DOCSLIB.ORG

The Population Ecology and Energetics of Macrotermes Bvej,Icosus

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Population Ecology and Energetics of Macrotermes Bvej,Icosus THE POPULATION ECOLOGY AND ENERGETICS OF MACROTERMES BELLICOSUS ISMEATHMANY(ISOPTERA) by NICHOLAS MARK COLLINS B.A. A thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy of the University of London and for the Diploma of Imperial College. JUNE 1977 Dept. of Zoology and Applied Entomology, Imperial College Field Station, Silwood Park, Sunninghill, Ascot, Berkshire. 2 ABSTRACT This thesis is an enquiry into the ecology of a litter-feeding termite, Macrotermes bellicosus, which builds large mounds in the savanna zones of tropical Africa. The study was carried out in Southern Guinea savanna at Mokwa, Nigeria (9°18'N, 5°04'E). In the preliminary section the climatic, edaphic and vegetational features of the area are described. The second section is concerned with plant litter dynamics; esti- mates of litter production, accumulation and decomposition are given. Termites removed 60.1% of wood-fall and 2.9% of leaf-fall while fire destroyed 0.9% and 49.1% respectively. Of the 25.9% of total litter production removed by termites, 95.2% was taken by the Macrotermitinae, a group in which the faeces (fungus combs) are degraded by a symbiotic basidiomycete fungus, Termitomyces sp., prior to reingestion. The ability of the Macrotermitinae to feed on fresh litter is considered to be an important element in the high turnover rate of litter and distinguishes decomposition processes in savanna from the essentially fungal and microbial based patterns found in equatorial and temperate regions. The third section is concerned with the energetics of Macrotermes bellicosus. A new type of nest is described and colony populations and densities discussed. Data on colony growth, caste composition, biomass and survivorship are given. Field consumption measurements were checked using isolated colonies and faeces production was calculated from fungus comb biomass and turnover rate. Respiration rates were measured using Gilson respirometers and extrapolated to the field population. Produc- tion was calculated from alate production, larval populations and larval turnover rate. 3 It is concluded that the fungal symbiont Termitomyces sp. concen- trates nutrients in the combs by respiration of organic carbon. The heat evolved is used in maintaining an optimal homoeostatic microclimate by the construction of a highly complex nest. The high quality diet permits a high termite production to biomass ratio, which renders the termite-fungus symbiosis an important link in the nutrient flux from plant litter to the consumer food chain. Note: A brief review of the quantitative data may be found in the summary. 4 FRONTISPIECE The above-ground portion of a nest of Macrotermes bellicosus, ,(Macrotermitinae : Isoptera). This exceptionally tall example was over 7 m high. The mound is hollow and constructed in such a way that it helps to maintain an optimal microclimate within the main nursery, which is below ground level. The size and complexity of these nests is largely the result of co-adaptation between the termites and their fungal nest symbiont, Termitomyces sp. .