Study demonstrates how salinity impacts lethal temperatures in Fundulus heteroclitus, indicating environmental adaptations.
A study of 12 Minas Basin salt marsh pools at Lower Canard demonstrated the presence of two distinct zones differing physically and biotically. The upper zone had less percentage of tidal coverage, more variable temperatures, lower and more variable salinities, more algal mass and greater numbers of Fundulus heteroclitus. Mean upper incipient lethal temperatures (UILT) were determined for Fundulus heteroclitus acclimated to various salinities and partially acclimated to rising temperature. The UILT in fresh water (FW) (25.16° Cc) and 23 times sea water (SW)(27.64° C) were significantly lower than in 1/6 SW, 1/2 SW, SW, and 13 SW (38.06° CG). The effects of osmotic stress on the UILT and relationships of the UILT to environmental data are discussed.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
William S. Marshall (1973) studied this question.