Daily torpor in hamsters (Rodentia,Cricetinae) |
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Authors: | M V Ushakova M V Kropotkina N Yu Feoktistova A V Surov |
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Institution: | 1.Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution,Russian Academy of Sciences,Moscow,Russia |
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Abstract: | Study of ecological adaptations, including torpor, related to survival through the adverse conditions of the autumn-winter
season is important for both the estimation of the body reserves in mammals in general and the search for the ways to increase
the cold-stress resistance in humans. The changes in the body temperature during the period from October to May were studied
in hamsters of six species under the natural photoperiod and temperature conditions. Incidental winter torpor (a drastically
decreased physiological activity) was detected in all species except Cricetulus griseus; in three of them, it had not been observed before. No specific combination of conditions causing torpor was identified.
Apparently, it is determined by individual characteristics of the animal. Torpors were the most frequent in January, at temperatures
from −15 to −5°C; their depth was positively correlated with the ambient temperature. Since torpor is a rare event, it is
assumed to be a stored resource of the body allowing animal to save energy and occurring only in extreme situations. |
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