|
|
|
|
|
|
Background
Life histories of vertebrate ectotherms are strongly influenced by energy
allocation patterns. Consequently, examining energy costs is central to many
studies of the ecology, behavior, and evolution of reptiles, amphibians, and
fish. For instance, measuring energy costs of standard metabolic rate (SMR;
the metabolic rate of a resting, post-absorptive individual at a specified
temperature during the inactive phase of its circadian cycle) and specific
dynamic action (SDA; the increased energy expenditure associated with digestion,
assimilation, and biosynthesis) has proven useful in assessing variation in
energy allocation patterns associated with many aspects of ectotherm biology
including foraging ecology, biogeography, and exposure to xenobiotics. Our
lab uses modern technologies to measure metabolic energy expenditure in ectotherms
to gain insight into how an animal’s interactions with the environment
shape or influence energy allocation patterns.
Respirometry
Equipment
Our laboratory is equipped with three computer-controlled respirometry systems
(Columbus Instruments, Columbus, OH) that are well suited to measure rates
of oxygen consumption (VO2) and carbon dioxide production (VCO2) in ectotherms
over a wide range of sizes (e.g., from small metamorphic amphibians to large
rattlesnakes). Our respirometry systems offer many advantages to more traditional
systems. For instance, numerous animals can be automatically and simultaneously
monitored by the systems, allowing for powerful experimental design, minimal
disturbance to the animals, and reduced time commitment for the researcher.
Our systems are also capable of measuring metabolic rates at frequent intervals
(i.e., every half hour), which provides a highly detailed profile of an animal’s
metabolism. Such resolution is important for identifying small changes in
metabolism, or changes that occur over short time frames. The attributes of
these systems allow research questions to be answered that have historically
been less pragmatic to address (for more detailed description of respirometry
systems, see Program Facilities page). |
|
|
|
