Summary
Littoral sandhoppers perform zonal orientation mainly by means of sun orientation, which in Mediterranean populations was shown to be inborn, associated with a genetically determined directional tendency adapted to the shoreline of each population. In case of changes of the shoreline the genetic heterogeneity of populations and learning ability may cooperate in providing adaptation both at the population and at the individual level. This hypothesis has been tested carrying on studies on the ontogenesis of the reactionnorm of this behavioural trait inTalitrus saltator (Montagu) (Crustacea: Amphipoda) of a Tyrrhenian population which from previous results shows a well adapted seaward orientation. Sun orientation was analysed away from the sea shore, both in laboratory-raised individuals of different ages and in individuals captured in the field, by repeated releases on dry flat sand or in a glass bowl. Results showed variability within and between individuals of directional tendency, which varies in the individual life depending on age and experience. Particularly, age seems to bring canalization as variability within individuals tends to decrease with age. In order to evaluate the role of experience, we trained individuals to direct themselves towards a direction different from that genetically determined. The majority of the individuals showed a learning ability in the training situation. The importance of phenotypic plasticity in the oriented behaviour of sandhoppers is discussed.
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Dedicated in gratitude to Prof. Dr. Drs. h.c. M. Lindauer
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Scapini, F., Buiatti, M. & Ottaviano, O. Phenotypic plasticity in sun orientation of sandhoppers. J. Comp. Physiol. 163, 739–747 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00604051
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00604051