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      The comparative biology of diving in two genera of European Dytiscidae (Coleoptera).

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          Abstract

          Surfacing behaviour is fundamental in the ecology of aquatic air-breathing organisms; however, it is only in vertebrates that the evolutionary ecology of diving has been well characterized. Here, we explore the diving behaviour of dytiscid beetles, a key group of surface-exchanging freshwater invertebrates, by comparing the dive responses of 25 taxa (Deronectes and Ilybius spp.) acclimated at two temperatures. The allometric slopes of dive responses in these dytiscids appear similar to those of vertebrate ectotherms, supporting the notion that metabolic mode shapes the evolution of diving performance. In both genera, beetles spend more time submerged than on the surface, and surface time does not vary with the temperature of acclimation. However, presumably in order to meet increased oxygen demand at higher temperatures, Deronectes species increase surfacing frequency, whereas Ilybius species decrease dive time, an example of 'multiple solutions.' Finally, widespread northern species appear to possess higher diving performances than their geographically restricted southern relatives, something which may have contributed to their range expansion ability.

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          Author and article information

          Journal
          J. Evol. Biol.
          Journal of evolutionary biology
          Wiley
          1420-9101
          1010-061X
          Feb 2012
          : 25
          : 2
          Affiliations
          [1 ] Marine Biology and Ecology Research Centre, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, UK. piero.calosi@plymouth.ac.uk
          Article
          10.1111/j.1420-9101.2011.02423.x
          22151892
          ec618da8-f9a6-4213-a03d-1e197fcb2612
          History

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