Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:
https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/51721
Title: | More functions of torpor and their roles in a changing world |
Contributor(s): | Nowack, Julia (author); Stawski, Clare (author); Geiser, Fritz (author) |
Publication Date: | 2017-07 |
Early Online Version: | 2017-04-21 |
Open Access: | Yes |
DOI: | 10.1007/s00360-017-1100-y |
Handle Link: | https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/51721 |
Abstract: | | Increased winter survival by reducing energy expenditure in adult animals is often viewed as the primary function of torpor. However, torpor has many other functions that ultimately increase the survival of heterothermic mammals and birds. In this review, we summarize new findings revealing that animals use torpor to cope with the conditions during and after natural disasters, including fires, storms, and heat waves. Furthermore, we suggest that torpor, which also prolongs longevity and was likely crucial for survival of mammals during the time of the dinosaur extinctions, will be advantageous in a changing world. Climate change is assumed to lead to an increase in the occurrence and intensity of climatic disasters, such as those listed above and also abnormal floods, droughts, and extreme temperatures. The opportunistic use of torpor, found in many heterothermic species, will likely enhance survival of these challenges, because these species can reduce energy and foraging requirements. However, many strictly seasonal hibernators will likely face the negative consequences of the predicted increase in temperature, such as range contraction. Overall, available data suggest that opportunistic heterotherms with their flexible energy requirements have an adaptive advantage over homeotherms in response to unpredictable conditions.
Publication Type: | Journal Article |
Source of Publication: | Journal of Comparative Physiology B, 187(5-6), p. 889-897 |
Publisher: | Springer |
Place of Publication: | Germany |
ISSN: | 1432-136X 0174-1578 |
Fields of Research (FoR) 2020: | 310912 Comparative physiology 310907 Animal physiological ecology |
Socio-Economic Objective (SEO) 2020: | 180606 Terrestrial biodiversity |
Peer Reviewed: | Yes |
HERDC Category Description: | C1 Refereed Article in a Scholarly Journal |
Appears in Collections: | Journal Article School of Environmental and Rural Science
|
Files in This Item:
1 files
Show full item record
Items in Research UNE are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.