Model
Digital Document
Publisher
Florida Atlantic University
Description
Crude oil causes both lethal and sublethal effects on marine organisms, but the
impact upon sensory function remains unexplored. Elasmobranchs rely upon the effective
functioning of their sensory systems for use in feeding, mating, and predator avoidance.
The objective of this study was to test the effect of crude oil upon the olfactory and
electroreceptive sensitivity of the Atlantic stingray, Dasyatis sabina. The magnitudes of
the electro-olfactogram (EOG) responses were significantly depressed by 26% (Glutamic
Acid) to 157% (Cysteine) for all amino acids when stingrays were exposed to crude oil.
The shapes of the EOG responses when exposed to oil were also significantly different,
exhibiting a more protracted response compared to un-exposed stingrays. Oil exposed
stingrays exhibited a significant decrease in orientation distance to prey-simulating
electric fields. This study is the first to quantify the effects of crude oil on olfactory and
electrosensory sensitivity of marine predators.
impact upon sensory function remains unexplored. Elasmobranchs rely upon the effective
functioning of their sensory systems for use in feeding, mating, and predator avoidance.
The objective of this study was to test the effect of crude oil upon the olfactory and
electroreceptive sensitivity of the Atlantic stingray, Dasyatis sabina. The magnitudes of
the electro-olfactogram (EOG) responses were significantly depressed by 26% (Glutamic
Acid) to 157% (Cysteine) for all amino acids when stingrays were exposed to crude oil.
The shapes of the EOG responses when exposed to oil were also significantly different,
exhibiting a more protracted response compared to un-exposed stingrays. Oil exposed
stingrays exhibited a significant decrease in orientation distance to prey-simulating
electric fields. This study is the first to quantify the effects of crude oil on olfactory and
electrosensory sensitivity of marine predators.
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