The energetic cost of calling in the variable field cricket, Gryllus lineaticeps

Abstract. Female preferences for conspicuous male calls have been documented in many groups. However, relatively few studies have examined the metabolic costs associated with the production of call types preferred by females. We measured the oxygen consumption of calling male Gryllus lineaticeps Stål crickets using closed chamber respirometry. Calling song was recorded concurrently. The average increase in mass-specific oxygen consumption during calling was 2.7 times basal rates of oxygen consumption, and calling males consumed approximately 1.2ml O₂g^-lh^-1. Oxygen consumption increased with increasing chirp rate and pulse duration, but not with increasing chirp duration. Females of this species prefer higher chirp rates, thus some call types that increase the male's attractiveness to females require more metabolic energy to produce.     

Chlorophyll Destruction in Lemon Fruit by Light and 2',4'Dichloro 1-Cyanoethane-sulphonanilide

Chlorophyll content decreased when excised lemon fruits were exposed to light. A quantitative model for the photodestruction of chlorophyll exhibited reasonable agreement with data on in vivo destruction of chlorophyll. Photodestruction of chlorophyll was enhanced by treating fruit with 2′,4′-dichloro-l-cyanoethane-sulphonanilide (R33417). Measurable enhancement of chlorophyll destruction was observed with concentrations of R33417 as low as 10 μg/l. Maximum activity was achieved at approximately 600 μg/1. R33417 treatment enhanced photodestruction of chlorophyll to a greater extent at higher photon flux densities.