Meeting Abstract

130.4  Monday, Jan. 7  Determining the relationship between vertebral morphology and burst swimming performance ACKERLY, KL*; WARD, AB; Adelphi University; Adelphi University kerriackerly@yahoo.com

Ectothermic aquatic vertebrates are particularly sensitive to the effects of environmental conditions during early development, which can significantly impact adult morphology, performance, and survival. Previous research has highlighted the sensitivity of diverse groups of amphibians and fishes to the effect of temperature during early development on vertebral morphology. Vertebral morphology has also been shown to significantly impact an individual’s swimming performance, which is a crucial aspect of their survival. In this study, we investigated the relationship between the effect of temperature on vertebral development and the subsequent effect of any discrepancy on burst swimming performance in two model aquatic vertebrates, zebrafish (Danio rerio) and axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum). Embryos of both species were collected and evenly distributed between a range of species appropriate temperatures prior to the onset of somitogenesis. Following development, startle responses were recorded and individuals were analyzed for either vertebral number or muscle fiber composition. Our results indicate that, in both species, small fluctuations in temperature can significantly influence an individual’s vertebral development, such that individuals reared in higher temperatures develop a lower number of total vertebrae and a less favorable ratio of pre-caudal to caudal vertebrae for maximum performance. As a result of these morphological discrepancies, the swimming performance of these was significantly impacted and these individuals were found to have decreased burst swimming performance. We are expanding this study to determine whether individuals with decreased burst swimming performance have decreased survival when confronted with a native predator.