A possible link between melanization and desiccation resistance can be inferred if within population differences in melanization find significant correlations with desiccation resistance and its mechanistic basis i.e. rate of water loss/hr. Accordingly, darker, intermediate and lighter phenotypes of body melanization were analyzed in wild and laboratory reared Drosophila melanogaster L. (Dipter...

We have investigated water loss from, and ion regulation within, the hemolymph and tissues of five replicate populations of Drosophila melanogaster that have undergone laboratory selection for enhanced desiccation resistance (i.e. the D populations). We compared the patterns and rates of water loss and the ion content of the D populations prior to and during desiccation with those of five repli...

Adaptations to low moisture availability are arguably as important as cold resistance for polar terrestrial invertebrates, especially because water, in the form of ice, is biologically inaccessible for much of the year. Desiccation responses under ecologically realistic soil humidity conditions--those close to the wilting points of plants [98.9% relative humidity (RH)]--have not previously been...

From the premise that desiccation-induced damage is associated with a free-radical mechanism of injur\. we address the hypothesis thai expression of desiccation damage is dependent on metabolism. The effects of temperature and O, concentration on the expression of damage were studied in germinating bean [Phaseoius vuigaris L. cv. Pole Kentucky Wtinder) axes and maize {Zea mavs L. cv. Kelvedon G...

More freshwater ecosystems are drying in response to global change thereby posing serious threat to freshwater biota and functions. The production of desiccation-resistant forms is an important adaptation that helps maintain biodiversity in temporary freshwaters by buffering communities from drying, but its potential to mitigate the negative effects of drying in freshwater ecosystems could vary...

Photosynthesis was studied in sunflower plants subjected to 1 to 2 days of desiccation and then permitted to recover. The leaf water potential to which leaves returned after rewatering was dependent on the severity of desiccation and the evaporative conditions. Under moderately evaporative conditions, leaf water potential returned to predesiccation levels after 3 to 5 hours when desiccation was...

BACKGROUND Filamentous Zygnematophyceae are typical components of algal mats in the polar hydro-terrestrial environment. Under field conditions, they form senescent vegetative cells, designated as pre-akinetes, which are tolerant to desiccation and osmotic stress. KEY FINDINGS Pre-akinete formation and desiccation tolerance was investigated experimentally under monitored laboratory conditions...

UNLABELLED Extreme radiation-resistant microorganisms can survive doses of ionizing radiation far greater than are present in the natural environment. Radiation resistance is believed to be an incidental adaptation to desiccation resistance, as both hazards cause similar cellular damage. Desert soils are, therefore, promising targets to prospect for new radiation-resistant strains. This is the ...

Species that exhibit broad ranges of distribution may successfully navigate environmental changes by modifying some of their life-history traits. Environmental humidity imposes a critical stress that organisms may overcome by increasing their resistance to desiccation. We used experimental evolution to investigate adaptation to desiccation in the tephritid Anastrepha ludens, a species with high...

Desiccation is an important limiting factor in the intertidal zone. Generally decreasing seaward, desiccation stress can also be alleviated in wet microhabitats. Juvenile snails are generally more susceptible to desiccation than adults, and, for some species, juveniles must therefore hide in microhabitats to survive emersion. The transition from hiding in safe microhabitats to being able to sur...