^ ^ 5 CONTENTS PAGE ABSTRACT 2 FRONTISPIECE 4 CONTENTS 5 LIST OF FIGURES 9 LIST OF TABLES 11 GENERAL INTRODUCTION 15 SECTION ONE: CLIMATIC, EDAPHIC AND VEGETATIONAL FEATURES, WITH AN INVENTORY OF TERMITE SPECIES AND A DESCRIPTION OF THE STUDY AREA. 18 1.1 CLIMATE 19 1.2 SOILS 22 1.3 VEGETATION 27 1.4 LAYOUT OF THE STUDY AREA 31 1.5 SPECIES OF TERMITES AND THEIR HABITS 35 1.5.1 Species found on the study area 35 1.5.2 Summary of the habits of each species 37 1.5.3 Discussion 40 SECTION TWO: LITTER DYNAMICS AND THE ROLE OF TERMITES IN LITTER DECOMPOSITION. 43 2.1 ANNUAL WOOD AND LEAF FALL 44 2.1.1 Methods 44 2.1.2 Results 45 2.1.2.1 Wood fall 45 2.1.2.2 Leaf fall 47 2.1.3 Discussion 53 2.1.3.1 Seasonal variation in litter fall 53 2.1.3.2 Litter production and latitude 55 2.1.3.3 Litter production and environmental factors 59 2.2 THE STANDING CROPS OF WOOD AND LEAF LITTER 61 2.2.1 Methods 61 2.2.1.1 Wood litter 61 2.2.1.2 Leaf litter 62 6 2.2.2 Results 63 2.2.2.1 Wood litter 63 2.2.2.2 Leaf litter 68 2.2.2.3 Calorific values 68 2.2.3 Discussion 71 2.2.3.1 Seasonal variation in standing crops 71 2.2.3.2 Standing crop, litter fall and calculated decomposition rates 71 2.2.3.3 Effects of annual bush fires on the termite community 72 2.3 DECOMPOSITION OF WOOD AND LEAVES WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO TERMITES 76 2.3.1 Introduction ' 76 2.3.2 Methods 77 2.3.2.1 Wood 77 2.3.2.2 Leaves 78 2.3.3 Results 78 2.3.3.1 Wood 78 2.3.3.2 Leaves 88 2.3.4 Discussion 92 2.4 CONSUMPTION BY WOOD-FEEDING TERMITES 94 2.4.1 Introduction 94 2.4.2 Methods 101 2.4.3 Results 103 2.4.3.1 Calculation of consumption by termites 103 2.4.3.2 Assessment of assumptions used in the baiting experiments 112 2.4.4 Discussion 122 2.4.4.1 Consumption estimates in relation to feeding habits 122 2.4.4.2 Seasonality of foraging 123 2.5 DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS - 130 2.5.1 k-Values 130 2.5.2 Major determinants of the decomposition constant (k) 130 2.5.3 Termites and decomposition processes in Southern Guinea savanna 133 7 SECTION THREE: THE NEST STRUCTURE, POPULATIONS AND ENERGETICS OF MACROTERMES BELLICOSUS 137 3.1 THE NEST OF MACROTERMES BnLICOSUS 138 3.1.1 Introduction 138 3.1.2 Macrotermes bellicosus nests 141 3.1.2.1 M. bellicosus nest with a spiral base plate 141 3.1.2.2 M. bellicosus nest without a spiral base plate 146 3.1.3 Nest structure and microclimatic stability 149 3.2 POPULATIONS OF MACROTERMES BELLICOSUS 160 3.2.1 Introduction 160 3.2.2 Methods 161 3.2.3 Results and discussions 165 3.2.3.1 The abundance and distribution of M. bellicosus colonies 165 3.2.3.2 Mound size and colony age distribution for Macrotermes bellicosus 175 3.2.3.3 Populations of Macrotermes bellicosus colonies 187 3.2.3.4 Total population density of Macrotermes bellicosus 195 3.2.3.5 Caste composition in Macrotermes bellicosus colonies 200 3.2.3.6 Biomass of M. bellicosus castes, total biomass estimates for the colonies sampled and estimates of area-specific biomass 205 3.2.3.7 Food stores 211 3.2.3.8 Calorific values for individuals of each caste and estimates of calorific equivalents of populations 215 ' 3.2.4 Conclusions 218 3.3 CONSUMPTION STUDIES IN ISOLATION TANKS 225 3.3.1 Introduction 225 3.3.2 Methods 226 3.3.3 Results 227 3.3.4 Discussion 233 8 3.3.4.1 Isolation tanks consumption results 233 3.3.4.2 Synthesis of consumption data for Macrotermes bellicosus 233 3.4 FAECES PRODUCTION BY MACROTERMES BFILICOSUS: THE FUNGUS COMBS' 236 3.4.1 Introduction 236 3.4.2 Methods 238 3.4.3 Results 239 3.4.4 Discussion 243 3.5 RESPIROMETRY 250 3.5.1 Introduction 250 3.5.2 Methods 250 3.5.3 Results and discussion 251 3.5.3.1 The effect of temperature on respiratory rate 252 3.5.3.2 The effect of body weight on respiratory rate 253 3.5.3.3 Population respiration