory to predict the biomass allocation patterns of understorey plants has not been established because most previous empirical tests have focused on canopy tree species or very large shrubs.Methods In order to test the AP theory further, 1586 understorey sub-tropical forest plants from 30 sites in south-east China were harvested and examined. The numerical values of the scaling exponents and normalization constants (i.e. slopes and y-intercepts, respectively) of log–log linear M_A vs. M_R relationships were determined for all individual plants, for each site, across the entire data set, and for data sorted into a total of 19 sub-sets of forest types and successional stages. Similar comparisons of M_A/M_R were also made.Key Results The data revealed that the mean M_A/M_R of understorey plants was 2·44 and 1·57 across all 1586 plants and for all communities, respectively, and M_A scaled nearly isometrically with respect to M_R, with scaling exponents of 1·01 for all individual plants and 0·99 for all communities. The scaling exponents did not differ significantly among different forest types or successional stages, but the normalization constants did, and were positively correlated with M_A/M_R and negatively correlated with scaling exponents across all 1586 plants.Conclusions The results support the AP theory’s prediction that M_A scales nearly one-to-one with M_R (i.e. M_A ∝ M_R ^≈1·0) and that plant biomass partitioning for individual plants and at the community level share a strikingly similar pattern, at least for the understorey plants examined in this study. Furthermore, variation in environmental conditions appears to affect the numerical values of normalization constants, but not the scaling exponents of the M_A vs. M_R relationship. This feature of the results suggests that plant size is the primary driver of the M_A vs. M_R biomass allocation pattern for understorey plants in sub-tropical forests.     

Cutaneous oxygen uptake in the antarctic icequab,Rhigophila dearborni (Pisces: Zoarcidae)

Summary Total resting oxygen uptake (VO₂) at-1.5°C in the scaleless antarctic icequab, Rhigophila dearborni (Fam. Zoarcidae), for fish with body mass (M_b) between 11.9 and 54.0 g may be summarized by the regression equation: log VO₂=0.23+0.47 log M_b. Oxygen uptake by the skin accounts for 35% of total resting VO₂ but cannot be increased to compensate for occluded branchial exchange. These data do not suggest that the species shows metabolic cold adaptation since the O₂ uptake rates at -1.5°C are among the lowest recorded for fish.     

Application of leaf size and leafing intensity scaling across subtropical trees

Understanding the scaling between leaf size and leafing intensity (leaf number per stem size) is crucial for comprehending theories about the leaf costs and benefits in the leaf size–twig size spectrum. However, the scaling scope of leaf size versus leafing intensity changes along the twig leaf size variation in different leaf habit species remains elusive. Here, we hypothesize that the numerical value of scaling exponent for leaf mass versus leafing intensity in twig is governed by the minimum leaf mass versus maximum leaf mass (M _min versus M _max) and constrained to be ≤−1.0. We tested this hypothesis by analyzing the twigs of 123 species datasets compiled in the subtropical mountain forest. The standardized major axis regression (SMA) analyses showed the M _min scaled as the 1.19 power of M _max and the ‐α (−1.19) were not statistically different from the exponents of M _min versus leafing intensity in whole data. Across leaf habit groups, the M _max scaled negatively and isometrically with respect to leafing intensity. The pooled data''s scaling exponents ranged from −1.14 to −0.96 for M _min and M _max versus the leafing intensity based on stem volume (LIV). In the case of M _min and M _max versus the leafing intensity based on stem mass (LIM), the scaling exponents ranged from −1.24 to −1.04. Our hypothesis successfully predicts that the scaling relationship between leaf mass and leafing intensity is constrained to be ≤−1.0. More importantly, the lower limit to scaling of leaf mass and leafing intensity may be closely correlated with M _min versus M _max. Besides, constrained by the maximum leaf mass expansion, the broad scope range between leaf size and number may be insensitive to leaf habit groups in subtropical mountain forest.     

