Abstract
Most studies on torpor in mammals and birds have been conducted in the laboratory. We compared whether patterns of torpor of several mammals and birds differ between the laboratory and field. Our comparison shows that in most species patterns of torpor in the laboratory differ substantially from those in the field. Some species, even if they use torpor extensively in the field, appear most reluctant to enter torpor in captivity. Moreover, torpor in the field is often more frequent, deeper, and longer than in captivity. Our comparison suggests that laboratory studies are likely to underestimate use and depth of torpor in the wild and thus may underestimate its impact on energy expenditure and survival.
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Geiser, F., Holloway, J.C., Körtner, G., Maddocks, T.A., Turbill, C., Brigham, R.M. (2000). Do Patterns of Torpor Differ between Free-ranging and Captive Mammals and Birds?. In: Heldmaier, G., Klingenspor, M. (eds) Life in the Cold. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-04162-8_10
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-04162-8_10
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