calculations and the relationship between fungus comb and termite respiration within colonies 262 3.6 PRODUCTION 267 3.6.1 Introduction 267 3.6.2 Methods 269 3.6.3 Results 269 3.6.4 Discussion 274 SECTION FOUR: SYNTHESIS 278 4.1 DISCUSSIONS 279 4.1.1 Energetic equations and assessment of experi- mental errors 279 4.1.2 Ecological efficiencies and a consideration of the role of the fungus combs 282 4.2 FINAL CONCLUSIONS 290 SUMMARY 293 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 298 APPENDIX FOR SECTION TWO 301 APPENDIX FOR SECTION THREE 305 REFERENCES 318 PLATES 335 9 LIST OF FIGURES PAGE Legends have been abbreviated in many cases. 1.1.1 Nigeria with vegetation zones. 20 1.3.1 Profile diagram of common trees in S. Guinea Savanna. 30 1.4.1 Map showing position of study area. 33 1.4.2 The layout of the study area. 34 2.1.1 Seasonal distribution of litter fall. 54 2.1.2 Litter production in relation to latitude. 58 2.1.3 Litter production in relation to rainfall. 60 2.2.1 The standing crop of wood and leaf litter. 74 2.3.1 The decomposition of logs and twigs during 1975. 85 2.4.1 Bait consumption data represented by pie diagrams. 108 2.4.2 Monthly bait discovery and bait consumption data. 127 2.4.3 Monthly bait discovery and bait consumption data. 128 2.5.1 Flow diagram summarising data from Section 2. 136 3.1.1 Nest of Macrotermes bellicosus with a spiral base plate. 145 3.1.2 Nest of Macrotermes bellicosus without a spiral base plate. 148 3.1.3 The design of protected thermistor probes. 153 3.1.4 Temperature profiles from an M. bellicosus mound, height 2.6m. 155 3.1.5 Temperature profiles from an M. bellicosus mound, height 1.6m. 156 3.1.6 Temperature profiles from an M. bellicosus mound and surrounding soil. 157 3.2.1 Distribution of M. bellicosus mounds in March 1974. 171 3.2.2 Distribution of M. bellicosus mounds in February 1975.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • United States Patent (19) 11 Patent Number: 6,143,534 Menger Et Al
    USOO6143534A United States Patent (19) 11 Patent Number: 6,143,534 Menger et al. (45) Date of Patent: Nov. 7, 2000 54) MICROBIAL PROCESS FOR PRODUCING “The Digestive System”, Ch. Noirot & C. Noirot-Timothee, METHANE FROM COAL p. 49-87. 75 Inventors: William M. Menger; Ernest E. Kern, “Food and Feeding Habits of Termites”, T.G. Wood, Pro both of Houston, Tex.; O. C. Karkalits, duction Ecology of Ants and Termites, pp. 55-58 (1978). Lake Charles, La., Donald L. Wise, "Feeding Relationships and Radioisotope Techniques', Belmont, Mass.; Alfred P. Leuschner; Elizabeth A. McMahan, Biology of Termites, vol. 1, pp. David Odelson, both of Cambridge, 387–406 (1969). Mass.; Hans E. Grethlein, Lansing, Mich. Lee, K. E., “Termites and Soils”, p. 128-145 (1971). Condensed Chemical Dictionary, p. 516, 661, 1974. 73 Assignee: Reliant Energy Incorporated, French et al, Mater Org (Berl) 10(4), 1975. p. 281–288. Houston, TeX. Lee et al., Curr. Microbiol. 15(6), p. 337-342, 1987. 21 Appl. No.: 07/814,078 O'Brien et al, Aust J. Biol. Sci, 35, p. 239-262, 1982. 22 Filed: Dec. 24, 1991 Odelson et al., Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 49(3) p. 614-621, 1985. Related U.S. Application Data Healy et al., App. Envoir. Microbiol., Jul., 1979, Vol. 38, pp. 63 Continuation of application No. 07/686,271, Apr. 15, 1991, 84-89. abandoned, which is a continuation of application No. Colberg et al., App. Envir. Microbiol, 49(2), Feb. 1985, pp. 07/156,532, Feb. 16, 1988, abandoned, which is a continu ation-in-part of application No.
