Meeting Abstract

P3-89   -   Metabolic rates and behavior of fruit flies, Drosophila melanogaster, individually and in groups Vella, K*; Paradis, L; Barden, T; Andries, J; Cooper, E; Cruz, D; Tamfu, P; Waters, JS; Providence College; Providence College; Providence College; Providence College; Bates College; Providence College; Providence College; Providence College james.waters@gmail.com http://www.lovetheants.org

Metabolic rates are an integrative snapshot of an organism’s biochemical and physiological activity and play a central role in their life histories, behavioral ecology, and evolution. Experimentally, they are ephemeral snapshots that capture the pace of life at the moment of measurement. Given the dynamic nature of behavior and life's rhythms, metabolic rates can exhibit substantial variation among populations and even for a single organism. Measurements of metabolic rate are also subject to error and limits on precision and there are both benefits and tradeoffs to the various methods used to quantify metabolism. As part of a larger goal to quantify the thermal reaction norms of Drosophila, we conducted three series of experiments measuring the metabolic rates of D. melanogaster using indirect calorimetry with isolated individuals and with flies in different sized groups. We used a Sable Systems MAVEn for flow-through respirometry measurements coupled with an automated post-processing classification of behavior. We also performed experiments in which flies were measured within respirometry chambers with clear lids to video record and track their behavior and interactions in groups. Finally, the metabolic rates of individuals were compared with the metabolic rates of freshly dissected and intact brains, as determined using an Agilent Seahorse XF96 using microwell tissue capture screens. This material is based upon work supported by the Providence College Undergraduate Research Committee and the National Science Foundation under Grant No. OIA-1826689.