The effect of temperature variations on the rhythmic and periodic activity of the fresh water mussel (Anodonta cygnea L.)

Salánki, János and Lukacsovics, Ferenc and Hiripi, László (1974) The effect of temperature variations on the rhythmic and periodic activity of the fresh water mussel (Anodonta cygnea L.). A Magyar Tudományos Akadémia Tihanyi Biológiai Kutatóintézetének évkönyve, 41. pp. 69-79. ISSN 0365-3005

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Abstract

Examining the effect of fast and slow increase and decrease of temperature on the activity of adductor muscles in the entire animal, we found: 1. The fast increase of temperature by 10 °C results in the increase of the frequency of the rhythmic activity. The effect is most pronounced in the first hours, then the frequency drops to the control level. The frequency increase was higher in animals adapted to warmer water than in those living at lower temperatures. 2. The fast decrease of temperature by 10 °C caused also the increase of the rhythmic activity, however, to a lesser degree than warming. 3. Low concentrations of KCl and CdCl₂ causing no change alone in the activity, sensibilize the mussels to temperature increase in that the effect of temperature becomes more pronounced. In the presence of these substances adaptation did not occur and the control level of activity did not return within 24 hours. 4. The fast warming by 10 °C causes shortening of the duration of the active periods and increases the frequency of the alteration of active and rest periods. This effect is also more pronounced in the presence of KCl and CdCl₂. 5. The slow, 15 °C increase of the temperature proceeding within 48 hours causes similar changes in the activity as fast warming. However, slow temperature decrease results in an other effect than the fast one: the frequency of the rhythm does not increase but decreases and the active period becomes dominant for an unusual long period (more than two weeks). For the observed phenomena the effect of temperature on the aerobic metabolism as well as the temperature sensitivity of-the peripheral receptors and of the central regulatory mechanism and their adaptation may be responsible.

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