The Q10 for metabolic rate is 2.0 for a species of fish at all acclimation tempe

Question

The Q10 for metabolic rate is 2.0 for a species of fish at all acclimation temperatures, including 17 C and 32 C. In a fish acclimated to 32 C, metabolic rate measured at 17 C is 0.1 ml O2/(gh). The fish is then held at 17 C for 4 weeks, during which time it undergoes partial compensatory thermal acclimation. After acclimation to 17 C, the acute effect of temperature is determined by measuring metabolic rate at 17 C and at 27 C. Of the following, which is the most likely value of metabolic rate measured at 27 C after acclimation to 17 C?

A. 0.20 ml O2/(gh)

B. 0.28 ml O2/(gh)

C. 0.16 ml O2/(gh)

D. 0.44 ml O2/(gh)

Explanation / Answer

We know that,

R2 = R1.Q10(T2 -T1)/10

When the fish was adapted to 32 °C and shifted to 17 °C, R2 was 0.1.

0.1 = R1.2(17 - 32)/10

Or, R1 = 0.28

We can assume that over the 4 week period of acclimation to 17 °C, the metabolic rate would have been restored to a value close* to this R1.

When, this fish is exposed to 27 °C, R2 should be:

R2 = 0.28×2(27 - 17)/10

Or, R2 = 0.56*

Hence, option D (i.e. 0.44 ml O2/g.h) is the most appropriate choice.

*Note that, as stated in the question, acclimation is 'partial', not complete.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse T
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.