Ecophysiological responses of two closely related epigean and hypogean Niphargus species to hypoxia and increased temperature: Do they differ?

Ecological performance of animals depends on physiological and biochemical processes that are adjusted to the environment. The responses hypoxia or anoxia have been frequently studied in subterranean aquatic organisms order find potential adaptations restrict oxygen conditions occurring underground habitats. However, some previous studies compared phylogenetic distant epigean hypogean species populations same due little chance compare closely related species. Therefore, this study, we effects exposure hypoxia, followed by reoxygenation, increased temperature consumption, metabolic activity, antioxidant activities species: Niphargus zagrebensis N. stygius . Oxygen consumption similarly during post-hypoxic recovery at 10 20°C (approx. 5-times), while its for 9.7 4.4-times 20°C, respectively. We observed higher exploitation current reoxygenation than Exposure subsequent catalase (CAT) activity , but not zagrebensis. glutathione reductase both concluded respiratory severe differed between Hypogean possess characteristics advantageous stable environments which support inhabiting low energetic demands, can successfully inhabit specific surface