Effect of caloric restriction on survival and reproductive activity in Aeolosoma viride (Annelida Aphanoneura)

The effects of caloric restrictions on survival have been tested on vertebrate and invertebrate models. In schizogenetic clones of Aeolosoma viride caloric restriction was obtained by modulating the time of food availability under standard conditions. Caloric restrictions of 50%, 33% 25% 14%, 7%, 5% and 4% were tested to determine their effects on survival time and reproductive activity. In Aeolosoma viride caloric restriction did not cause positive effects on the survival, which maintained values similar to or slightly lower than controls. The reproductive rate decreased depending on food availability. Results are discussed on the basis of a hypothesised relationship between caloric restriction and feeding strategies. According to this hypothesis, in farmed conditions predators and omnivores would show an increased survival rate and reproductive rate in response to caloric restriction; in contrast, suspensivorous, detritivorous species, such as Aeolosoma viride, and herbivorous species would not react positively to caloric restriction.