Evolution of Animal Cultures

Ohio State University Research Foundation -Do Not Use, Columbus OH

Investigators

Abstract

Summary: The PIs propose to study insect respiration using the synchrotron X-ray imaging facility at Argonne National Laboratory. In previous studies, the PIs used this approach to show that tracheae in the head and thorax rapidly contract and expand in diameter, causing a change in tracheal volume that appears to aid respiration. The PIs plan to extend these observations by determining the muscle/skeletal mechanisms involved in these changes. The PI will also determine how broadly the mechanism of tracheal compression occurs in the various insect orders. In a second study, the PIs will investigate the role of tracheal compression in respiration by correlating the release of CO2 with cycles of tracheal compression. These studies will be done on several species. The PIs also plan to study individuals of different sizes from the same species to see how growth affects this process. Finally, the PIs will analyze the role(s) of insect mouthparts in breathing to determine the coordination of respiration with motions of the mouthparts during feeding.