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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