    [Show full text]
  • Termites (Isoptera) in the Azores: an Overview of the Four Invasive Species Currently Present in the Archipelago
    Arquipelago - Life and Marine Sciences ISSN: 0873-4704 Termites (Isoptera) in the Azores: an overview of the four invasive species currently present in the archipelago MARIA TERESA FERREIRA ET AL. Ferreira, M.T., P.A.V. Borges, L. Nunes, T.G. Myles, O. Guerreiro & R.H. Schef- frahn 2013. Termites (Isoptera) in the Azores: an overview of the four invasive species currently present in the archipelago. Arquipelago. Life and Marine Sciences 30: 39-55. In this contribution we summarize the current status of the known termites of the Azores (North Atlantic; 37-40° N, 25-31° W). Since 2000, four species of termites have been iden- tified in the Azorean archipelago. These are spreading throughout the islands and becoming common structural and agricultural pests. Two termites of the Kalotermitidae family, Cryp- totermes brevis (Walker) and Kalotermes flavicollis (Fabricius) are found on six and three of the islands, respectively. The other two species, the subterranean termites Reticulitermes grassei Clemént and R. flavipes (Kollar) of the Rhinotermitidae family are found only in confined areas of the cities of Horta (Faial) and Praia da Vitória (Terceira) respectively. Due to its location and weather conditions the Azorean archipelago is vulnerable to coloni- zation by invasive species. The fact that there are four different species of termites in the Azores, all of them considered pests, is a matter of concern. Here we present a comparative description of these species, their known distribution in the archipelago, which control measures are being used against them, and what can be done in the future to eradicate and control these pests in the Azores.
    [Show full text]
  • Spatial Distribution and Density of Termite Mounds in a Protected Habitat in the South of Cote D’Ivoire: Case of National Floristic Center (Cnf) of Ufhb of Abidjan
    View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by European Scientific Journal (European Scientific Institute) European Scientific Journal January 2015 edition vol.11, No.3 ISSN: 1857 – 7881 (Print) e - ISSN 1857- 7431 SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION AND DENSITY OF TERMITE MOUNDS IN A PROTECTED HABITAT IN THE SOUTH OF COTE D’IVOIRE: CASE OF NATIONAL FLORISTIC CENTER (CNF) OF UFHB OF ABIDJAN Boga Jean-Pierre, PhD Assistant-Prof. Akpesse Akpa Alexandre Moise, PhD Assistant-Prof. Ouali-N’goran San-Whouli Mauricette, PhD Associate-Prof. Laboratory of Zoology and Animal Biology, UFR-Biosciences, Félix Houphouët-Boigny University of Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire Trabi Crolaud Sylvain, PhD Assistant Laboratory of Animal Biology, UFR of agroforestery, Jean-Lourougnon Guédé University of Daloa, Côte d'Ivoire Kouassi Kouassi Philippe, PhD Prof. Tano Yao, PhD Prof. Yapi Ahoua, PhD Associate-Prof. Laboratory of Zoology and Animal Biology, UFR-Biosciences, Félix Houphouët-Boigny University of Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire Abstract The spatial distribution and termite mounds density and their activity were studies in order to assess to the biological restoration level in a protected area, knowing that termites are considered as tropical ecosystem engineers. The CNF area was subdivided into 4 sectors (SW, SE, NW and NE). In every sector of 1.75 ha, 20 transects (5 m x 100 m) were sampled. Termite nests were counted. Their dimensions and geographical coordinates were recorded. The superposition of spatial distribution maps of the 3 types of termite mounds showed an impressive abundance of termite mounds in all CNF area. In total, there were recorded 165 termite mounds.
