Date of Award
6-2008
Document Type
Union College Only
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
Department
Biology
First Advisor
Scott Kirkton
Language
English
Keywords
jump, gravid, average, locusts, non
Abstract
Life history changes can alter energetic demands associated with locomotion. In American locusts (Schistocerca americana), oviposition causes body mass fluctuations of approximately 20% in female locusts that may occur as often as every five days. In this study, I examine how gravidity affects jump performance in American locusts (Schistocerca americana). Endurance tests compared the repeated jump performance of 17 locusts over a ten minute trial when “non-gravid” (body mass decrease of greater than 15% from the previous day) and “gravid” (body mass increase of 15% from the non-gravid day). Average jump frequency, average jump distance, and average jump energy were generally similar at each minute for gravid and non-gravid locusts. Average jump frequency gradually decreased over the ten minutes, while average jump distance and average jump energy remained relatively constant. Maximal jump distances were significantly different between gravid and non-gravid, indicating that as body mass increased, maximal jump distance decreased. Maximal jump energy remained the same between gravid and non-gravid values. These findings indicate no negative effects of gravidity on endurance, but may suggest a trade-off between maximal jump performance and fecundity.
Recommended Citation
Arntzen, Kaitlin M., "Effects of gravidity on jump performance in the American Locust (Schistocerca americana)" (2008). Honors Theses. 1439.
https://digitalworks.union.edu/theses/1439