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Hyperoxia alleviates thermal stress in the Antarctic bivalve, Laternula elliptica: evidence for oxygen limited thermal tolerance

Portner, Hans O.; Peck, Lloyd S. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3479-6791; Hirse, Timo. 2006 Hyperoxia alleviates thermal stress in the Antarctic bivalve, Laternula elliptica: evidence for oxygen limited thermal tolerance. Polar Biology, 29 (8). 688-693. 10.1007/s00300-005-0106-1

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Abstract/Summary

Understanding thermal limits and the ability of species to cope with changing temperatures is crucial for a cause and effect understanding of climate effects on organisms and ecosystems. Data available for marine species from various phyla and climates led to the hypothesis that a mismatch between oxygen demand and limited capacity of oxygen supply to tissues is the first mechanism to restrict survival at thermal extremes. Here we show that doubling the oxygen content of the ambient seawater from 160 mmHg partial pressure to 350 mmHg raised the upper temperature limits of the Antarctic marine bivalve Laternula elliptica by about 2.5°C. It reduced the accumulation of the anaerobic end product succinate or of total CO2 as a sign of respiratory distress. These findings provide further evidence that oxygen supply does limit thermal tolerance in marine animals. As water temperatures rise animals will face a double problem of progressively reduced oxygen solubility in the water and enhanced costs reflected in increased metabolic rates.

Item Type: Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI): 10.1007/s00300-005-0106-1
Programmes: BAS Programmes > Global Science in the Antarctic Context (2005-2009) > Biodiversity, Functions, Limits and Adaptation from Molecules to Ecosystems
ISSN: 0722-4060
Format Availability: Electronic, Print
Additional Information. Not used in RCUK Gateway to Research.: Full text not available from this repository
Additional Keywords: Bivalves ; Physiology ; Temperature
NORA Subject Terms: Zoology
Date made live: 17 Aug 2007 13:17 +0 (UTC)
URI: https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/102

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