    [Show full text]
  • Termite Communities Along a Disturbance Gradient in a West African Savanna
    insects Article Termite Communities along A Disturbance Gradient in a West African Savanna Janine Schyra 1,* and Judith Korb 1,2 1 Behavioral Biology, University of Osnabrueck, Barbarastr. 11, D-49076 Osnabrueck, Germany; [email protected] 2 Evolution and Ecology, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Hauptstr. 1, D-79104 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany * Correspondence: [email protected] Received: 23 November 2018; Accepted: 30 December 2018; Published: 8 January 2019 Abstract: (1) Background: Termites are important ecosystem engineers, crucial for the maintenance of tropical biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. But they are also pests which cause billions of dollars in damage annually to humans. Currently, our understanding of the mechanisms influencing species occurrences is limited and we do not know what distinguishes pest from non-pest species. (2) Method: We analyzed how anthropogenic disturbance (agriculture) affects species occurrences. We tested the hypothesis that strong disturbance functions as a habitat filter and selects for a subset of species which are major pests of crop. Using a cross-sectional approach, we studied termite assemblage composition along a disturbance gradient from fields to 12-year-old fallows in a West African savanna. (3) Results: We reliably identified 19 species using genetic markers with a mean of about 10 species—many of them from the same feeding type—co-occurring locally. Supporting our hypothesis, disturbance was associated with environmental filtering of termites from the regional species pool, maybe via its effect on vegetation type. The most heavily disturbed sites were characterized by a subset of termite species which are well-known pests of crop.
    [Show full text]
  • FUDMA Journal of Sciences (FJS) Vol. 4 No. 2, June, 2020, Pp 92 - 100 92 EFFECT of PHYSICO-CHEMICAL… Akpan, Et Al., FJS
    FUDMA Journal of Sciences (FJS) EFFECT OF PHYSICO-CHEMICAL… ISSNAkpan, online: et al., 2616 -1370 FJS ISSN print: 2645 - 2944 Vol. 4 No. 2, June, 2020, pp 92 -100 DOI: https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs -2020-0402-206 EFFECT OF PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PARAMETERS ON THE ABUNDANCE AND DIVERSITY OF TERMITES AND OTHER ARTHROPODS IN TERMITE MOUNDS IN UYO, AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA. *1Akpan, Akaninyene Udoh, 2Ojianwuna, Chioma Cynthia, 1Ubulom, Peace Mayen Edwin, 1Clement Ameh Yaro, 1Oboho, Diligent Efiong. 1Entomology Unit – Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. 2Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Delta State University, Abraka. Delta State. Nigeria *Corresponding author e-mail: [email protected] ABSTRACT Termites are generally regarded as pests, although they have some beneficial roles to play in the ecosystem, particularly in the soil. This study was conducted between January 2018 and April 2018, to determine the effect of physico-chemical parametrs on abundance and diversity of termites and other arthropods in termite mounds in Uinversity of Uyo Community. Soil samples were randomly collected from six termite mounds from two sites for physiochemical parameters analysis and these were temperature, pH, moisture content, nitrogen, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, sodium, potassium, manganese and iron.. The termites and other arthropods were preserved in 70% ethanol. Temperature and moisture content, copper, sodium and iron were significant. The results revealed that the physicochemical parameters affected the termite species abundance as station 1 (539) had relatively more of the termite species than station 2 (551), and also affected the diversity of the termites as station 1 (0.89) had relatively more diversity of the termites than station 2 (0.66).
