Empirical estimation of skin resistance to water loss in amphibians: agar evaluation as a non-resistance model to evaporation

• DOI: 10.1242/jeb.243941
• Publication Date: 2022-07-12T07:45:25Z
• Authors: Luis M. Senzano; Rafael P. Bovo; Denis V. Andrade
• Keywords: Agar gel

ABSTRACT Total resistance (rt) to evaporative water loss (EWL) in amphibians is given by the sum of boundary layer (rb) and skin (rs). Thus, rs can be determined if rb component defined (rs=rt−rb). The use agar models has become standard technique estimate under assumption that surface imposes no barrier evaporation (rs=0). We evaluated this determining EWL rates values from exposed surfaces free water, a physiological solution mimicking osmotic properties generalized amphibian, gels prepared at various concentrations using either or as diluent. Water was affected both presence solutes concentration. Models with 5% concentration provided most practical appropriate proxy for estimation rb.