Porcellio Scaber Essay

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Hayden Byers Lab 07 Animal Behavior 3/4/13 Porcellio scaber Locomotor Responses to Light, Moisture, and Temperature Introduction Porcellio scaber falls under the species of Porcellionidae, which are primary found in moist environments. A high humidity location is optimal for this species, mainly due to that they breathe through their gills, therefore the high moisture of living under rocks or logs plays a major role in their survival (Hahn and Ascerno). A Porcellio scaber has many observable body parts located on the head, thorax, and abdomen. The ventral view displayed features such as the head, mouth, antennae, gills, and jointed appendages. The dorsal view then had features such as compound eyes, thorax segments, and the exoskeleton. Internally, the hemolymph of Porcellio scaber do not contain blood cells, so the gills intake oxygen which is then dissolved in the blood fluid or binds to hemocyanin, where it stores the oxygen for when it is needed. Furthermore, in order for this gas exchange to occur, the gills of the Porcellio scaber must be covered with a thin layer of moisture (Jackman). Overall, with these biology factors in mind, a change in light intensities, moisture, and temperature might affect its behavior. The purpose of our experiments was to observe the effects of each variable to twenty Porcellio scabers. Recalling that they are typically found in moist areas, it can be hypothesized that they will show a positive hygrotaxis response to the half wet of the towel. This hypothesis was predicted by that they like to keep their gills moist, while on the other hand the dry half would not be able to provide any moisture. Furthermore, light intensity might also have an effect on their responses to their stimuli because light produces heat, therefore evaporating the moisture from the cloth. With this in mind, the Porcellio scaber would probably

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