Seasonal variations in metabolism and thermoregulation in the striped hamster (Cricetulus barabensis)

摘要

(1) Metabolic rate (MR), thermal neutral zone (TNZ), body temperature (T-b), and thermal conductance were measured in striped hamsters (Cricetulus barabensis) that were live-trapped in winter and summer.(2) TNZ of winter hamsters was 20.8-30.6 degrees C and that of summer hamsters was 27.5-32.9 C. Mean MR within the TNZ was 3.89 +/- 0.13 ml O-2/g h in winter and 2.58 +/- 0.07 ml O-2/g m in summer. The seasonal effects on T-b, were not significant (P=0.09).(3) The ecological physiology properties for the hamster were higher MR and wider TNZ in winter but a lower MR and narrower TNZ in summer, which were closely related to their living habits, characterized by a cold winter and hot, dry summer.