Evidence for a Mass Dependent Step-Change in the Scaling of Efficiency in Terrestrial Locomotion

A reanalysis of existing data suggests that the established tenet of increasing efficiency of transport with body size in terrestrial locomotion requires re-evaluation. Here, the statistical model that described the data best indicated a dichotomy between the data for small (<1 kg) and large animals (>1 kg). Within and between these two size groups there was no detectable difference in the scaling exponents (slopes) relating metabolic (E _met) and mechanical costs (E _{mech, CM}) of locomotion to body mass (M _b). Therefore, no scaling of efficiency (E _{mech, CM}/E _met) with M _b was evident within each size group. Small animals, however, appeared to be generally less efficient than larger animals (7% and 26% respectively). Consequently, it is possible that the relationship between efficiency and M _b is not continuous, but, rather, involves a step-change. This step-change in the efficiency of locomotion mirrors previous findings suggesting a postural cause for an apparent size dichotomy in the relationship between E _met and M _b. Currently data for E _{mech, CM} is lacking, but the relationship between efficiency in terrestrial locomotion and M _b is likely to be determined by posture and kinematics rather than body size alone. Hence, scaling of efficiency is likely to be more complex than a simple linear relationship across body sizes. A homogenous study of the mechanical cost of terrestrial locomotion across a broad range of species, body sizes, and importantly locomotor postures is a priority for future research.     

Shape shifting predicts ontogenetic changes in metabolic scaling in diverse aquatic invertebrates

Metabolism fuels all biological activities, and thus understanding its variation is fundamentally important. Much of this variation is related to body size, which is commonly believed to follow a 3/4-power scaling law. However, during ontogeny, many kinds of animals and plants show marked shifts in metabolic scaling that deviate from 3/4-power scaling predicted by general models. Here, we show that in diverse aquatic invertebrates, ontogenetic shifts in the scaling of routine metabolic rate from near isometry (b_R = scaling exponent approx. 1) to negative allometry (b_R < 1), or the reverse, are associated with significant changes in body shape (indexed by b_L = the scaling exponent of the relationship between body mass and body length). The observed inverse correlations between b_R and b_L are predicted by metabolic scaling theory that emphasizes resource/waste fluxes across external body surfaces, but contradict theory that emphasizes resource transport through internal networks. Geometric estimates of the scaling of surface area (SA) with body mass (b_A) further show that ontogenetic shifts in b_R and b_A are positively correlated. These results support new metabolic scaling theory based on SA influences that may be applied to ontogenetic shifts in b_R shown by many kinds of animals and plants.     

Respiration of juvenile Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida): effects of acclimation,temperature, and food intake

Oxygen consumption (VO₂) of juvenile Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida) was investigated at low tempera tures (six temperatures; range -0.5 to 2.7°C). Small (mean wt. 6–8 g) and large (mean wt. 14 g) fish were acclimated, or adjusted to a constant temperature (0.4°C), for 5 months and then tested for metabolic cold adaptation (elevated metabolic rates in polar fishes). Short-term (2 weeks) acclimated fish showed elevated VO₂ similar to previously established values for polar fishes, but there was no such evidence after longterm acclimation. Long-term acclimation caused VO₂ values to drop significantly (from 86.0 to 46.5 mg O₂·kg^–1·h^–1, at 0.4°C), which showed that metabolic cold adaptation was a phenomenon caused by insufficien: acclimation time for fish in respiration experiments. We also measured the effects of temperature and feeding on VO₂. A temperature increase of 2.3°C resulted in relatively large increases in VO₂ for both longand short-term acclimated fish (Q₁₀ = 6.7 and 7.1, respectively), which suggests that metabolic processes are strongly influenced by temperature when it is close to zero. Feeding individuals to satiation caused significant increases in VO₂ above pre-fed values (34–60% within 1–2 days after feeding). Respiration budgets of starved and fed Arctic cod at ambient temperatures in Resolute Bay N.W.T., Canada, were used to model annual respiration costs and potential weight loss. Low respiration costs for Arctic cod at ambient temperatures result in high growth efficiency during periods of feeding and low weight loss during periods of starvation.     

End Criteria for Reaching Maximal Oxygen Uptake Must Be Strict and Adjusted to Sex and Age: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective

To describe different end criteria for reaching maximal oxygen uptake (VO_2max) during a continuous graded exercise test on the treadmill, and to explore the manner by which different end criteria have an impact on the magnitude of the VO_2max result.

