Two amphipods, the hypogean Niphargus stygius and epigean Gammarus fossarum, were analyzed for fatty acid (FA) composition, electron transport system (ETS) activity and respiration (R) during a laboratory fasting experiment. In agreement with ETS and R measurements (and the ETS/R ratio), the hypogean N. stygius utilized FA more slowly than the epigean G. fossarum. Inter-specific differences in the utilization of certain FA during fasting were also revealed. While N. stygius tended to preserve all of its FA during the experimental fasting period, G. fossarum showed a tendency to utilize MUFA (monounsaturated FA) and SAFA (saturated FA) and preferentially retain PUFA (polyunsaturated FA). The significant correlations between ETS activity and composition of specific FA during fasting can be linked to R. During the fasting, both ETS activity and respiration rate of G. fossarum decreased, however, ETS/R ratio increased. In contrast, N. stygius did not show significant changes in these parameters. This is the first report, which connects ETS activity with changes in concentrations of specific FA during fasting. Such evolutionary adaptations of hypogean species enables them to better survive chronically low and/or discontinuous food supplies compared to epigean species, which live in environments where food shortages are much less frequent.

A reliable method is needed for assessing the condition of aquatic animals and their resistance to toxic pollutants. The physiological responses of two freshwater crustaceans, Asellus aquaticus and Gammarus fossarum, following in vitro exposure to two pesticides (atrazine and imidacloprid), were measured by a combination of electron transport system (ETS) activity and respiration (R). Short-term exposure concentrations were selected according to standard toxicity tests and ranged from 0.01 mg L(-1) to 10 mg L(-1). When pesticide concentration was greater than 1 mg l(- 1) (which is below the LC(50) [48 hours] determined for both species), A. aquaticus and G. fossarum responded to short-term exposure with elevated levels of R and/or lower levels of ETS activity. One hour exposure to concentrations of up to 10 mg L(-1) showed an effect in both test species. Laboratory tests confirmed that G. fossarum is more sensitive to short-term pesticide exposure than A. aquaticus. The combination of these two methods provides a useful and effective tool for assessing the general condition of aquatic animals. It also enables to determine toxic effects on freshwater biota of specific or combined pollutants. ETS/R ratio may be used as a quick predictor of effects on organisms exposed to pesticides and other stress factors such as changes in temperature, light, salinity, oxygen concentration and food.

-Two consecutive earthquakes temporary changed a zooplankton community in a high-mountain Lake Krn (altitude 1383 m a.s.l.). It was dominated by the eurytherm copepod, Cyclops vicinus, until 1998, when the first earthquake hit the lake (EMS = 5.6). After the earthquake, the population of C. vicinus collapsed and the thermophilic cladoceran, Ceriodaphnia quadrangula, took over. After the second earthquake in 2004 (EMS = 4.0), C. vicinus became untraceable. In 2008, few copepods reappeared and by 2010 they became the sole dominant again. Only Secchi-disc depth showed a statistically significant increase over time, while N tot , P tot and temperature showed an increasing trend, yet the relationship was insignificant. To compare multi-parameter properties of the water column, the studied period was divided into Period 1 (before the first earthquake), Period 2 (between earthquakes) and Period 3 (after the second earthquake). A Hotteling T 2 test confirmed a statistically significant difference between Periods 1 and 2 & 3 (P < 0.01), but not between Periods 2 and 3 (P > 0.1). During simple laboratory experiment, specimens of C. vicinus were covered with a thin layer of sediment, to mimic the earthquake's effect on their survival. A hypothesis was that the timing of both earthquakes had been crucial for decimation of C. vicinus population as they re-suspended sediment with hibernating copepodites. As these became subsequently buried they were deprived of a re-activation signal and exposed prolonged anoxic conditions there. C. quadrangula temporary filled the void left by the copepod, which needed 6 years to regain its dominance.

The physiological responses of two freshwater crustaceans, Asellus aquaticus L. and Gammarus fossarum Koch., following in vitro exposure to two pesticides were measured. Both species responded to short-term exposure with elevated levels of Respiration and/or lower levels of Electron Transport System (ETS) activity. 1 h exposure to concentrations of up to 10 mg L(-1) showed an effect in both test species. Laboratory tests confirmed that G. fossarum is more sensitive to short-term pesticide exposure than A. aquaticus. ETS/R ratio may be used as a quick predictor of effects on organisms exposed to pesticides.

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