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Long-Term Live Imaging of Drosophila Pupal Leg Development After Puparium Removal
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Developmental phenotypic plasticity in a marsupial.

Alexander Riek1, Fritz Geiser

  • 1Department of Animal Sciences, University of Göttingen, Albrecht-Thaer-Weg 3, 37075 Göttingen, Germany. ariek@uni-goettingen.de

The Journal of Experimental Biology
|April 13, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Cold exposure during development significantly alters marsupial morphology and physiology. This phenotypic plasticity aids survival in changing climates.

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Area of Science:

  • Zoology
  • Climate Change Biology
  • Physiological Ecology

Background:

  • Climate change impacts species distribution, necessitating understanding of mammalian responses.
  • Limited data exists on morphological and physiological adaptations of mammals to rapid climate shifts.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify the effects of continuous cold exposure during development on a marsupial's morphology and physiology.
  • To investigate phenotypic plasticity in response to environmental temperature changes.

Main Methods:

  • Fat-tailed dunnarts (Sminthopsis crassicaudata) were cold-reared (16°C) or warm-reared (22°C) until adulthood.
  • Morphological measurements (body, head length) and physiological variables (metabolic rate, torpor use) were assessed.

Main Results:

  • Cold-reared dunnarts exhibited significantly longer body and head lengths.
  • Increased frequency and duration of torpor, higher metabolic rates, and greater torpor-related energy savings were observed in cold-reared animals at 16°C.
  • Resting metabolic rates were lower in cold-reared animals at 16°C.

Conclusions:

  • Moderate cold exposure during development induces significant morphological and thermal energetic changes in small marsupials.
  • These phenotypic responses enhance adaptability to diverse climates and are crucial for survival during climate change.
  • Results align partially with Bergmann's rule but not Allen's rule, highlighting complex adaptive strategies.