    [Show full text]
  • Activity of Mound-Building Macrotermes Bellicosus
    Animal Research International (2018) 15(1): 2918 – 2925 2918 ACTIVITY OF MOUND - BUILDING MACROTERMES BELLICOSUS (ISOPTERA: TERMITIDAE) AROUND KWARA STATE UNIVERSITY CAMPUS GUINEA SAVANNAH ECOZONE, NIGERIA 1 AJAO, Adeyemi Mufutau, 2 OLADIMEJI, Yusuf Usman, 1 OLADIPO, Segun Olayinka and 1 ADEPOJU, Suraju Adeshina 1 Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Kwara State University, Malete, Kwara State, Nigeria. 2 Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology, Ahmadu Bello University, PMB 1044 , Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria . Corresponding Author: Ajao, A. M. Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Kwara State University, Malete, Kwara State, Nigeria. Email : [email protected] Phone: +234 8035058904 ABSTRACT This study was designed to investigate Macrotermes bellicosus , nes ting mounds, abundance and activity in the savannah ecological zone of Kwara State, North - Central, Nigeria. The research was conducted at four randomly selected villages around and including Kwara S tate U niversity. A systematic survey of visible mounds of M. bellicosus was carried out over the entire study area. Also, the heights of mounds were measured using a measuring tape. M. bellicosus collection was conducted using bait ed traps consisting of cardboard, toilet tissue, wooden stakes and wood shaving . These were embedded or placed on ground within plots at a regular distance of 10 m and checked twice weekly. The samples collected per bait ed trap per plot per location were pre served in 90 % ethanol and identified. Similarly, survey of physically damaged items was conducted and recorded to observe termite activity. The result from the four diff erent locations of the study show ed that the number of M.
    [Show full text]
  • Smeathman) (Blattodea: Termitidae
    BIOPESTICIDAL POTENTIAL OF EXTRACTS OF TWO PLANTS AGAINST SUBTERRANEAN TERMITES, MACROTERMES BELLICOSUS (SMEATHMAN) (BLATTODEA: TERMITIDAE). BY ADEDARA, WASOLA (BIO/08/4489) A THESIS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF POSTGRADUATE STUDIES, FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, AKURE, ONDO STATE, NIGERIA. IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF MASTER OF TECHNOLOGY (M.TECH) DEGREE IN BIOLOGY (ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY AND PUBLIC HEALTH OPTION), FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, AKURE, ONDO STATE, NIGERIA. AUGUST, 2018. ABSTRACT Termites are important because their activities impact positively or negatively on the environment. Synthetic insecticides offer reasonable protection against termites and their uses are however not without problems. This has led to an increasing interest in the development of alternative termite control methods and plants with pesticidal properties are one of such alternatives. The bioactivity of Milicia excelsa (Welm) C. Berg (heart wood) and Khaya senegalensis (Desr) (leaves) were tested in protecting Triplochiton scleroxylon (Schum) against subterranean termites. The extracts were analyzed using Head Space – Solid Phase Micro Extraction (HS-SPME) coupled with Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) to reveal their profiles of compounds, which were evaluated for termiticidal effects against Macrotermes bellicosus (Smearthman) in wood protection. The pulverized plants were used for laboratory test. Toxicity and repellency tests were carried out in laboratory while assessment of wood damage (visual rating and weight loss) was conducted in the field. The laboratory results showed that, highest mortality of termites, 98%, was recorded in M. excelsa treated substrate at 72 h. Student t-Test revealed significant differences between termite mortality obtained with the powder of K.
    [Show full text]
  • Xerox University Microfilms 300 North Zeeb Road Ann Arbor
    INFORMATION TO USERS This material was produced from a microfilm copy of the original document. While the most advanced technological means to photograph and reproduce this document have been used, the quality is heavily dependent upon the quality of the original submitted. The following explanation of techniques is provided to help you understand markings or patterns which may appear on this reproduction. 1. The sign or "target" for pages apparently lacking from the document photographed is "Missing Pagg(s)". If it was possible to obtain the missing page(s) or section, they are spliced into the film along with adjacent pages. This may have necessitated cutting thru an image and duplicating adjacent pages to insure you complete continuity. 2. When an image on the film is obliterated with a large round black marl<, it is an indication that the photographer suspected that the copy may have moved during exposure and thus cause a blurred image. You will find a good image of the page in the adjacent frame. 3. When a map, drawing or chart, etc., was part of the material being photographed the photographer followed a definite method in "sectioning" the material. It is customary to begin photoing at the upper left hand corner of a large sheet and to continue photoing from left to right in equal section~; with a small overlap. If necessai":', .sectioning is continued again - beginning below the first row and concinuing on until complete. 4. The majority of users indicate that the textual cont~nt is of greatest value, however, a somewhat higher quality reproduction could be made from "photographs" if essential to the understanding of the dissertation.