Methods

A sample of 861 individuals (390 women) aged 20–85 years performed an exercise test on a treadmill until exhaustion. Gas exchange, heart rate, blood lactate concentration and Borg Scale_6–20 rating were measured, and the impact of different end criteria on VO_2max was studied;VO₂ leveling off, maximal heart rate (HR_max), different levels of respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and postexercise blood lactate concentration.

Results

Eight hundred and four healthy participants (93%) fulfilled the exercise test until voluntary exhaustion. There were no sex-related differences in HR_max, RER, or Borg Scale rating, whereas blood lactate concentration was 18% lower in women (P<0.001). Forty-two percent of the participants achieved a plateau in VO₂; these individuals had 5% higher ventilation (P = 0.033), 4% higher RER (P<0.001), and 5% higher blood lactate concentration (P = 0.047) compared with participants who did not reach a VO₂ plateau. When using RER ≥1.15 or blood lactate concentration ≥8.0 mmol•L^–1, VO_2max was 4% (P = 0.012) and 10% greater (P<0.001), respectively. A blood lactate concentration ≥8.0 mmol•L^–1 excluded 63% of the participants in the 50–85-year-old cohort.

Conclusions

A range of typical end criteria are presented in a random sample of subjects aged 20–85 years. The choice of end criteria will have an impact on the number of the participants as well as the VO_2max outcome. Suggestions for new recommendations are given.     

Scaling of skeletal mass to body mass in fishes

The few available observations are consistent with the supposition that the relative weightlessness of fishes leads to isometric scaling of skeletal mass to body mass. To explore further this pattern we studied scaling in ontogeny with freshwater tilapia, Oreochromis nilotica, and in phylogeny with adult coral reef fishes. Body mass and skeletal mass were measured for freshly caught fishes. Data were transformed to logarithms and fitted to a power function with least-square linear regression. Whereas slope for all O. nilotica combined was consistent with isometry (b = 1.00; 95% CI = 0.02), slopes calculated separately for juveniles (b = 1.16; CI = 0.07) and adults (b = 1.10; CI = 0.07) indicated positive allometric scaling of the skeleton during ontogeny. The scaling pattern was isometric for a multispecies sample of perciform fishes from coral reefs (b = 0.82; CI = 0.21). However, the single perciform species with the largest number of individuals in the sample, Epinephelus guttatus, was positively allometric (b = 1.13; CI = 0.12), whereas the tetraodontiform, Balistes vetula, was isometric (b = 1.05; CI = 0.12). Instead of leading to isometry, weightlessness may increase the range of possibilities for the scaling of skeleton mass to body mass in fishes compared to terrestrial vertebrates. The scaling of the skeleton in fishes may be related to foraging style and manner of locomotion in water rather than be driven by the need to resist gravity. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Scaling behaviors of weighted food webs as energy transportation networks

Food webs can be regarded as energy transporting networks in which the weight of each edge denotes the energy flux between two species. By investigating 21 empirical weighted food webs as energy flow networks, we found several ubiquitous scaling behaviors. Two random variables A_i and C_i defined for each vertex i, representing the total flux (also called vertex intensity) and total indirect effect or energy store of i, were found to follow power law distributions with the exponents α≈1.32 and β≈1.33, respectively. Another scaling behavior is the power law relationship, , where η≈1.02. This is known as the allometric scaling power law relationship because A_i can be treated as metabolism and C_i as the body mass of the sub-network rooted from the vertex i, according to the algorithm presented in this paper. Finally, a simple relationship among these power law exponents, η=(α−1)/(β−1), was mathematically derived and tested by the empirical food webs.     

