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Thesis
EFFECTS OF PRESSURE AND TMAO ON THERMAL TOLERANCE OF PINFISH (LAGODON RHOMBOIDES)
University of West Florida
Master of Science (MS), University of West Florida
2008
Abstract
Fishes live within a thermal range, and the limits of their tolerance are defined by various factors, some of which have been well studied (salinity, oxygen, etc.). This study, for the first time examined the effects of two previously overlooked factors, pressure and the osmolyte, trimethylamine-oxide (TMAO) on thermal tolerance of fish. The specific objectives of my study were to quantify the effects and possible relationships of increasing ambient pressure (mechanical mediation) or elevated TMAO concentrations (chemical mediation) on upper and lower thermal tolerance of pinfish (Lagodon rhomboides). Critical thermal methodology (CTM) was used to quantify thermal tolerance for pinfish exposed to increasing pressure and TMAO levels. As pressure was raised from 101.0 (ambient) to 4137 kPa, pinfish heat tolerance increased from 36.9 °C to 38.0 °C, whereas cold tolerance fell from 10.8 °C to 12.7 °C. The upward shift of thermal tolerance indicated a pressure-temperature link in a higher organism and may have ecological implications for deep-sea and hydrothermal vent organisms. Trimethylamineoxide failed to elicit an effect on pinfish thermal tolerance; however, the role of TMAO on fish thermal tolerance cannot be discounted as the results may reflect other factors not controlled for in the experiment.
Details
- Title
- EFFECTS OF PRESSURE AND TMAO ON THERMAL TOLERANCE OF PINFISH (LAGODON RHOMBOIDES)
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Contributors
- Christopher M Pomory (Committee Member) - University of West Florida, BiologyPhillip E Ryals (Committee Member)Wayne A Bennett (Committee Chair) - University of West Florida, Biology
- Publisher
- University of West Florida
- Format
- pdf
- Number of pages
- 46
- Copyright
- Permission granted to the University of West Florida Libraries by the author to digitize and/or display this information for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires the permission of the copyright holder.
- Identifiers
- 99380090750506600
- Academic Unit
- Biology
- Language
- English
- Awarding Institution
- University of West Florida; Master of Science (MS)
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), University of West Florida