Event Type
Research Presentation
Academic Department
Biology
Location
Dana Science Building, 2nd floor
Start Date
25-4-2025 1:00 PM
End Date
25-4-2025 2:30 PM
Description
Under the direction of Dr. Renee Godard Many species of invertebrates recognize and avoid death cues released by conspecifics. It is suggested that linoleic acid may be a key component of these "necromone" cues. When killed, terrestrial isopods also release linoleic acid among other chemicals. In this study we explored whether or not Dairy cow isopods (Porcellio laevis) avoid commercially purchased linoleic acid. Avoidance behavior was measured by time spent in a Y-maze scented with commercially obtained linoleic acid and two other cues (water – neutral and canola oil – 21% linoleic acid). Isopods did not differ in the amount of time they spent near the commercially available linoleic acid when compared to water or canola oil. Other studies have used “necromone” cues directly from body fluids and it may be that isopods would have avoided a complex of cues rather than the linoleic acid alone.
Lack of “Necromone” Avoidance in a Terrestrial Isopod (Porcellio laevis)
Dana Science Building, 2nd floor
Under the direction of Dr. Renee Godard Many species of invertebrates recognize and avoid death cues released by conspecifics. It is suggested that linoleic acid may be a key component of these "necromone" cues. When killed, terrestrial isopods also release linoleic acid among other chemicals. In this study we explored whether or not Dairy cow isopods (Porcellio laevis) avoid commercially purchased linoleic acid. Avoidance behavior was measured by time spent in a Y-maze scented with commercially obtained linoleic acid and two other cues (water – neutral and canola oil – 21% linoleic acid). Isopods did not differ in the amount of time they spent near the commercially available linoleic acid when compared to water or canola oil. Other studies have used “necromone” cues directly from body fluids and it may be that isopods would have avoided a complex of cues rather than the linoleic acid alone.