Selector systems in recording physiological and behavioural activity in sedentary aquatic animals

The design and use of selector systems in recording physiological rate functions and behavioural activity in sessile invertebrates, particularly bivalves, is described for use in the laboratory and the field. The experimental limitations of the technique are discussed and the use of switch systems with other types of aktograph is described. Switch systems permit large groups of animals to be used in activity studies, whilst reducing both time spent in data handling and cost per animal of the recording system.