New pentafluorophenyl complexes with phosphine-amide ligands

A series of nickel(II) and palladium(II) complexes containing one or two pentafluorophenyl ligands and the phosphino-amides o-Ph₂PC₆H₄CONHR [R = ⁱPr (a), Ph (b)] displaying different coordination modes have been synthesised. The chelating ability of these ligands and the influence of both coligands and the metal centre in their potential hemilabile behaviour have been explored. The crystal structure of (b) has been determined and reveals N–H⋯O intermolecular hydrogen bonding. Bis-pentafluorophenyl derivatives [M(C₆F₅)₂(o-Ph₂PC₆H₄CO-NHR)] [M = Ni; R = ⁱPr (1a); R = Ph (1b); M = Pd; R = ⁱPr (2a); R = Ph (2b)] in which (a) and (b) act as rigid P, O-chelating ligands were readily prepared from the labile precursors cis-[M(C₆F₅)₂(PhCN)₂]. X-ray structures of (1a), (1b) and (2a) have been established, allowing an interesting comparative structural discussion. Dinuclear [{Pd(C₆F₅)(tht)(μ-Cl)}₂] reacted with (a) and (b) yielding the monopentafluorophenyl complexes [Pd(C₆F₅)Cl{PPh₂(C₆H₄–CONH–R)}] (R = ⁱPr (3a), Ph (3b)) that showed a P, O-chelating behaviour of the ligands, confirmed by the crystal structure determination of (3a). New cationic palladium(II) complexes in which (a) and (b) behave as P-monodentate ligands have been synthesised by reacting them with [{Pd(C₆F₅)(tht)(μ-Cl)}₂], stoichiometric Ag(O₃SCF₃) and external chelating reagents such as cod [Pd(C₆F₅)(cod){PPh₂(C₆H₄-CONH-R)}](O₃SCF₃)(R = ⁱPr (4a), Ph (4b)) and 2,2′-bipy [Pd(C₆F₅)(bipy){PPh₂(C₆H₄-CONH-R)}](O₃SCF₃) (R = ⁱPr (5a), Ph (5b)). When chloride abstraction in [{Pd(C₆F₅)(tht)(μ-Cl)}₂] is promoted by means of a dithioanionic salt as dimethyl dithiophospate in the presence of (a) or (b), the corresponding neutral complexes [Pd(C₆F₅){S(S)P(OMe)₂}{PPh₂(C₆H₄-CONH-R)}] (R = ⁱPr (6a), Ph (6b)) were obtained.     

Effects of prolonged cycle ergometer exercise on maximal muscle power and oxygen uptake in humans

The mechanical power (W_tot, W·kg^–1) developed during ten revolutions of all-out periods of cycle ergometer exercise (4–9 s) was measured every 5–6 min in six subjects from rest or from a baseline of constant aerobic exercise [50%–80% of maximal oxygen uptake (VO_2max)] of 20–40 min duration. The oxygen uptake [VO₂ (W·kg^–1, 1 ml O₂ = 20.9 J)] and venous blood lactate concentration ([la]_b, mM) were also measured every 15 s and 2 min, respectively. During the first all-out period, W_tot decreased linearly with the intensity of the priming exercise (W_tot = 11.9–0.25·VO₂). After the first all-out period (i greater than 5–6 min), and if the exercise intensity was less than 60% VO_2max, W_tot, VO₂ and [la]_b remained constant until the end of the exercise. For exercise intensities greater than 60% VO_2max, VO₂ and [la]_b showed continuous upward drifts and W_tot continued decreasing. Under these conditions, the rate of decrease of W_tot was linearly related to the rate of increase of V [(d W_tot/dt) (W·kg^–1·s^–1) = 5.0·10^–5 –0.20·(d VO₂/dt) (W·kg^–1·s^–1)] and this was linearly related to the rate of increase of [la]_b [(d VO₂/dt) (W·kg^–1·s^–1) = 2.310^–4 + 5.910^–5·(d [la]_b/dt) (mM·s^–1)]. These findings would suggest that the decrease of W_tot during the first all-out period was due to the decay of phosphocreatine concentration in the exercising muscles occurring at the onset of exercise and the slow drifts of VO₂ (upwards) and of W_tot (downwards) during intense exercise at constant W_tot could be attributed to the continuous accumulation of lactate in the blood (and in the working muscles).     

