Behavioral adaptations to environments

physiological state in which energy expenditure is great reduced by decreasing body temp and rate of metabolism

torpor (aka dormancy)

____ do not regulate body temperature during torpor and cannot awake

ectotherms

____ regulate body temperature during torpor (low levels) and can awake

endotherms

what are the types of torpor

daily, seasonal (hibernation in winter, estivation (summer)

describe daily torpor

saves energy during inactive part of day, only a few hours. found in small mammals and birds (hummingbirds, bats, pocket mice)

why do animals daily torpor

fast use of energy/poor reserves, variable food

describe hibernation

winter torpor, body temp can be reduced to within 1 C, O2 consumption markedly reduced, heart rate reduced, prolonged periods of breathing apnea, body slow than sleep

How many birds hibernate?

only one, common poorwill

which mammals hibernates

carnivores (bears, badgers), rodents, insectivores (moles etc), Bats, smaller marsupials

what induces hibernation

cold weather, lower food supply, increased fat, increased serum magnesium levels, change in respiratory control center sensitivity to CO2

describe estivation

summer torpor, less severe depression of core temperature and metabolic rate, generally in response to drought or extreme heat, some species produce epidermal cocoons or retreat to burrows

What are the cost and benefits of torpor?

benefits: balance energy budget in extreme environmental conditions

costs: animal is helpless, little or no growth, reduced reproductive period