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. © 1985 Springer-Verlag.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Research Division:	Biological Sciences
Research Group:	Ecology
Research Field:	Marine and estuarine ecology (incl. marine ichthyology)
Objective Division:	Expanding Knowledge
Objective Group:	Expanding knowledge
Objective Field:	Expanding knowledge in philosophy and religious studies
UTAS Author:	Laybourn-Parry, J (Professor Johanna Laybourn-Parry)
ID Code:	49409
Year Published:	1985
Web of Science® Times Cited:	13
Deposited By:	Research Division
Deposited On:	2007-12-08
Last Modified:	2011-08-30
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