Sur la consommation d’oxygène par les rotifères

Abstract

The respiration rate of 8 clones of planktonic Rotifera was measured at the same temperature (20°) with the aid of the Winkler micromethod. The authors made an attempt to utilize the protein content as a basis for the comparison of respiration in planctonic Rotifera of different sizes. When the log of the "oxygen consumption" (ind-1 h-1) was plotted against the log of the protein content, a linear correlation was obtained. The regression coefficient b = 0,72 in spring water of volcanic origin and b ˜ 1 in calcareous pond water. Most of the Rotifera in this study showed a higher respiratory metabolism in calcareous pond water.The duration of the experiments (six hours) and consequently the percentage saturation of oxygen in the water (above 50%), population density, light conditions and alimentary habit have no appreciable effect on the rate of oxygen consumption by Rotifera. © 1970 Masson.