The pathway of inorganic-phosphate efflux from isolated liver mitochondria during adenosine triphosphate hydrolysis

1. The distribution of P_i between mitochondria and suspending medium during uncoupler-stimulated hydrolysis of ATP by rat liver mitochondria [Tyler (1969) Biochem. J. 111, 665–678] has been reinvestigated, by using either mersalyl or N-ethylmaleimide as inhibitors of P_i transport and either buffered sucrose/EDTA or LiCl/EGTA solutions as suspending medium. More than 75% of the total P_i liberated was retained in mitochondria treated with either inhibitor at all ATP concentrations tested (0.2–2.5mm). With low ATP concentrations and mersalyl-treated mitochondria incubated in sucrose/EDTA, virtually all the P_i liberated was retained in the mitochondria. 2. Larger amounts of P_i appeared in the suspending medium during ATPase activity, despite the presence of N-ethylmaleimide, when LiCl/EGTA was used as suspending medium compared with sucrose/EDTA. Two sources of this P_i were identified: (a) a slow efflux of P_i from mitochondria to suspending medium despite the presence of N-ethylmaleimide; (b) a slow ATPase activity insensitive to carboxyatractyloside, which was stimulated by added Mg²⁺, partially inhibited by oligomycin or efrapeptin and strongly inhibited by EDTA. 3. It is concluded that liver mitochondria preparations contain two distinct forms of ATPase activity. The major activity is associated with coupled mitochondria of controlled permeability to adenine nucleotides and P_i and is stimulated strongly by uncoupling agents. The minor activity is associated with mitochondria freely permeable to adenine nucleotides and P_i, is unaffected by uncoupling agents and is activated by endogenous or added Mg²⁺. 4. When mitochondria treated with mersalyl were incubated in buffered sucrose solution, almost all the P_i liberated was recovered in the suspending medium, unless inhibitors of P_i-induced large-amplitude swelling such as EDTA, EGTA, antimycin, rotenone, nupercaine or Mg²⁺ were added. Thus the loss of the specific permeability properties of the mitochondrial inner membrane associated with large-amplitude swelling also influences the extent of P_i retention during ATPase activity. 5. The results confirm the previous conclusion (Tyler, 1969) that the P_i transporter provides the sole pathway for P_i efflux during uncoupler-stimulated ATP hydrolysis by mitochondria. It is concluded that more recent hypotheses concerning the influence of Mg²⁺ on mersalyl inhibition of the P_i transporter [Siliprandi, Toninello, Zoccaroto & Bindoli (1975) FEBS Lett. 51, 15–17] and a postulated role of the adenine nucleotide exchange carrier in P_i efflux [Reynafarje & Lehninger (1978) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 75, 4788–4792] are erroneous and should be discarded.     

Ontogenetic changes in the scaling of cellular respiration with respect to size among sunflower seedlings

The respiration rates R (oxygen uptake per min) and body mass M (mg per individual) of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) seedlings were measured for populations raised in the dark (scotomorphogenesis) and for plants subsequently grown in white light (photomorphogenesis) to determine the allometric (scaling) relationship for R vs. M. Based on ordinary least squares and reduced major axis regression protocols, cellular respiration rates were found to increase non-linearly as a ‘broken-stick’ curve of increasing M. During germination, the scaling was ca. 7.5-fold higher than after the emergence of the cotyledons from the seed coat, which can be attributed to the hypoxic conditions of the enclosed embryo. During seedling development, R was found to scale roughly as the 3/7 power of body mass (i.e., R ∼ M^−3/7), regardless of whether plants were grown in the dark or subsequently in white light. The numerical value of 3/7 statistically significantly differs from that reported across small field- or laboratory-grown plants (i.e., R ∼ M^−1.0). It also differs from the expectations of recent allometric theory (i.e., R ∼ M^−0.75 to M^−1.0). This difference is interpreted to be the result of species-specific tissue-compositions that affect the volume fractions of metabolically active and less active cells. These findings, which are supported by cytological and ultrastructural observations (i.e., scanning- and transmission electron micrographs), draw attention to the need to measure R of developing plants in a tissue- or organ-specific context.Key words: dark respiration, metabolic scaling, photomorphogenesis, oxygen uptake, skotomorphogenesis     

