Desiccation of Rotifers (Macrotrachela Quadricornifera): Survival and Reproduction

Eggs and adults of the bdelloid rotifer Macrotrachela quadricornifera aged 3, 5, 8, and 14 d were dried for 4 d, and 5— and 8—d—old animals for 30 d, to determine ability to recover. The highest percentage recovery was obtained with 8—d rotifers stressed for 4 d., while no animals aged 5 d recovered from 30 d of drying. Age—specific survival and fecundity of animals that recovered from drying generally were similar to controls. Only 5—d—old stressed rotifers had significantly decreased fecundity, while 14—d—old stressed animals had shorter life—spans. Age—specific fecundity and survivorship of stressed were also similar to controls. Age effect ability to recover but not the remaining life of the recovered animals. The life cycle seems to follow a fixed program regardless of the time spent in the anhydrobiotic state.