    [Show full text]
  • Ecology Shapes Metabolic and Life History Scalings in Termites
    Ecological Entomology (2017), 42, 115–124 DOI: 10.1111/een.12362 Ecology shapes metabolic and life history scalings in termites PEDRO A. C. L. PEQUENO,1 FABRICIO B. BACCARO,2 JORGE L. P. SOUZA3 andELIZABETH FRANKLIN4 1Ecology Graduate Program, National Institute for Amazonia Research, Manaus, Brazil, 2Department of Biology, Federal University of Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil, 3Entomology Graduate Program, National Institute for Amazonia Research, Manaus, Brazil and 4Biodiversity Coordination, National Institute for Amazonia Research, Manaus, Brazil Abstract. 1. Metabolic rate (B) is a fundamental property of organisms, and scales with body mass (M)asB = M . There has been much debate on whether scaling parameters should be viewed as constants or variables. However, there is increasing evidence that ecological differentiation can affect both and . 2. In colonial organisms such as social insects, individual metabolism is integrated at the colony level. Theory and data suggest that whole-colony metabolism partly reflects individual-level metabolic and life-history scalings, but whether these have been affected by ecological diversification is little known. 3. Here, this issue was addressed using termites. Data from the literature were assembled to assess the interspecific scalings of individual metabolic rate with individual mass, and of individual mass with colony mass. Concurrently, it was tested whether such scalings were affected by two key ecological traits: lifestyle and diet. 4. Individual-level metabolic scaling was affected by diet, with = 1.02 in wood feeders and 0.60 in soil feeders. However, there was no difference in . Further, individual mass scaled to the 0.25 power with colony mass, but forager species had larger colonies and smaller individuals relative to wood-dwelling, sedentary ones, thus producing a grade shift.
    [Show full text]
  • Mining the Secretome of Root-Knot Nematodes for Cell Wall Modifying Proteins
    Mining the secretome of root-knot nematodes for cell wall modifying proteins Erwin H. A. Roze Promotor: Prof. dr. ir. J. Bakker Hoogleraar in de Nematologie i.h.b. fysiologie en moleculaire ecologie van nematoden Wageningen Universiteit Copromotor: Dr. ir. G. Smant Universitair docent Laboratorium voor Nematologie Wageningen Universiteit Promotiecommissie: Prof. dr. J.M. Vlak (Wageningen Universiteit) Dr. R.C.H.J. van Ham (PRI, Wageningen Universiteit en Researchcentrum) Dr. ir. F.P.M. Govers (Wageningen Universiteit) Dr. M.-N. Rosso (INRA, Frankrijk) Dit onderzoek is uitgevoerd binnen de onderzoeksschool ‘Experimental Plant Sciences’ Mining the secretome of root-knot nematodes for cell wall modifying proteins Erwin H. A. Roze Proefschrift ter verkrijging van de graad van doctor op gezag van de rector magnificus van Wageningen Universiteit, Prof. dr. M. J. Kropff, in het openbaar te verdedigen op vrijdag 15 februari 2008 des namiddags te half twee in de Aula. Roze, E.H.A. (2008). Mining the secretome of root-knot nematodes for cell wall modifying proteins. PhD thesis Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands with summaries in English and Dutch ISBN: 978-90-8504-858-9 Contents CHAPTER 1 General introduction 1 CHAPTER 2 Mining the secretome of the root-knot nematode 13 Meloidogyne chitwoodi for candidate parasitism genes CHAPTER 3 The repertoire of cell wall modifying proteins from the 29 root-knot nematode Meloidogyne chitwoodi CHAPTER 4 Identification and characterization of expansin-like 61 proteins from the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne chitwoodi CHAPTER 5 A symbiont-independent endo-1,4-β-xylanase from 85 the plant-parasitic nematode Meloidogyne incognita CHAPTER 6 Summarizing discussion and concluding remarks 105 CHAPTER 7 Samenvatting 115 References 123 Curriculum vitae 143 List of publications 145 Nawoord 147 1 General introduction 1 Chapter 1 Nematodes live life to the max Nematodes, a diverse group of roundworms, are found in practically every soil sample often with high species diversity and a high abundance.