Size matters: plasticity in metabolic scaling shows body-size may modulate responses to climate change

Variability in metabolic scaling in animals, the relationship between metabolic rate (R) and body mass (M), has been a source of debate and controversy for decades. R is proportional to M^b, the precise value of b much debated, but historically considered equal in all organisms. Recent metabolic theory, however, predicts b to vary among species with ecology and metabolic level, and may also vary within species under different abiotic conditions. Under climate change, most species will experience increased temperatures, and marine organisms will experience the additional stressor of decreased seawater pH (‘ocean acidification’). Responses to these environmental changes are modulated by myriad species-specific factors. Body-size is a fundamental biological parameter, but its modulating role is relatively unexplored. Here, we show that changes to metabolic scaling reveal asymmetric responses to stressors across body-size ranges; b is systematically decreased under increasing temperature in three grazing molluscs, indicating smaller individuals were more responsive to warming. Larger individuals were, however, more responsive to reduced seawater pH in low temperatures. These alterations to the allometry of metabolism highlight abiotic control of metabolic scaling, and indicate that responses to climate warming and ocean acidification may be modulated by body-size.     

Energy metabolism,body-temperature and breathing parameters in nontorpid blue-naped mousebirdsUrocolius macrourus

Summary Breathing frequencyF _r of resting blue-naped mousebirdsUrocolius macrourus lies between 50–70 per min and correlates directly with ambient temperatureT _a and energy metabolismM. The nocturnal mean energy intake per breath varies between 5.6–17.7 mJ/g. At highT _a the birds show gular fluttering with a relatively constantF _r of about 460 min^–1.M shows a constant absolute day-night difference of 25 J/g·h; the relative differences areT _a-dependent between 36–168% (lower values at lowerT _a). Thermal conductance is 2.10–2.15 J/g·h·°C (predicted 2.67), indicating a good insulation. Basal metabolic rate BMR is reduced by 63% compared to predicted values. At aT _a-range of +8–36 °C the birds are normothermic. Below this range nocturnalT _b andM decrease slightly with fallingT _a. The birds show partial heterothermia (shallow hypothermia). Clustering is an effective energy saving strategy which allows loweringM with keeping highT _b even at lowT _a.Oxygen-intake is controlled byF _r as well as by tidal volumeV t inT _a-dependent changing portions.V T can vary between 0.29–0.91 ml (mean value 49.7 ml).Abbreviations T _a ambient temperature - T _b body temperature - M energy metabolism - F _r breathing frequency - V T tidal volume - BMR basal metabolic rate - TNP thermoneutral point     

Development of the Acoustically Evoked Behavioral Response in Larval Plainfin Midshipman Fish,Porichthys notatus

The ontogeny of hearing in fishes has become a major interest among bioacoustics researchers studying fish behavior and sensory ecology. Most fish begin to detect acoustic stimuli during the larval stage which can be important for navigation, predator avoidance and settlement, however relatively little is known about the hearing capabilities of larval fishes. We characterized the acoustically evoked behavioral response (AEBR) in the plainfin midshipman fish, Porichthys notatus, and used this innate startle-like response to characterize this species'' auditory capability during larval development. Age and size of larval midshipman were highly correlated (r² = 0.92). The AEBR was first observed in larvae at 1.4 cm TL. At a size ≥1.8 cm TL, all larvae responded to a broadband stimulus of 154 dB re1 µPa or −15.2 dB re 1 g (z-axis). Lowest AEBR thresholds were 140–150 dB re 1 µPa or −33 to −23 dB re 1 g for frequencies below 225 Hz. Larval fish with size ranges of 1.9–2.4 cm TL had significantly lower best evoked frequencies than the other tested size groups. We also investigated the development of the lateral line organ and its function in mediating the AEBR. The lateral line organ is likely involved in mediating the AEBR but not necessary to evoke the startle-like response. The midshipman auditory and lateral line systems are functional during early development when the larvae are in the nest and the auditory system appears to have similar tuning characteristics throughout all life history stages.