title: Energy partitioning in three species of nematode from polysaprobic environments.
abstract: The partitioning of energy in three species of nematode, Paroigolaimella bernensis, Diplogasteritus nudicapitatus and Rhabditis curvicaudata, from a polysaprobic environment is considered. Temperature was shown to have a profound impact on the rate at which these organisms obtained food resources and on the partitioning of energy into growth, reproduction and maintenance. Declining temperature resulted in a reduction in energy consumption and in production and maintenance costs. Absorption efficiencies were relatively low, rarely exceeding 20% and lying on average between 5-15%. Net production efficiencies varied throughout the life-cycle, but attained maximum levels of 70-80%. Females achieved higher net production efficiency than males. The physiology and ecological implications are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lancaster, Lancaster, U.K.
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Woombs
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lancaster, Lancaster, U.K.
authors.forename: Johanna
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Laybourn-Parry