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Bioenergetics and food preferences in sympatric southern Chilean rodents

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Summary

Ecological divergences in two congeneric sympatric woodland rodents, Akodon olivaceus brachiotis and Akodon longipilis apta (Family Cricetidae) was demonstrated from determination of energetic bud gets and food preferences. It was found that each species posseses a different bioenergetic strategy. The heavier (A. longipilis) species has a larger daily energetic budget as compared to the lighter one (A. olivaceus). This phenomenon can be partially explained by their differential selection of seeds.

Finally, it is hypothesized that these ecological differences could be important in enabling the coexistence for these species.

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Author notes

  1. Jaime Rau

    Present address: Departamento de Matemáticas y Ciencias Naturales, Universidad de Chile, Sede Osorno, Casilla 933, Osorno, Chile

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Instituto de Ecología y Evolución, Universidad Austral de Chile, Casilla 57-D, Valdivia, Chile

    Jaime Rau & Roberto Murúa

  2. Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Casilla 653, Santiago, Chile

    Mario Rosenmann

Authors
  1. Jaime Rau
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  2. Roberto Murúa
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  3. Mario Rosenmann
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Rau, J., Murúa, R. & Rosenmann, M. Bioenergetics and food preferences in sympatric southern Chilean rodents. Oecologia 50, 205–209 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00348039

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00348039

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