1992 Fiscal Year Final Research Report Summary
Role of termites in ecosystem conversion
| Project/Area Number |
03660174
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| Research Category |
Grant-in-Aid for General Scientific Research (C)
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| Allocation Type | Single-year Grants |
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| Research Field |
林産学
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| Research Institution | KYOTO UNIVERSITY |
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Principal Investigator |
TSUNODA Kunio Kyoto University, Wood Research Institute, Associate Prof., 木質科学研究所・木質材料機能部門, 助教授 (30127104)
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| Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha) |
YOSHIMURA Tsuyoshi Kyoto University, Wood Research Institute, Instructor, 木質科学研究所・木質材料機能部門, 助手 (40230809)
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| Project Period (FY) |
1991 – 1992
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| Keywords | Termite / Methane emission / Symbiotic protozoa in the hindgut / Greenhouse effect / Ecosystem conversion |
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| Research Abstract |
Externally undifferentiated mature larvae (=workers) and soldiers of subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki were collected from a laboratory colony and served for a series of experiments. Objectives of the present research were: (1)establishment of a reliable measurement procedure of methane emission from termites, (2)methane emission measurements using workers and soldiers under controlled conditions, (3)changes in methane emission rates with time, and (4)seasonal changes of symbiotic protozoa fauna in the hindgut in relation to woodattacking ability.
Following results were obtained.
(1)Gas chromatograph proved applicable to the measurement of methane emission by the termite using a Shimadzu GC-15A equipped with a flame ionization detector.
(2)Methane emission rates by a worker ranged 0.7-0.8nmol/hr. Negligible small amount of methane was emitted from soldiers.
(3)During the first 72 hours after starting measurement, methane emission rate remained constant level, and tended to slightly go down.
(4)Localization of the symbiotic protozoa was remarkably observed in the hindgut regardless of seasons. That would suggest the involvement of each protozoa species in the decomposition of woody cellulosic materials.
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