Towards a characterization of the locomotor activity rhythm of the desertic species Porcellio olivieri (Crustacea,Isopoda) from Gabes (South of Tunisia) |
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Authors: | Hajer Khemaissia Dhouha Bohli-Abderrazek Anas Ayari Karima Nasri-Ammar |
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Affiliation: | Faculty of Science of Tunis, Research Unit of Animal Biology and Evolutionary Systematics, University of Tunis El Manar II, Tunis, Tunisia |
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Abstract: | The locomotor activity rhythm of the isopod, Porcellio olivieri, was investigated in Gannouch site in the south of Tunisia. The rhythm was monitored under constant temperature in individual animals in winter under two simultaneous regimens: the light–dark (LD) cycle and the continuous darkness (DD). Results revealed that whatever regimens, actograms, and mean activity curves showed that specimens of P. olivieri concentrated their activity during the experimental and subjective night. The species exhibited a locomotor rhythm period significantly shorter under LD (T = 23h13 ± 0h44) than DD (τ = 24h28 ± 0h58). However, the locomotor activity rhythm was less stable and the individuals were significantly more active under entraining conditions than constant darkness. The activity pattern of this species will be discussed as an adaptative strategy to respond to environmental conditions. |
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Keywords: | Ghannouch endogenous rhythm light–dark constant darkness Porcellio olivieri |
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