    [Show full text]
  • Genetic Comparisons and Systematic Studies of Termites (Isoptera). Amy Kathryn Korman Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
    Louisiana State University LSU Digital Commons LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses Graduate School 1990 Genetic Comparisons and Systematic Studies of Termites (Isoptera). Amy Kathryn Korman Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.lsu.edu/gradschool_disstheses Recommended Citation Korman, Amy Kathryn, "Genetic Comparisons and Systematic Studies of Termites (Isoptera)." (1990). LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses. 5069. https://digitalcommons.lsu.edu/gradschool_disstheses/5069 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate School at LSU Digital Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses by an authorized administrator of LSU Digital Commons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. INFORMATION TO USERS This manuscript has been reproduced from the microfilm master. UMI films the text directly from the original or copy submitted. Thus, some thesis and dissertation copies are in typewriter face, while others may be from any type of computer printer. The quality of this reproduction is dependent upon the quality of the copy submitted. Broken or indistinct print, colored or poor quality illustrations and photographs, print bleedthrough, substandard margins, and improper alignment can adversely affect reproduction. In the unlikely event that the author did not send UMI a complete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if unauthorized copyright material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion. Oversize materials (e.g., maps, drawings, charts) are reproduced by sectioning the original, beginning at the upper left-hand corner and continuing from left to right in equal sections with small overlaps.
    [Show full text]
  • Of Abuko Nature Reserve, Nyambai Forest Park and Tanji Bird Reserve (The Gambia)
    Preprints (www.preprints.org) | NOT PEER-REVIEWED | Posted: 7 November 2018 doi:10.20944/preprints201811.0147.v1 1 Termites (Isoptera Brullé 1832) of Abuko Nature Reserve, Nyambai Forest Park and Tanji Bird Reserve (The Gambia) NDIAYE Abdoulaye Baïla1., NJIE Ebrima2, CORREA Paul2 1. Laboratoire de Zoologie des Invertébrés terrestres, IFAN, UCAD, B. P. 206, Dakar, Sénégal. E-mail: [email protected] (corresponding author) 2. School of Arts and Sciences, Division of Physical and Natural Sciences: University of The Gambia, Brikama Campus P.O. Box 3530, Serekunda, The Gambia Abstract. From October 28 to November 05, 2013, we conducted a termite sampling in 3 protected sites in The Gambia (West Africa). Termites sampling is carried out in 100 m x 2 m transects repeated 3 times in each site. A total of 33 species of termites have been recorded. Of the 33 species, 22 are new to The Gambia. Additionnal measurements are given for several collected termite species. Euchilotermes arcuata Silvestri is elevated to the rank of species. Key words: Termites, The Gambia, protected sites INTRODUCTION The termite fauna of The Gambia is still poorly known. One single termite collection trial carried out by Sands in 1966 in the country has been documented [1]. Prior to this date, one termite species, Odontotermes capensis, referred to as Termes fatalis was wrongly reported to The Gambia by Walker in 1845 [2]. The occurrence of T. fatalis in both South Africa and The Gambia is objected to by Sjöstedt [3,4]. The African species referred to as O. capensis is restricted to South Africa and does not occur in The Gambia [5].
    [Show full text]