Oxygen consumption and responses of the freshwater snail Bulinus (Physopsis) globosus to gradients of different oxygen tensions |
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| Authors: | W.J. van Aardt B.J. Frey |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Zoology and Snail Research Unit of the SAMAC, Potchefstroom University for CHE, Potchefstroom;2. Department of Zoology, Potchefstroom University for CHE, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa;3. Snail Research Unit of the South African Medical Research Council, Potchefstroom University for CHE, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa |
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| Abstract: | A gradient or choice apparatus, based on the ‘fluvarium’ principle and suitable for testing the responses of the freshwater snail Bulinus (Physopsis) globosus to different partial oxygen tensions was used. In a gradual oxygen gradient established with this apparatus, B. (P.) globosus shows a significant preference for oxygenated water. In experiments with a choice between low and high partial oxygen tensions, B. (P.) globosus shows a greater preference for oxygenated water. Oxygen consumption rates vary considerably among individuals and decreases when lowering the Pq in the water. |
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