Variation in oxygen consumption among 'living fossils' (Mollusca: Polyplacophora)

Nicholas Carey, Alexander Galkin, Patrik Henriksson, Jeffrey G. Richards, Julia D. Sigwart

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Polyplacophoran molluscs (chitons) are phylogenetically ancient and morphologically constrained, yet multiple living species are often found co-occurring within widely overlapping ecological niches. This study used two sets of experiments to compare interspecific variation among co-occurring species in the North Atlantic (Ireland) and separately in the North Pacific (British Columbia, Canada) chiton faunas. A complementary review of historical literature on polyplacophoran physiology provides an overview of the high level of metabolic variability in this group of 'living fossils'. Species examined in de novo experiments showed significant variation in oxygen consumption both under air-saturated water conditions (normoxia), and in response to decreasing oxygen availability (hypoxia). Some species demonstrate an ability to maintain constant oxygen uptake rates despite hypoxia (oxyregulators), while others oxyconform, with uptake rate dependent on ambient oxygen tension. These organisms are often amalgamated in studies of benthic communities, yet show obvious physiological difference that may impact their response or tolerance to environmental change.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)197-207
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom
Volume93
Issue number1
Early online date22 Oct 2012
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2013

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