Metabolism and thermoregulation in root voles (Microtus oeconomus) from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

Authors
Citation
Dh. Wang et Zw. Wang, Metabolism and thermoregulation in root voles (Microtus oeconomus) from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, Z SAUGETIER, 65(1), 2000, pp. 15-20
Citations number
20
Language
INGLESE
art.tipo
Article
Categorie Soggetti
Animal Sciences
Journal title
ZEITSCHRIFT FUR SAUGETIERKUNDE-INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MAMMALIAN BIOLOGY
ISSN journal
0044-3468 → ACNP
Volume
65
Issue
1
Year of publication
2000
Pages
15 - 20
Database
ISI
SICI code
0044-3468(200002)65:1<15:MATIRV>2.0.ZU;2-3
Abstract
Metabolic rate and the role of evaporative water loss in thermoregulation w ere studied in root voles (Microtus oeconomus) from the Qinghai-Tibet Plate au. The thermoneutral zone is 28-32.5 degrees C. Mean basal metabolic rate is 3.29 mi O-2 g(-1) h(-1) higher than predicted values based on body mass. Total thermal conductance is 0.279 mi O-2 g(-1) h(-1) degrees C-1, slightl y higher than predicted values based on body mass. Evaporative water loss p lays an important role in temperature regulation. All these characteristics have important adaptive significance for root voles to cope with their ext reme environments. Cold and high altitude are the important factors to affe ct both metabolism and insulation. From an evolutionary point of view, long -time cold is perhaps the main selective force faced by root voles in their environment of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.