9507435 Bradley Small insects have a large surface to volume ratio. Since the loss of body water occurs across the integument, such a ratio leads to severe water loss in insects. A major site of water loss in all animals is the respiratory system. Insects control this loss through the action of valves (spiracles) on their breathing tubes (tracheae). Dr. Bradley will study the action of the spiracles in fruit flies selected for resistance to desiccation. His hypothesis is that the respiratory pattern in these insects will be highly modified to conserve water. This study will be of interest to insect physiologists and ecologists interested in the distribution and survival of insects and in the control of insect pests by disruption of the respiratory and water conservation systems. ***
